Little Phil™ Philodendron

Little Phil Philodendron (Philodendron hybrid 'PHIL01') is a compact clumping philodendron for shade, indoors or out. It grows to about 35cm high and 35cm wide, a fraction of the size of the Xanadu it resembles, with glossy green leaves that stay short and neat even in low light. Ozbreed bred it for shaded landscapes, green walls and desks, and it is one of the few philodendrons that looks as good in a mass planting as it does on a window sill.

Why you'll love it

• Far more compact than Xanadu. It holds a tight 35cm clump, so it fits a narrow shaded bed, a pot or a vertical garden pocket where Xanadu would sprawl.
• Better in low light. Its leaves elongate less than other philodendrons, so it stays dense in the darkest corner of a room or on the south side of a house.
• Spreads without climbing. It clumps and fills outwards, and it does not appear to throw the aerial shoots that make some philodendrons untidy.
• Drought and cold tolerant. Once established it copes with dry spells and cool nights, though it is still a philodendron and wants shelter from heavy frost.

Where it works best

Shaded garden beds and mass planting. Plant 40cm apart in offset rows, three to nine plants per square metre, under trees, beside a shaded wall or along the south side of the house. The clumps meet within two warm seasons.

Borders. A single row at 25cm to 50cm spacing, two to four plants per metre, gives a low glossy edge to a shaded path.

Green walls. Its compact, non elongating habit makes it a natural vertical garden plant for shaded walls.

Indoors and on the patio. On a table, bench top, window sill or office desk it stays small and tidy, and it is the right size for a patio pot in colder regions.

Growing Little Phil Philodendron in Australia

Position and climate. Light shade to moderately heavy shade. It can survive full sun but, like all philodendrons, prefers some shelter from the full Australian sun. Ozbreed recommends it outdoors in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. In the colder parts of the country grow it as an indoor or patio plant, or in a well sheltered garden.

Soil. Reasonably drained soil with some organic matter. In a pot use a quality potting mix and a container with drainage holes.

Water and feed. Water as required for the first 8 to 13 weeks until established, then let the top of the soil dry between waterings. A slow release fertiliser in spring is optional.

Pruning. Remove older leaves as they yellow. That is all it needs.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Little Phil Philodendron in 100mm pots in packs of 10 and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. The 100mm plants are the economical choice for a mass planting or a green wall and grow away fast in warm weather; the 140mm plants are ready for a pot or a desk straight away. Plants travel upright and push new leaves within weeks in spring, summer and autumn.

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

• Our philodendron care guide
• Browse the full philodendron range
• See every Ozbreed plant we stock
• More indoor plants

Common questions

Is it safe around pets and children?

No. Like every philodendron, the sap irritates the mouth and throat if a leaf is chewed, so keep it out of reach of cats, dogs and small children.

How does it compare with Xanadu?

It is the same style of plant at a fraction of the size, about 35cm each way instead of a metre or more, and it keeps its shape in lower light. Choose Xanadu to fill a big bed and Little Phil for everything smaller.

Will it survive frost?

It is cold tolerant but not frost proof. In frosty districts grow it under a verandah, on a sheltered patio or indoors.