Philodendron pastazanum

The Philodendron pastazanum is a stunning creeping species from the Araceae family, native to the rainforests of Ecuador and Peru. 🌿 This terrestrial beauty grows naturally along the forest floor, developing a distinctive horizontal growth habit that makes it stand out from typical climbing philodendrons. With moderate care requirements, it suits intermediate plant parents who want something a bit different from the usual houseplant lineup. Here's a fun fact: in its natural habitat, this plant can spread several feet across the ground, creating lush green carpets beneath the rainforest canopy.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This philodendron has a creeping, horizontal growth pattern that spreads outward rather than climbing upward. The leaves are elongated and heart-shaped with a slightly ruffled texture along the edges, creating visual interest. They emerge in a rich, deep green colour with prominent veining that adds dimension. The foliage has a leathery, semi-glossy finish that catches light beautifully.
FLOWER DETAILS
Like most philodendrons grown indoors, the pastazanum rarely flowers in home environments. When it does bloom in cultivation, it produces the typical aroid spathe and spadix structure in creamy white to pale green tones. The flowers lack significant fragrance and aren't particularly showy compared to the plant's impressive foliage. In its natural habitat, flowering occurs more regularly during warm, humid periods. To encourage any chance of blooming indoors, maintain consistently high humidity, warm temperatures, and provide bright indirect light year-round. Most growers appreciate this plant primarily for its exceptional leaf display rather than flowers.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light for 6-8 hours daily. Tolerates medium light but grows slower. Avoid direct sun which scorches leaves.
💧 Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during spring and summer. Reduce watering in fall and winter, allowing top 2-3 cm to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly at soil level, avoiding leaves.
🌡️ Humidity: Thrives in 60-80% humidity. Tolerates average home humidity (40-50%) but grows best with supplemental humidity from humidifiers or pebble trays.
🪴 Soil: Well-draining, chunky aroid mix with orchid bark, perlite, and peat or coco coir. Good aeration is essential.
🏺 Potting: Shallow, wide pots work best for its spreading habit. Terracotta or plastic both suitable. Repot every 2-3 years in spring when roots fill container.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate grower. Expect 3-5 new leaves in 6 months under good conditions. Over a year, can spread 30-45 cm. Mature plants can reach 60-90 cm wide with proper care.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Skip fertilizing in fall and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Toxic to cats and dogs. Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.
WHERE TO PUT IT
This plant looks fantastic displayed on low shelves, plant stands, or wide tables where its spreading habit can be appreciated. It works beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices with good natural light. The bathroom is ideal if you have a window, as the humidity benefits growth. Avoid placing it in dark corners, drafty areas near exterior doors, or on narrow shelves where leaves can't spread naturally. Keep away from heating vents and air conditioners that create dry air.