Philodendron warszewiczii ‘Flavum’ – luminous lime-green, deeply lobed climber

Philodendron warszewiczii ‘Flavum’ (also traded as ‘Aurea’) is a vivid colour form of Philodendron warszewiczii from Central America. Native populations of the species range from Nicaragua and Costa Rica through Panama into northern Colombia, where plants grow as hemiepiphytes in humid lowland to premontane rainforest. Indoors, bright filtered light, high humidity, and firm vertical support bring out larger, more dissected leaves and stable golden-green colour.
 
● Standout traits of ‘Flavum’

Golden-chartreuse blades: Deeply lobed foliage with a luminous lime tone that stays bright under strong, indirect light.
Vigorous vertical habit: Appressed climbing on a moss or fibre pole tightens internodes and increases leaf division.
Collector appeal: Less common in trade than standard green forms; prized for stable pigmentation and striking silhouette.
 
● Natural range and habitat cues

Distribution: Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, extending into Colombia
Elevation: ~0 – 800 m (lowland to premontane rainforest)
Microhabitat: Humid understory to mid-canopy on rough-barked hosts, dappled light, organic-rich rooting zones
Notes on form: Terrestrial start with rapid transition to climbing hemiepiphyte
 
● Leaf development and growth behaviour

Juvenile leaves are less lobed and slightly softer in tone. With height and firm contact at each node, lobes deepen, sinuses open, and blades broaden. Consistent bright, indirect light maintains the vivid lime colour; very low light yields smaller leaves and duller tones.
 
● Care essentials for thriving Philodendron warszewiczii ‘Flavum’

Light: Bright, indirect light for best colour and leaf division; avoid harsh direct sun.
Water: Water when the top 2 – 3 cm of substrate are dry; drench and drain fully. Keep evenly moist, never waterlogged.
Humidity: Comfortable at 55 – 70% RH; higher humidity supports larger leaves and cleaner margins.
Temperature: 18 – 30 °C; protect from prolonged drops below ~12 °C.
Substrate: Airy aroid mix balancing moisture and oxygen (coco/peat, fine orchid bark, perlite/pumice, plus a little compost and charcoal).
Feeding: Balanced liquid fertiliser at 25 – 50% label rate every 4 – 6 weeks in active growth; tune to growth rate, not calendar months.
Support: Moss or fibre pole; secure stems at each node (appressed contact) to trigger larger, more dissected foliage.
 
● Propagation and culture notes

Stem cuttings: One-node cuttings root well in water, moist sphagnum, or an airy mix.
Semi-hydro: Adaptable with gradual transition; maintain root oxygenation and balanced nutrients.
Form management: Tip-prune to encourage lateral shoots; loop returning vines into the pot for density.
 
● Common issues and precise fixes

Leggy growth, small leaves: Increase light intensity (still indirect) and use a textured pole for appressed climbing.
Yellowing leaves: Often excess water or compacted mix; refresh substrate and lengthen dry-down slightly.
Brown edges/tips: Low humidity or irregular moisture; stabilise RH and watering rhythm.
Pests: Monitor for spider mites and mealybugs; treat early with targeted controls per label.
 
● Botanical background

Philodendron warszewiczii is placed by aroid specialists within section Pteromischum, known for deeply lobed, fast-climbing species. ‘Flavum’ represents a horticultural colour form (stable golden-green pigmentation) rather than a separate botanical taxon.
 
● Inflorescence (for completeness)

Mature plants produce a pale green spathe with a cream-to-white spadix. Flowering is uncommon indoors and of botanical interest; foliage is the primary ornamental feature.
 
● FAQs about Philodendron warszewiczii ‘Flavum’

Why are my leaves less lobed than photos? Plants without a pole or in low light produce simpler blades; provide bright, indirect light and appressed support.
Will the lime colour fade? Colour remains stable, but appears duller in low light; increase filtered light for the brightest tone.
Does it need high humidity? It tolerates mid-range humidity but sizes up faster and keeps cleaner margins at ≥60% RH.
How tall can it get indoors? With strong light and a pole, vines often exceed 2 m; leaf division increases with height.
Is it safe around pets? No. Tissues contain insoluble calcium oxalate and are toxic if ingested.
 
● Order Philodendron warszewiczii ‘Flavum’

Add Philodendron warszewiczii ‘Flavum’ to a fibre or moss pole and enjoy luminous lime foliage with bold lobing and rapid vertical growth. Provide filtered light, an airy mix, and stable humidity, and this colour form will become a standout feature in your indoor collection.