Heather May Philodendron

Heather May Philodendron (Philodendron 'Heather May') is an evergreen tropical foliage plant about 1m tall and 60 to 90cm wide, with long, sword-shaped, deep green leaves that weep gracefully outward. Older leaves can pick up a slight wiggle along the edge, a little like a smoothed-out Xanadu. It is a quick, leafy plant for shady borders and indoor pots.

Why you'll love it

• A graceful, weeping shape. Long, pointed leaves arch outward in a fountain, so the plant looks soft rather than stiff.
• Deep green all year. Evergreen foliage gives constant colour in shade, where few plants thrive.
• Fast and leafy. It is a quick grower that builds lush greenery without much help.
• Edges with character. The slight wiggle on older leaves adds interest without changing the clean, narrow outline.
• Indoors or in a shady border. It works as an indoor plant and in the shade of a tropical garden.

Where it works best

Shady tropical borders. Plant 80cm apart in full shade, where the fountain of leaves fills the space beneath trees and along a shaded wall.

Indoor pots. The 200mm and 300mm pots give instant impact in a bright, sheltered room, and the weeping leaves soften hard corners.

Warm gardens and protected cooler spots. It suits warm climates, and well lit, protected spots in cooler ones, provided there is no frost.

Growing Heather May Philodendron in Australia

Position and climate. Plant it indoors or in a full shade position. It suits warm climates and well lit, protected areas in cooler ones, but it needs protection from frost.

Soil. Free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. In pots, a potting mix rich in peat moss or humus is ideal.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks while it establishes. Fertilise once a year with a slow release fertiliser to keep the growth lush.

Pruning. No regular pruning is needed. Remove old or damaged leaves at the base, and wear gloves, because like all philodendrons it can irritate skin.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Heather May Philodendron as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10, in 200mm pots in packs of 6 and in 300mm pots sold singly. The 140mm, 200mm and 300mm pots arrive with progressively more leaf and give a faster display, while the tube is the economical starter. Plant out or pot on soon after it arrives and keep it moist while it settles.

Tubes are grown for us and are not always available. When the tube is sold out, press the notify button on this page and it emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the philodendron range
• Philodendron care guide
• Growing Philodendron Xanadu in Australia
• More plants for full shade

Common questions

Is it safe for pets?

No. Like all philodendrons, it is toxic if chewed and the sap can irritate skin. Keep it away from pets and small children.

How fast does it grow?

It is a quick grower in warm conditions, given regular water for the first 12 weeks and a yearly feed. The growth shows as a fuller fountain of leaves.

Can I grow it in a cooler climate?

Yes, indoors or in a well lit, protected spot that never sees frost. It prefers warm climates, and it needs shelter from cold.