Philodendron 'Jose Buono'

🌿 The Philodendron 'Jose Buono' is a climbing aroid from the family Araceae, native to the tropical rainforests of South America where it grows as an epiphyte on trees. This hybrid cultivar is known for its dramatically variegated foliage that develops more striking patterns as the plant matures. It's considered an intermediate-level plant, requiring some attention to humidity and support structures but rewarding growers with steady, impressive growth. Here's something interesting: the variegation on each leaf is completely unique, meaning no two leaves will ever look exactly the same, making every plant a one-of-a-kind living artwork.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This philodendron has a climbing growth habit and will reach for vertical support when provided with a moss pole or trellis. The leaves are large and elongated with a slightly wavy edge, growing up to 30 centimetres in length on mature plants. The colouration is what makes this plant stand out: creamy white to pale yellow variegation splashes across deep green leaves in irregular patches and streaks. The texture is smooth with a slightly glossy finish that catches light beautifully, and new leaves emerge with a peachy-pink blush before hardening off to their mature colours.
FLOWER DETAILS
Like most philodendrons grown indoors, the Jose Buono rarely flowers in home conditions, and when it does, the blooms are not particularly showy. If flowering occurs, it produces a spadix and spathe structure typical of aroids, with a creamy white to pale green spathe surrounding a cream-coloured spadix. The flowers have no notable fragrance and are not the main attraction of this plant. The aesthetic appeal lies entirely in the foliage rather than any floral display. Flowering is more common in mature plants grown in greenhouse conditions with high humidity and consistent warmth. To encourage healthy foliage growth instead, focus energy on providing proper light, humidity, and climbing support rather than trying to induce flowering.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily. Direct sun will scorch the variegated portions, while too little light reduces variegation and slows growth.
💧 Water: Water thoroughly when the top 3 to 5 centimetres of soil feel dry. In spring and summer, this might be once a week; in fall and winter, every 10 to 14 days. Bottom watering or slow top watering works well to ensure even moisture without waterlogging.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 60 to 80 percent humidity. Lower levels are tolerated but may cause brown leaf edges and slower growth.
🪴 Soil: A chunky, well-draining mix with bark, perlite, and peat or coco coir. Good aeration is critical to prevent root rot.
🏺 Potting: Use a pot with drainage holes, sized just slightly larger than the root ball. Terracotta or plastic both work. Repot every 18 to 24 months or when roots start circling the pot.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate to fast in ideal conditions. Expect 3 to 5 new leaves over six months, and up to 10 to 15 leaves in a year. Mature height can reach 1.5 to 2 metres indoors with support.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed every 3 to 4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce to once every 6 to 8 weeks in fall and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs due to calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.
WHERE TO PUT IT
The Jose Buono thrives in living rooms, home offices, or bedrooms where it can receive plenty of indirect light near an east or west-facing window. It looks stunning climbing a moss pole in a corner or as a centrepiece on a plant shelf where its variegation can be admired. Bathrooms with windows can work well if humidity is naturally higher. Avoid placing it in low-light hallways, basements, or directly in south-facing windows where harsh afternoon sun can burn the leaves. Keep it away from cold drafts, heating vents, and air conditioners, as sudden temperature swings stress the plant and damage the foliage.
RARITY ASSESSMENT
sought-after