Family: Araceae
Common name: Xanadu, Philodendron Xanadu
Xanadu plants can give your garden a tropical jungle look in a few months. The multi-lobed, thick, glossy green leaves can transform your garden or your house, since they grow well indoors and outdoors. Xanadu plants need some direct sunlight; so make sure you keep them near a sunny window if you are growing them indoors. They can grow to a height of 1.5 meters and spread more than 2 meters, filling the pot and giving the plant a good bushy appearance.
They are not climbers, but sometimes produce aerial roots to anchor their long stems. These plants produce flowers on a long spadix like Anthuriums and Peace lilies, but with a deep red spathe. Flowering is rare and they do not flower as readily as other members of Araceae family.
Xanadu plants grow well in warm, temperate climates. They are not drought-resistant, but they need to be watered only after the upper soil dries reasonably. Leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to pets and humans. So it’s best to ensure that the plant is kept out of reach of small children and pets. Possible reactions include swelling of tongue and lips, nausea and vomiting.
Xanadu plants belonging to the Philodendron family, are hardy and pest-resistant. Spraying neem oil occasionally can take care of any small infestations that might occur.
Propagation of Xanadu plants is really easy. Portions of the stem can be removed from the soil, cut neatly and replanted to produce new plants. Plants can also be separated during repotting, splitting the roots neatly to form individual plants.
