Philodendron ‘Xanadu Gold’

Philodendron 'Xanadu Gold' (Thaumatophyllum xanadu 'Gold') is the golden leaved form of the familiar xanadu, building a low self shaping mound about 1m tall and 1.5m wide. The deeply lobed leaves open bright chartreuse and settle to a warm yellow green that lifts a shaded bed in a way plain foliage cannot. Most nurseries, ours included, still list it under its older name, philodendron.

Why you'll love it

• Colour without flowers. The blooms are insignificant, so the foliage carries the display every month of the year.
• It shapes itself. A neat spreading dome, 1m tall and 1.5m across, that never needs pruning to look tidy.
• Happy in shade and heat. It holds colour in part shade and shrugs off humid summers that flatten other feature plants.
• Indoors or out. The same plant works as a floor pot in a bright room or as a mass planting under trees.

Where it works best

Mass planting and borders. Plant 1m apart for a lush continuous mass planting. At that spacing the leaves knit within two seasons and weeds stop getting light.

Feature planting and pots. A single plant in a wide pot, 500mm or more, makes a strong low feature beside a pool, a step or an entry.

Indoors. In a bright room it stays smaller, closer to 70cm, and the gold colouring holds well under good natural light.

Growing Philodendron 'Xanadu Gold' in Australia

Position and climate. Part shade is ideal. Gentle morning sun deepens the gold, while hot afternoon sun scorches the leaves and bleaches them. It is frost tender, so it belongs in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. In cool temperate and Mediterranean areas grow it in a pot indoors or under a covered patio.

Soil. Rich and free draining, with compost worked through the bed. It wants moisture but not waterlogging, so raise the bed on heavy clay.

Water and feed. Keep it moist through the first summer, then water deeply once a week in warm weather. A controlled release fertiliser in early spring and again in midsummer keeps the new leaves large and well coloured.

Grooming. No pruning is needed. Cut old or damaged leaves off at the base with secateurs, and clear leaf litter from the crown so it does not stay damp.

What to expect when it arrives

This one is grown in six sizes: tube stock, 140mm and 180mm and 200mm packs, 250mm packs of three, and single 300mm pots. Tubes and 140mm plants arrive with three or four small leaves and take two seasons to look like the photo, which is the honest trade for the price on a large bed. The 250mm and 300mm plants already have the lobed adult leaves. Sizes commonly run on backorder, so check the selector for current lead times.

Leaves can bruise or bend in transit, and the odd damaged one is normal rather than a fault. Trim those off at the base and the plant will push new growth within four to six weeks in warm weather. 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

• A guide to exotic foliage plants indoors
• Browse the tropical garden range
• The standard green xanadu
• More plants suited to mass planting

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

One metre apart, centre to centre. Each plant spreads to about 1.5m, so that spacing gives a continuous cover without the crowns pushing into each other.

Does it climb like other philodendrons?

No. This is a self heading type that mounds outward from a central crown rather than sending out climbing stems, so it needs no stake or frame.

Is it safe around pets?

No. Like all aroids it is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, causing mouth irritation and drooling. Choose another plant if you have a pet that grazes foliage.