Textured Large Leaf Climber (Philodendron sharoniae) deals 6in 8in **PRESALE**

Native to Colombia and Ecuador, Philodendron sharoniae was first published in Aroideana in 2016 under a document describing seventy-four species of Philodendrons mainly from NW Ecuador. It has been said the plant was named by Dr. Thomas Croat after Sharon Christoph - her and her husband sponsored his work in Araceae. Plants are mainly found growing in tropical moist forest, premontane wet forest, and montane wet forest zones at elevations of 131-7500 feet above sea level. They are evergreen climbers noted for usually being hemiepiphytic rather than terrestrial or epilithic. Hemiepiphyte plants are germinated in tree canopies with their initial life beginning as an epiphyte, then gradually sending roots downward to make contact with the soil.

As it grows, Philodendron sharoniae may reach up to 10 feet long with an appressed-climbing stem, internodes 3/4" - 1.5" long, and leaves up to 3' long. The juvenile leaves will also differ from the adult leaves in that juvenile leaves are smaller and oval-oblong to heart-shaped pendent or overhanging while mature leaves are elongated arrow-shaped or elongate sagittate-hastate and pleated. In the younger stages, Sharoniae may appear closer deals to Philodendron tenue. When growing, provide the plant with a sturdy poll, trellis, or stake to climb on. Alternatively, the plant looks amazing when grown above eyelevel and the large leaves can be appreciated from below.



Image #1 to #6 - Approximate 6"M plant purchased

6" Medium pot has 1 plant with 2-4 leaves that are 5-9" long
6" Large pot has 1 plant with 2-4 leaves that are 8-16" long



*You will receive a plant similar to the one(s) pictured. Plants may or may not have dried ends or torn/broken leaves, but is unlikely. Not all leaves of this plant may be present when shipping as seen in the photos. Although they may ship sooner, this item is considered pre-order as they require additional processing time being that they are harvested or prepared as ordered. Special note: this plant does not always travel well. It may show high levels of stress through yellowing or dropping of the leaves and will require additional time to rebound. Patience is required on rebound time (2-4 weeks).

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Foliage:
Leaves are subcoriaceous, elongate-hastate-sagittate, long acuminate at the apex, dark green and semiglossy above with a slightly paler and glossy underside. Petioles are medium to dark green and 11-43" long. Leaves average 6-12" when younger and may reach up to 3 feet long when mature. Leaves also tend to have specks for flecks of different green shades/tints - this is normal and has been noticed in wild-growing plants.


Inflorescence:
Erect inflorescence with white spathe and sessile spadix.


Zoned:
10-11


Environment:
Medium to high humidity. It will usually tolerate indoor levels with slight difficulty and will appreciate additional humidity if available. Grows best in 65-85 degrees F and will tolerate as low as 45 degrees for a short period of time. Cold-sensitive and will show it when upset. Cannot tolerate freezing temperatures.


Light:
Bright indirect light indoors (north or east-facing windows). Do not leave in direct, all-day sun. Grow in full to partial shade outdoors. Avoid excessive sun outdoors and excessive shade indoors.


Soil:
Superior aroid mix or superior-draining peat based mix. Some chunky material is required to provide necessary and constant airflow to the roots.


Water:
This plant is slightly water loving in its native habitat, but indoors should dry out slightly between watering. Proper water technique will aid in producing fast growth and larger leaves. Soggy or overly damp soil may encourage leaf drop and disease. Decrease water in winter.


Fertilizer:
For proper growth, use a balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks to 1 month during the growing period.


Notes:
This plant is considered toxic and should not be consumed. Plants are shipped with light wrapping and padding according to import/export regulations. Shipping usually occurs on Monday and Tuesday to minimize risk of damage to plants in transit. You may request shipping Wednesday - Friday provided your understanding the live-arrive guarantee is void. Prior to shipping, please contact the shop with questions or concerns and familiarize yourself with the shipping policy in FAQ section. Pot, driftwood, or grapewood in images not included.