Philodendron Facts
Philodendron Facts
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| Interesting Philodendron Facts: |
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| All philodendrons can be divided in three basic groups: epiphytes (plants that grow on the other plant, without producing harmful effects on the "host"), hemiepiphytes (plants that live part of their life as epiphytes) and terrestrial plants (plants that grow from the ground). |
| Some types of philodendron start their life on the soil. They slowly grow toward the highest part of the canopy (toward the sun which is essential for the photosynthesis and further growth and development). Other types of philodendron, start their life high in the canopy (when birds or mammals eliminate undigested seed on the branch, high above the ground). These philodendrons first develop leaves and then start producing roots which grow toward the ground. |
| Philodendron can survive fall to the ground. Unlike many other plants, it will form root and start climbing toward the light (canopy) once again. |
| Philodendron produces two types of roots: aerial roots (used for attaching to the host plants and collecting of the water from the air) and subterranean roots (designed for accumulation of nutrients from the soil). Air roots are short and they hang free in the air. Subterranean roots can reach 60 feet in length. |
| Leaves of philodendron are usually very large (3 to 6 feet in length). They can be oval, roundish, heart-shaped, spade-like, triangular or deeply lobed, depending on the species and age. Most species produce green, purple or reddish colored leaves. |
| Philodendron produces one or more large inflorescence made of leafy spathe and rod-shaped spadix that consists of individual male and female flowers. Spathe can be white, green or red colored. |
| Flowers of philodendron emit pheromones which attract male beetles of the subfamily Dynastinae and Rutelinae which are responsible for the pollination of these plants. |
| Fruit of philodendron are white, yellow or green berries filled with small seed. |
| Philodendron propagates via seed and cuttings. |
| Name "philodendron" originates from Greek words "philo" which means "love" and "dendron" which means "tree". Name refers to the life style of these plants. |
| Philodendron is important source of food for monkeys and bats in the wild. |
| Many philodendrons produce sugary liquid which attracts ants. Colonies of ants provide protection against pest insects in the wild. |
| Philodendrons are often cultivated in offices because they tolerate low light level. |
| Some species of philodendron are poisonous for mice, rats and cats. |
| Philodendron is perennial plant (life span: more than 2 years). |
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