Philodendron xanadu
 
Common Names Xanadu Philodendron, Winterbourn Philodendron
 
Zones 9B–11 (outdoors); indoor year-round in colder zones
 
Philodendron xanadu—now reclassified as Thaumatophyllum xanadu—is a compact, clump-forming tropical aroid native to Brazil. Unlike its climbing relatives, Xanadu maintains a dense, mounded habit with deeply lobed, glossy green leaves that radiate outward like a botanical rosette. It’s prized for its tidy form, air-purifying foliage, and low-maintenance nature, making it a favorite for both interiorscapes and subtropical landscapes.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Non-climbing; dense clump-forming; slow to moderate growth
Height: 3–5 ft. tall and wide
Trunk: No trunk; short, thick petioles emerge from basal crown
Leaves: Deeply lobed, glossy green; each leaf up to 16 in. long; radiates from central stem
Petiole: Upright, thick, green; supports leaf blades in radial symmetry
Inflorescence: Rare indoors; red spathe with spadix in mature outdoor specimens
Fruit: Not typically produced in cultivation
Ecology: Cultivar origin; thrives in warm, humid understory conditions
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Bright indirect light indoors; part sun to part shade outdoors
Watering: Moderate; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
Soil: Rich, well-draining mix with peat, bark, and perlite
Temperature: 65–90°F (18–32°C); protect below 50°F (10°C)
Humidity: Moderate to high (50–80%); benefits from misting indoors
Propagation: Division of clumps; basal offsets
Tolerance: Cold-sensitive; deer-resistant; toxic if ingested
 
Landscape Use Ideal for foundation plantings, tropical borders, patio containers, and poolside accents. Its symmetrical, cushion-like form pairs well with crotons, cordylines, and dwarf heliconias. Use in rows for low hedging or as a standalone specimen in shaded beds.