Philodendron cf lupinum (Philodendron vanninii Croat ined.) is an undescribed species typified by its velvety to subvelvety, very colorful subadult leaves. It grows as a hemiepiphyte or an appressed epiphyte. Petioles are terete, thinly striate. Leaf blades are cordate and subvelvety 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, subcoriaceous, dark green and semiglossy above, moderately paler and matte below.
Best grown under 4000lumens when juvenile to preserve the beautiful colourtion of the sub-adult leaves.
From the Modern Latin genus name Philodendron (Schott, 1830), from Greek philodendron, neuter of philodendros "loving trees," from philo- "loving" (see philo-) + dendron "tree" (from PIE *der-drew-, from root *deru- "to be firm, solid, steadfast," also forming words for "wood, tree"). The plant so called because it clings to trees.