With its deeply lobed, dramatic green leaves and dense, bushy growth habit, the Xanadu Philodendron is a staple in tropical interior design. Unlike its sprawling, vining cousins (like the Heartleaf Philodendron or Monstera), the Xanadu is an upright, clumping plant that forms a stunning dome of foliage, making it the perfect floor plant for a bright living room or office.
A Fascinating Botanical Secret: Did you know that the Xanadu is technically no longer a Philodendron? In 2018, botanists analyzed its DNA and reclassified it into an entirely different genus, officially renaming it Thaumatophyllum xanadu. However, the houseplant community still affectionately calls it the Xanadu Philodendron. Regardless of its name, this elegant, long-lived tropical plant is incredibly easy to care for if you follow a few basic rules.
Like all plants in the Araceae family, the Xanadu Philodendron contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. If chewed or ingested, these crystals cause severe burning in the mouth, excessive drooling, and vomiting. This plant is highly toxic to cats and dogs. Please place it in a location where curious pets cannot reach it.
Xanadu Philodendron Care Guide
1. Light Requirements
The Xanadu favors slightly more light than a standard vining philodendron to maintain its dense, compact growth habit. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. If you place it in a dark corner, the stems will stretch out (become “leggy”) as the plant desperately reaches for light. However, avoid placing it in harsh, direct midday sun, which will scorch the foliage and turn the leaves a pale, yellowish-green.
2. Watering Strategy
The number one mistake houseplant owners make is overwatering. Allow the top half of the soil to dry out completely before watering again. When it is time to irrigate, water thoroughly until the excess moisture drains out of the bottom holes of the pot. Never let the plant sit in a saucer of standing water, as this quickly leads to root rot and yellowing leaves.
3. Soil Selection
Because it is prone to root rot if kept too wet, the Xanadu requires an airy, well-draining potting mix. Do not use standard, heavy garden dirt. A premium “aroid mix” consisting of indoor potting soil blended with generous handfuls of perlite and coarse orchid bark provides the perfect environment for its thick roots.
4. Temperature and Humidity
Native to tropical climates, this evergreen prefers temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Keep it away from drafty windows and AC vents. While it appreciates higher humidity, it is remarkably tolerant of average indoor household humidity. If the edges of the leaves start to turn brown and crispy during the winter, consider placing a small humidifier nearby.
5. Fertilizing for Maximum Growth
During the active growing seasons (spring and summer), feed your Xanadu once a month with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer. If the plant is receiving adequate light but pushing out very small or slow growth, it likely needs a nutrient boost. Stop fertilizing entirely during the fall and winter when the plant goes dormant.
Because the Xanadu has such wide, sprawling leaves, it tends to collect household dust very quickly. A layer of dust blocks the sunlight and hinders the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. Once a month, gently wipe the leaves down with a damp microfiber cloth. This keeps the foliage looking glossy and keeps pests like spider mites away!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Xanadu a climbing Philodendron?
No, it is not. Unlike the Heartleaf Philodendron, which requires a moss pole or trellis to climb, the Xanadu is an upright, clumping plant that grows in a wide, bushy dome shape. It does not require any physical support.
Why are the leaves on my Xanadu turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves are the most common sign of overwatering. Ensure you are letting the top half of the soil dry out before giving it more water. If the soil is dry and the leaves are still turning pale yellow, the plant may be receiving too much direct, harsh sunlight.
How big does a Xanadu Philodendron get indoors?
While they can grow quite massive in the wild, when grown indoors in containers, the Xanadu typically maxes out at about 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. It is a slow to moderate grower.
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