Thaumatophyllum xanadu: Xanadu

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.

Plant Characteristics
Xanadu plants 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. The stem is short, thick, and stout, sometimes hidden among the thick foliage.

These plants are grown for their beautiful leaves that are dark green, glossy, and deeply lobed. They are 30-45 cm long with a leathery texture to help prevent water loss.

Xanadu leaves usually grow in a rosette arrangement from the central stem, the beautiful foliage fanning outwards.

Being a member of the Araceae family, these plants produce flowers that have a Spadix and Spathe arrangement like Anthuriums and Peace lilies. The spadix is a long cylindrical structure that contains the flowers, and the spathe is a leaf-like structure that protects the Spadix.

Xanadu flowers are small and unnoticeable, pale yellow or green in color. Flowering is irregular and fruits are usually not seen in garden plants..

Gardening Tips
Xanadu plants need good sunlight, but they can grow well in partial or filtered sunlight. Make sure you keep them near a sunny window if you are growing them indoors.

They are not climbers, but sometimes produce aerial roots to anchor their long stems. Once the plant becomes tall, it is good to provide a short and stout stake for the roots to cling to.

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.

Uses of Xanadu Plants
Xanadu plants are mostly grown as ornamental plants. They do not have any proven medicinal properties or commercial uses.

Since these plants grow well indoors, they are excellent choices for offices or indoor spaces to bring in some greenery. They can also be grown near water bodies, their beautiful foliage giving a tropical vibe to your garden.

Propagation
Propagation is through stem cuttings. Each small portion of the stem with nodes can produce new plants.

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.

Photographed at: Sobha Petunia, Bangalore; Terminal 2, Bangalore International Airport