Philodendron 'Burle Marx'

This plant has been growing well in my yard for over 20 years. First acquired it from home depot as a potted plant because of its unusua...Read Morel long heart-shaped shield like leaves. Broke the clump up from the pot and planted in a semi-shaded berm along the property line. Discovered right away that is virtually foolproof to propagate. Also a rapid grower when planted in the ground. The few original plants quickly formed lush clumps a few feet across and around 2ft tall. The clumps eventually grew together into a stunning ground cover on the berm over 20ft long by about 6ft wide. Numerous starts around the yard have also thrived in smaller beds. As the original planting gradually spread beyond the shaded parts of the berm it became clear that full sun exposure did not have a negative effect - leaves are a deeper green in the shade but only slightly lighter in the sun, with a vague yellowish hue.

In a few spots at the bases of trees, it has climbed a few to several feet up the trunks, but with nowhere near the overpowering vigor that other philodendrons have. Interestingly, the leaf size remains the same when it climbs, as it has in the ground, unlike most other philodendrons that show dramatic increases in leaf size the higher they climb.

This has become a popular plant in my neighborhood after giving starts to many neighbors that had admired the berm planting. This plant is ridiculously easy to propagate: just cut a 6 to 12 inch piece and stick it in the ground and water every few days at first. The stems grow a lot of aerial roots every inch or so, when made into cuttings these roots plunge right into the soil and you’ll have an established plant within 3 months. This method works best in shaded spots. If you intend to eventually plant in the sun, it’s better to start the cuttings in pots first, then plant out in the permanent spot after roots are well established.

I have just planted this plant in a container in South Florida where you will often see it in containers. It does not like direct sun or ...Read Moreany wind. Put into an area that is somewhat protected.