P. melanochrysum is quite different from the majority of philodendrons in that the leaves have a dark, almost velvety appearance instead of the more usual glossy green.
They are also smaller than those, and can be guaranteed to attract attention in almost any grouping of plants, however exotic the others may be. A moist support and warm conditions is again advised as this species is inclined to he a little temperamental if conditions are not to its liking.
P. Scandens has a quality which the most successful of pop stars Could well envy, for it has been in the top twenty house plants for more years than most of us in the business care to remember. The common name of sweetheart plant probably helps; the name is derived from the heart-like shape of the green leaf. It is also one of the easiest of plants to care for indoors, another obvious reason for its popularity.
All may be grown from seed sown early in the year in a mixture of peat and sand; a high minimum temperature of not less than 24 Celsius should be maintained. They require good light, compost that is never too wend potting on into J.I.P.3 ` compost when the:Pots are well filled with roots. Wet and cold winter conditions can be particularly harmful.
P. wendlandii is one of my favourites, and the shuttlecock formation of the leaves is quite different to that of any of the other philodendrons mentioned here. Leaves are compactly arranged and radiate in stiff, upright fashion from the centre of the plant in.,inuch the same way as those of the bird’Lneefern (Asplenium nidus).
New plants may be raised from seed sown in good heat in March, or by means of cuttings which root very easily at almost any time of the year if reasonable heat is available, somewhere in the order of 21C. (70F.).
