Philodendron cf lupinum (Philodendron vanninii Croat ined.) is an undescribed species typified by its velvety to sub velvety, very colorful subadult leaves. It grows as a hemiepiphyte or an appressed epiphyte. Petioles are terete, thinly striate. Leaf blades are cordate and sub velvety when juvenile, with dark maroon leaf undersides. This Philodendron undergoes quite a radical transformation between its juvenile and mature forms. When mature, leaf blades are obovate-hastate, sub coriaceous, dark green and semi glossy above, moderately paler and matte below.
Best grown under 4000 lumens when juvenile to preserve the beautiful coloration of the sub-adult leaves.
form the Modern Latin genus name Philodendron (Schott, 1830), form Greek philodendron, neuter of philodendrons "loving trees," form philo- "loving" (see philo-) + dendron "tree" (form PIE *der-drew-, form root *deru- "to be firm, solid, steadfast," also forming words for "wood, tree"). The plant so called because it clings to trees.
Philodendron cf lupinum (Philodendron vanninii Croat ined.)
Philodendron lupinum is ca. 75 cm tall and comes in a 16cm pot
