Philodendron Celebration
Philodendron rubrijuvenile × Philodendron pastazanum

A hybrid that brings together two very different terrestrial-to-scrambling Ecuadorian philodendrons and produces something neither parent alone would suggest — variegated foliage. Philodendron rubrijuvenile ('El Choco Red'), the velvety-leaved Chocó endemic with its characteristic deep crimson emergent coloration and dark, suede-surfaced mature leaves, crosses with P. pastazanum, the broad-leaved, deeply glossy, large-format terrestrial creeper from the Pastaza region, to produce broadly heart-shaped leaves with a bright, festive variegation of yellow, cream, and light green splashed and streaked across a deep green ground — a coloration that earned the cross its celebratory name. The influence of both parents is visible in the leaf size and form, which is generous and broadly cordate with good structural presence, while the variegation is the defining character that makes this hybrid so visually striking. New growth carries the most vivid variegation expression, and the color quality is directly tied to light levels — the brighter and more consistent the indirect light, the more vivid and clearly defined the yellow and cream sectors remain. As a seedling-variable hybrid, individual plants show differences in variegation intensity and pattern.

Both parents have a terrestrial to scrambling rather than a strictly upright climbing habit, and the Celebration reflects this — best suited to a wide pot with room to spread, though a moss pole can encourage it to climb and will increase leaf size over time. Bright indirect light is essential for the richest variegation expression and the most vivid yellow and cream sectors; insufficient light causes new growth to emerge with reduced variegation and more uniform green. Allow the top 1-2" of medium to dry between waterings in a chunky, well-draining aroid mix of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir. Humidity of 60-80% supports the cleanest leaf emergence and healthiest growth. Maintain warm temperatures between 65-80°F. Toxic to humans and pets if ingested.