Philodendron ‘McDowell’
 
Common Names McDowell Philodendron, Creeping Velvet Hybrid
 
Zones 10A–11 (outdoors); Zone 9+ with protection; indoor year-round in colder zones
 
Philodendron ‘McDowell’ is a rare terrestrial hybrid created in 1988 by John Banza, combining Philodendron gloriosum and Philodendron pastazanum. This creeping species inherits the massive, heart-shaped leaves and velvety texture of gloriosum, along with the ruffled margins and robust rhizome of pastazanum. It grows horizontally along the soil surface, forming a dramatic spread of quilted foliage with prominent white veins.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Terrestrial crawler; slow to moderate growth rate
Height: 2–3 ft. tall; spreads up to 6 ft. wide
Trunk: Herbaceous rhizome; short internodes; aerial roots at nodes
Leaves: Heart-shaped; velvety deep green with white veins; slightly puckered or pleated; up to 26 in. long
Petiole: Thick, upright; green to reddish at base
Inflorescence: Rare indoors; white spathe and spadix
Fruit: Not typically produced in cultivation
Ecology: Hybrid of two South American creepers; bred for foliage texture and horizontal growth habit2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sun
Watering: Allow top 2–3 inches of soil to dry; water thoroughly when dry
Soil: Rich, well-draining mix with peat, perlite, orchid bark, and charcoal
Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C); protect below 55°F (13°C)
Humidity: High (65–85%); misting or humidifier recommended indoors
Propagation: Rhizome division or stem cuttings with node
Tolerance: Cold-sensitive; moderate pest resistance; toxic if ingested
 
Landscape Use Best suited for interiorscapes, tropical greenhouse benches, and horizontal display containers. Pairs well with Philodendron gloriosum, Philodendron pastazanum, and Anthurium crystallinum for velvet-leaf compositions.