Philodendron lynnhannoniae Croat – deeply lobed, architecturally textured foliage


Philodendron lynnhannoniae is a rare climbing aroid described in 2016, valued for its deeply cut blades and the interplay of matte and glossy surfaces. Native to western Colombia (Chocó, Nariño) and north-western Ecuador (Carchi, Esmeraldas, Pichincha), it thrives in humid, shaded premontane wet and rain forests and rewards steady, precise care with striking, sculptural leaves.
 
● Foliage and growth highlights


Signature blades: Deeply lobed leaves with intricate surface texture and pronounced primary venation.
Visual contrast: Matte – gloss interplay across the lamina creates a dynamic look under bright, indirect light.
Manageable stature: Leaves up to ~50 cm; trained plants stay compact indoors with regular pruning and support.
Climbing habit: Readily attaches to textured poles; can also be grown to sprawl in wide planters.
 
● Native range and ecology


Distribution: Colombia (Chocó, Nariño) and Ecuador (Carchi, Esmeraldas, Pichincha)
Elevation: ~380 – 1 800 m in premontane wet and rain forest zones
Microhabitat: Shaded, humid understory on moist, organic-rich slopes with consistent rainfall and airflow
 
● Leaf development and morphology


Juvenile leaves are narrower with shallower lobes. As stems gain height and maintain appressed contact with a textured support, lobes deepen, margins become more defined, and venation stands out more clearly. The matte – gloss pattern reflects differences between adaxial and abaxial surfaces and contributes to the plant’s sculptural look.
 
● Care essentials for thriving Philodendron lynnhannoniae


Light: Deep shade to bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun to prevent scorch.
Water: Keep substrate evenly moist; let the top 2 – 3 cm dry before watering again. Free drainage is crucial.
Humidity: Target ≥80% RH with gentle airflow to protect leaf edges and finish.
Temperature: 15 – 25 °C preferred; avoid prolonged extremes (>32 °C or <13 °C).
Substrate: Airy aroid blend with orchid bark, coco coir, and perlite; pH ~5.5 – 7 for steady root function.
Feeding: Balanced liquid fertiliser at 25 – 50% label rate every 4 – 6 weeks in active growth; adjust to growth rate.
 
● Support and training


Textured pole: Use moss or fibre poles and secure the stem at each node. Appressed contact shortens internodes and supports larger leaves.
Form control: Tip-prune to maintain shape; loop returning vines into the pot to increase density.
 
● Propagation and alternative culture


Cuttings: Single-node stem cuttings root reliably in moist sphagnum or an airy mix.
Semi-hydro: Adaptable with gradual transition; ensure good root oxygenation and stable humidity.
 
● Common problems and fixes


Root rot: Typically saturated or compacted media. Refresh the mix, improve drainage, and water only when the top layer dries.
Dropped or drooping leaves: Often low humidity or underwatering. Verify moisture and raise RH.
Browning tips/margins: Irregular moisture or excess heat. Stabilise watering and temperature.
Yellowing: Overwatering or nutrient imbalance. Adjust watering; feed lightly but regularly.
Pests: Monitor for spider mites, thrips, mealybugs. Treat early with targeted controls per label.
Fungal spotting: Increase airflow; avoid wetting foliage late in the day.
 
● How to tell it from similar species


Versus Philodendron furcatum:P. furcatum shows triangular blades widest near the base, paler undersides with darker veins, and more widely spaced, branched lateral venation. In P. lynnhannoniae, lobes are deeper and the spadix may protrude beyond the spathe.
 
● FAQs about Philodendron lynnhannoniae


Why are my lobes less defined? Usually insufficient light or weak pole contact. Increase bright, indirect light and secure nodes to a textured support.
How long until leaves reach full size? With stable humidity ≥80%, bright indirect light, and regular feeding, expect noticeable sizing within 9 – 12 months of vertical training.
Will it flower indoors? Possible in long-term stable culture, but foliage is the primary ornamental feature.
Cabinet culture? Works well in high-humidity plant cabinets with active airflow.
Pet safety? Contains insoluble calcium oxalate; keep out of reach of pets and children.
 
● Order Philodendron lynnhannoniae


Add Philodendron lynnhannoniae to a fibre or moss pole for deep lobes and a clean, architectural silhouette. With high humidity, filtered light, and precise watering, this rare aroid becomes a standout focal plant.