Philodendron mamei aka Philodendron Mamei

Philodendron mamei belongs to the arum family, Araceae. This evergreen keeps its leaves all year. It comes from southern Ecuador, with its wet, tropical climate. It grows on the ground, even on steep banks. Its stem creeps along the soil, not up into the air. The RHS also calls it blotched philodendron. Growers prize its marked leaves for use inside the home.

When grown in gardens or pots, its height and spread reach about 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 metre). It takes about five to ten years to reach full size. Strong leaf stalks rise straight from the stem that creeps. Each holds a heart-shaped leaf that feels like leather. The leaves can span about 1.5 feet (0.45 metres). Silver-grey patches lie between the veins on the green leaf surface. Its broad leaves and spread need room as it grows.

The RHS describes a flower structure found only on mature plants. A purple-green spathe wraps around a cream spadix. The spathe is an outer sheath; the spadix forms a column inside. The leaves remain the main feature for display indoors. Grow it in a house, conservatory or greenhouse. In Britain, it needs the warmth of a glasshouse all year. Its H1A rating means it needs heat above 59°F (15°C).

Give it bright light, but filter out direct sun. Use a peat-free potting mix based on loam, with added perlite. The mix should drain well and be acidic to neutral. Keep it moist, but let the top just dry before you water. From April to September, its growth season, water it well. Do not let the pot stand in water. This can cause root rot. While it grows, feed it once a month with liquid houseplant fertiliser. Growth slows in winter, so give it less water. Stop feeding until spring.

Repot every two to three years. It needs no routine pruning. Grow new plants from stem-tip cuttings or leaf-bud cuttings. The RHS reports few disease problems when conditions suit it. Scale insects, glasshouse red spider mites and mealybugs may still attack. Check for these pests as part of routine care. The plant harms both people and pets if eaten. Contact may irritate skin or eyes, or cause an allergic reaction. Wear gloves and suitable protection when you handle it.