Philodendron scandens 'Neon'

Description

Philodendron scandens ‘Neon’ is a tropical climbing or trailing plant valued for its bright chartreuse to lemon-green foliage. Easy to grow and highly decorative, this Philodendron instantly adds brightness to tropical terrariums, hanging displays and indoor planted compositions.

Botanical family

Araceae

Genus

Philodendron

Species / Cultivar

Philodendron scandens ‘Neon’

Available size

Plant supplied in a 6 cm diameter pot.

Origin

Philodendron scandens originates from tropical regions of Central and South America, where it naturally grows as a climbing plant in warm and humid environments.

Foliage

The foliage consists of soft, glossy, heart-shaped leaves. The ‘Neon’ cultivar stands out for its bright lemon-green to yellow-green coloration, which is often especially intense on new growth.

Growth

Philodendron scandens ‘Neon’ has a relatively fast climbing or trailing growth habit. It can be grown in a hanging basket, guided over branches or trained on a support for more vertical development.

Light

Provide bright indirect light. Good light levels encourage stronger coloration and compact growth. Avoid harsh direct sunlight, which may scorch the pale foliage.

Watering

Keep the substrate slightly moist while allowing the surface to dry a little between waterings. Avoid excessive watering and permanently wet conditions around the roots.

Humidity

This plant appreciates moderate to high humidity, ideally between 60 and 80%. It adapts particularly well to humid tropical terrarium conditions.

Temperature

Maintain temperatures between 18 and 28°C whenever possible. Avoid temperatures below 15°C and protect the plant from cold drafts.

Substrate

Use a light, airy and well-draining Aroid substrate. A mixture containing coco fiber or chips, bark, perlite, sphagnum moss and organic matter provides regular moisture while ensuring good root aeration.

Terrarium suitability

Philodendron scandens ‘Neon’ is very well suited to spacious tropical terrariums and paludariums. Its climbing or trailing habit makes it ideal for branches, roots, vertical backgrounds or elevated planting areas, where its bright foliage creates strong contrast with darker plants.

Maintenance

Lightly prune the stems when necessary to control growth and encourage branching. Stem cuttings root readily in warm and humid conditions.

JungleBox tip

To maintain the vibrant lemon-green coloration of your Philodendron scandens ‘Neon’, provide sufficiently bright indirect light. In a terrarium, its pale foliage creates an excellent contrast with mosses, ferns and dark green tropical plants.

Important information

Like many members of the Araceae family, Philodendron contains calcium oxalate crystals and should not be ingested. Keep the plant out of reach of young children and pets likely to chew the foliage.