Plants

Philodendron hastatum

Philodendron hastatum silver sword

  • Aka: silver sword, silvery blue
  • Origin: Central America, Caribbean - toxic
  • Family: Araceae
  • Temperature: 18 - 25°C, Hardiness: 9-11 Humidity 50-80%

The silver sword or silver queen is the second-largest genus of its family. It has beautiful shiny silver-blue leaves that are shaped like a spearhead on thick stems. As the plant matures, the leaves become triangular in shape and grow up to one meter in length. Naturally this plant climbs trees and hangs over rocks so is happy to do the same in pots. Flowers are spathe in shape

The soil should be a light mix of organic soil and perlite and always remain consistently moist. Too much water and the leaves turn yellow, too little the leaves turn brown. Bright to medium filtered light with high humidity will ensure large silver leaves. Feed once 2-3 weeks with liquid fertilizer. Propagate by stem or head cutting including nodes and place in water to root. Keep out of cold draughts.

Prone to spider mite, mealybug and thrips.

Other plants

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”
Audrey Hepburn