Philodendron ‘Dean McDowell’ (gloriosum x pastazanum)

Hybrid origin of Philodendron ‘Dean McDowell’ (gloriosum x pastazanum)

‘Dean McDowell’ is a cultivated hybrid of Philodendron gloriosum and Philodendron pastazanum. Its creation is widely attributed to John Banta in 1988.

Its parents come from different parts of tropical South America: Philodendron gloriosum is from Colombia, while Philodendron pastazanum is from Ecuador and Peru, where it grows with a creeping terrestrial stem in wet forest. The hybrid itself was made in cultivation and exists only in cultivation.

Care for Philodendron ‘Dean McDowell’

• Container and stem: Use a broad or long draining container. Position the horizontal stem at the substrate surface so its roots can enter the mix, and keep a clear route ahead of the growing point.
• Repotting: Extend or repot the plant before the growing tip crosses the rim. Rotate the container for balanced light while preserving the stem’s growth direction.
• Light: Provide bright diffused light.
• Water and substrate: Use a moisture-retentive, airy mix. Let part of it dry, then water evenly and allow the container to drain fully.
• Temperature and humidity: Keep conditions warm and stable with moderate humidity and regular airflow.
• Feeding: Apply a modest dose of suitable fertiliser according to the label during active growth.
• Propagation: Take a healthy stem section with at least one node and established roots or a viable growing point.

Problems and solutions for Philodendron ‘Dean McDowell’

• Growth point reaching or crossing the pot rim: This is normal creeping growth. Where practical, settle the advancing stem onto fresh substrate in a pot beside the existing one, or move the plant into a longer or wider planter before new roots remain exposed to dry air.
• Pale main veins on a firm, dark green leaf: This is normal for the plant and needs no action while the tissue between the veins stays healthy and growth remains strong.
• Wilt and lower yellowing while the root ball stays wet: Pause watering and check drainage. Persistent wilt or yellowing with a wet root ball warrants a root check. Firm roots in a freely draining mix can stay in place until the upper mix reaches the usual dry cue. If the medium has lost structure or drains slowly, repot the firm roots into fresh airy mix. Remove dark, soft roots when rot is confirmed and repot the remaining firm roots in clean airy mix. If rot has entered the creeping stem, cut back to firm tissue and restart only from a sound node. If neither firm roots nor a sound node remain, discard the affected plant.
• Wilt with dry mix, a light pot and firm roots: The plant is dry. Water it thoroughly and let the excess drain, then return to the usual watering cue when part of the mix has dried again.
• Silvery or distorted new growth with dark specks: This suggests thrips. Isolate and inspect the plant, rinse or clean it, and use a treatment labelled for thrips if they are confirmed.
• Fine stippling with webbing: This suggests spider mites. Isolate and rinse the plant, monitor it closely, and use a treatment labelled for mites if they are confirmed.
• Crisp leaf margins without pest signs: If the mix has dried hard, water thoroughly and let the excess drain. If the plant is in hot or strong light, move it to a cooler position with filtered light. If symptoms followed heavy or frequent feeding, pause fertiliser and run plain water through a freely draining pot to reduce salt build-up. If the damage continues together with yellowing or a wet root ball, inspect the roots and remove any dark, soft sections before repotting if rot is confirmed. Existing margin damage will remain, so judge improvement from later leaves.

Philodendron ‘Dean McDowell’ (gloriosum x pastazanum) is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

About the names Philodendron gloriosum and Philodendron pastazanum

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Gloriosum comes from Latin and means glorious or splendid. The epithet pastazanum is geographic and means from Pastaza.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Philodendron in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.

Édouard-François André first described Philodendron gloriosum in 1876 in L’Illustration Horticole, volume 23, page 194.

Kurt Krause first described Philodendron pastazanum in 1940 in Notizblatt des Botanischen Gartens und Museums zu Berlin-Dahlem, volume 15, page 42.