Philodendron spiritus-sancti
Philodendron spiritus-sancti
Spiritus-sancti Philodendron
★
Taxonomy
Family Araceae · Genus Philodendron
Description
A holy grail aroid, Philodendron spiritus-sancti boasts dramatic, strap-like leaves on a climbing vine. Endemic to Brazil and critically rare, it thrives with bright, indirect light, warmth, and high humidity—rewarding patient care with striking, elegant foliage.
Common Names
Spiritus-sancti PhilodendronHoly Ghost PhilodendronP. spiritus-sancti
Context
nativeRegion
Endemic to Espírito Santo, Brazil (Atlantic Forest).
usdaZones
Outdoors in Zones 11–12; otherwise grow indoors or in a greenhouse.
companionPlants
Philodendron melanochrysum, Monstera adansonii, Anthurium veitchii, Syngonium podophyllum, Epipremnum pinnatum
culturalUses
Highly prized collector’s houseplant and used in ex-situ conservation and botanical displays.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light; a few hours of gentle morning sun is fine. Avoid harsh midday sun.
WateringWater when the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of mix is dry; keep evenly moist but never soggy.
SoilAiry, fast-draining aroid mix: chunky bark + perlite/pumice + coco coir/peat + a bit of charcoal.
FertilizerDilute balanced fertilizer (e.g., 3-1-2 or 20-20-20 at 1/4–1/2 strength) every 2–4 weeks in spring–summer; sparingly in fall–winter.
HumidityHigh humidity 60–80% preferred; stays healthier above 50%. Provide airflow to prevent disease.
TemperatureIdeal 65–85°F (18–29°C); avoid below 60°F (16°C) and cold drafts.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitClimbing hemiepiphyte; long, narrow pendant leaves on a support or tree.
Mature SizeLeaves 2–4 ft (60–120 cm) long; vine can reach 6–15 ft (2–5 m) with support in cultivation.
Growth RateModerate; faster with warmth, bright light, and high humidity.
BloomingAroid inflorescences (spadix/spathe) rarely produced indoors; not grown for flowers.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in cool, low-light months.
Propagation
MethodsStem cuttings with at least one node, Air layering, Professional tissue culture
DifficultyModerate to challenging (requires stable warmth and humidity).
Best SeasonSpring to early summer for quickest rooting and recovery.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove yellowing leaves; tip-prune above a node to encourage branching; tie to a sturdy moss pole or plank.
RepottingRepot every 1–2 years when rootbound; step up one pot size; refresh the airy mix and secure to support.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, and scale; root rot from overwatering; occasional bacterial/fungal leaf spots—ensure airflow.
ToxicityToxic if ingested (calcium oxalate). Keep away from pets and children; sap may irritate skin.
Recent Public Plants
No public plants yet.