Philodendron Pastazanum × Plowmanii
Philodendron pastazanum × Philodendron plowmanii

A cross between two of the most celebrated large-leaved terrestrial creepers in the collector world. P. pastazanum contributes its broad, deeply glossy, heart-shaped leaves with strongly impressed venation; P. plowmanii brings ruffled, undulating wavy margins, colorful petioles with reddish tinting, and occasional silvery mottling. The hybrid combines plowmanii's rippled, textural character with pastazanum's gloss and scale into broad, substantial leaves with rippled margins and deep vein impressions. Both parents are terrestrial creepers, making this a wide-spreading ground-level plant. Individual expression varies between offspring.

• Light: Bright indirect light brings out the fullest gloss and most dramatic vein definition; insufficient light reduces leaf size. Avoid direct sun.

• Soil: Chunky, well-draining aroid mix of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir in a wide, shallow container; the rhizome should sit at or just above the soil surface.

• Temperature/Humidity: Warm temperatures between 65-85°F; humidity of 60-80% supports the cleanest, largest leaf development.

• Watering: Allow the top 1-2" of medium to dry between waterings; both parents are sensitive to overwatering and root rot. Never waterlog.

• Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during active growth; supplement with calcium and magnesium for best leaf quality. Reduce in winter.