Xanadu Philodendron (Thaumatophyllum xanadu)

Image: AI generated

Xanadu Philodendron Plant Care

Thaumatophyllum xanadu (Croat, J.Boos & Mayo) Sakur., Calazans & Mayo

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Philodendron xanadu, synonym Thaumatophyllum xanadu, is a perennial plant belonging to the arum family Araceae. It is native to south Brazil and Paraguay, but is widely cultivated as a landscape plant in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate climates.

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Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect to low light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Xanadu Philodendron?

Plant Xanadu Philodendron in bright indirect to low light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.

Where Is the Xanadu Philodendron Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Xanadu Philodendron?

Xanadu Philodendron (Thaumatophyllum xanadu) belongs to the Araceae family within the Thaumatophyllum genus. Xanadu Philodendron is native to south Brazil and Paraguay. Xanadu Philodendron is also known as Winter Philodendron, Philodendron xanadu, Philodendron bipinnatifidum.

Xanadu Philodendron displays a large, upright foliage plant growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Xanadu Philodendron produces rarely flowers indoors, produces a spadix surrounded by a spathe.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Xanadu Philodendron?

Water a young or newly planted Xanadu Philodendron every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Xanadu Philodendron Need?

Xanadu Philodendron thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Xanadu Philodendron in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect to low light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Xanadu Philodendron Prefer?

Thaumatophyllum xanadu tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Xanadu Philodendron prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Xanadu Philodendron?

Well-draining peat-based mix with perlite and orchid bark. Good drainage is essential for Xanadu Philodendron to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Xanadu Philodendron?

Feed Xanadu Philodendron every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Xanadu Philodendron?

Choose a spot with bright indirect to low light and well-draining peat-based mix with perlite and orchid bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Xanadu Philodendron is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Xanadu Philodendron?

Xanadu Philodendron can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Xanadu Philodendron?

Prune Xanadu Philodendron while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Xanadu Philodendron in Winter?

Xanadu Philodendron is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Xanadu Philodendron?

Xanadu Philodendron can be propagated through division, air layering, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hope philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Xanadu Philodendron Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic (caution)

Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Xanadu Philodendron?

Xanadu Philodendron is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Xanadu Philodendron Need?

Xanadu Philodendron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Xanadu Philodendron is native to south Brazil and Paraguay. In cooler regions, grow Xanadu Philodendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Xanadu Philodendron is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Thaumatophyllum genus — compare its care with other Thaumatophyllum species on PlantoScan.

Thaumatophyllum is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.

Xanadu Philodendron copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Thaumatophyllum xanadu (Croat, J.Boos & Mayo) Sakur., Calazans & Mayo, family Araceae (first published in PhytoKeys 98: 65. 2018 [2 May 2018] [epublished]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Xanadu Philodendron is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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