Philodendron patriciae

🌿 Philodendron patriciae is a climbing aroid from the Araceae family, native to the rainforests of Colombia where it scales tree trunks in humid, dappled light. This species has gained attention among collectors for its elongated, deeply textured leaves that develop prominent ribbing as they mature. While not as common as other philodendrons in general retail, it's becoming more accessible through specialty growers. Care sits at an intermediate level—manageable for someone with a bit of houseplant experience, but it does appreciate higher humidity and consistent moisture. Fun fact: the species was named after Patricia Ortiz de Mantilla, a Colombian botanist who contributed significantly to tropical plant research.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This philodendron is a climbing species that naturally grows upward using aerial roots to attach to support structures. The leaves are long and lance-shaped, often reaching 30 to 50 centimetres in length when grown indoors with proper support. Leaf colour ranges from deep emerald green to slightly darker tones depending on light exposure. The texture is leathery with a pronounced quilted or rippled surface that becomes more dramatic as the plant matures and receives adequate support.
FLOWER DETAILS
Like most philodendrons grown indoors, Philodendron patriciae rarely flowers in home environments. In its natural habitat, it produces a spathe and spadix typical of aroids—creamy white to pale green in colour with minimal fragrance. The blooms aren't particularly showy and are overshadowed by the foliage. Indoor flowering is uncommon, but providing bright indirect light, high humidity, and allowing the plant to climb a tall moss pole may occasionally encourage blooming after several years of maturity. Most growers focus on foliage rather than flowers.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily. Avoid direct sun which scorches leaves. Tolerates medium light but growth slows.
💧 Water: Keep soil lightly moist spring through autumn. Water when top 3 to 5 centimetres dry out. Reduce frequency in winter. Bottom watering or thorough top watering both work well.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 60 to 80 percent humidity. Tolerates average home levels around 40 to 50 percent but leaf edges may brown. Misting helps, though a humidifier is better.
🪴 Soil: Chunky, well-draining mix. Combine potting soil, orchid bark, perlite, and a bit of peat or coco coir. Aeration is critical.
🏺 Potting: Use a pot with drainage holes, terracotta or plastic both fine. Size up every 1 to 2 years when roots fill the pot. Provide a moss pole or trellis for climbing.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate to fast with support. Expect 2 to 4 new leaves every few months in growing season. Can reach 1 to 1.5 metres indoors over a year. Mature size varies with support height.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly spring through summer with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce to every 6 to 8 weeks in autumn and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Toxic to cats and dogs. Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause mouth irritation, drooling, and digestive upset if ingested.
WHERE TO PUT IT
Philodendron patriciae thrives in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices where it can climb a support near a bright window with filtered light. It works well in spaces with higher ambient humidity like bathrooms with windows, though most living areas are fine with occasional misting. Avoid placing it in low-light corners, near heating vents, or in direct sun—these conditions stress the plant and lead to poor leaf development. Keep it away from curious pets due to toxicity.