Japanese name: フィロデンドロン ザナドゥ Scientific name:Philodendron xanadu
[Overview]
An evergreen perennial about 1.5 m tall and 2 m across.
The stem retains scars where leaves have fallen, and sometimes produces aerial roots.
The leaves are densely alternate at the stem tips, about 30 cm long and 20 cm wide, deeply pinnately cut, and glossy green.
They have long petioles.
A cream-colored spadix enclosed in a dark red spathe is produced.
The fruit is a berry.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings.
It is safest to keep it at 10°C or higher over winter.
It dislikes strong direct sunlight, so it is best placed in bright partial shade from spring to autumn, and in a sunny spot indoors in winter.
It prefers well-drained soil.
From spring to autumn, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; in winter, keep it on the dry side.
It is also good to mist the leaves with a sprayer.
Apply liquid fertilizer once a week from spring to autumn.
Pests and diseases include soft rot, spider mites and scale insects.
