Philodendron is often confused with a monster. Its care is quite simple, which is why the philodendron is one of the most frequently chosen houseplants. Is the philodendron poisonous? Find out what the varieties of philodendron are and check its price.

Philodendron( Philodendron Schott ) is a genus of plants from the picture family ( Araceae ). It occurs naturally in the tropical forests of Central and South America. It includes over 700 species. Philodendrons in Poland are most often grown as potted plants.

Contents:

  1. Philodendron - what does it look like?
  2. Philodendron - species and varieties
  3. Philodendron - care
  4. Philodendron - is it poisonous?
  5. Philodendron - price

Philodendron - what does it look like?

A characteristic feature of philodendrons are large, green leaves. The leaf petioles can be of various sizes. They are 0.5 to 140 cm long and 0.1 to 22 cm in diameter (depending on the species).

Many species and varieties of philodendrons reach enormous sizes.

The appearance of the leaf blades is also dependent on the species. They can be, among others lanceolate, ovoid, equilibrium, elliptical, heart-shaped, javelin-shaped, sagittate, violin-shaped, up to three- to five-leaf, fan-fingered etc.

They are 5 to 165 cm long and 1 to 107 cm wide. They can be matte, glossy and even velvety.

Philodendrons can also produce flowers. They are quite unusual - the inflorescence is shaped like a cob. However, philodendrons bloom very rarely at home.

Philodendron - species and varieties

There are nearly 700 varieties of philodendrons in the world. The most popular are:

  • climbing philodendron
  • feathered philodendron
  • reddening philodendron - 'Pink princess'
  • elegant philodendron
  • jagged philodendron
  • dark golden philodendron
  • two-winged philodendron
  • philodendron 'Xanadu'
  • and many more

Some species of philodendrons are confusingly similar to plants of the monstera species.

Philodendron - care

Philodendrons are not difficult to grow and care for. They tolerate living conditions very well.

You shouldhowever, remember that philodendrons do not like direct sunlight. Therefore, they should not be kept on window sills or in places of strong sunlight. They grow best in partial shade, at a temperature of 18-22 degrees Celsius.

Philodendrons need peat soil or normalized soil with a pH of 5-6.5. They should be watered in moderate amounts, a little more sparingly in the summer.

The reproduction of philodendrons is not difficult. It is enough to root the cut shoots (or layering) in water. After the roots have grown, they should be planted in the ground.

Worth knowing

The most common disease of philodendrons is anthracnose, which manifests itself as spots on the leaves. These plants are also exposed to pests such as spider mites, aphids, scales, or hops.

Philodendron - is it poisonous?

Philodendrons contain 0.7% calcium oxalate. They also have 5-alkylresorcinol and 5-alkenylresorcinol which is highly allergenic. May cause dermatosis in case of prolonged contact with a person.

Philodendrons produce mucosa irritants, so they should be kept away from animals and children.

Human consumption of the plant causes:

  • mouth burning
  • severe pain and swelling of the mucous membranes
  • drooling
  • vomiting
  • stomach pains
  • diarrhea

If you experience any of the above symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

Philodendrons are also deadly to animals, especially cats.

Ingestion causes irritation of the mucous membranes and even kidney dysfunction. In case of poisoning, the animal should be taken to the vet as soon as possible.

Worth knowing

Philodendrons purify the air and remove harmful chemicals from it.

Philodendron - price

Philodendrons can be purchased both in stationary gardening stores and online stores.

The prices of philodendrons depend primarily on their species and size of the plant.

Small philodendrons cost in the range of several dozen zlotys, while large specimens reach up to several hundred zlotys.

Read also:

  • Poisonous houseplants
  • Croton spotted - cute poisoner
  • Dieffenbachia: a poisoner from Brazil
  • Narcissi: all poisonous
  • Tulips: edible petals, stems and leaves, poisonous
  • Monstera: as beautiful as she is dangerous
  • Dracaena: dangerous to children, toxic to animals
  • Spurgeons: poisonous beauties
  • StarBethlehem, or beautiful spurge
  • Peaceflower: decorative but poisonous
  • Passiflora - exotic passion flower
  • Common ivy (hedera helix) - poisonous, although healing
  • Cyclamen: poisonous beauty
  • Anthurium: challenging and dangerous
  • Kliwia - rich in poisonous alkaloids
  • Hoja full of toxic juice
  • Ficus - poisonous ficus
  • Amaryllis: poisonous belladonna
  • Common oleander - is oleander poisonous?
About the authorWeronika RumińskaA graduate of Polish philology with an editorial and publishing specialization at the University of Warsaw. She developed her interests related to the editor's work already during her master's studies, actively cooperating with Poradnikzdrowie.pl on the editorial path and social media. Privately, a lover of good crime fiction and horse riding.

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