Philodendron luxurians Croat, D. P.Hannon & R. Kaufmann is a recently described Philodendron characterized by its terrestrial habit and repent-creeping stem. Petioles are subterete, leaves are erectto spreading. Leaf blades are ovate-cordate,dark green, matte and velvety above,conspicuously paler and faintly reddishpink, semiglossy below, with the 1st and 2nd pair of basal veins free to the base and conspicuous cross-veins with the appearance of crazed glass.
The species epithet “luxurians” comesfrom Latin (luxus, luxuriosus), meaning extravagant, luxuriant, profuse, excessive, orimmoderate, and refers to the remarkably attractive velvety leaf blades of this new species.
This plant a challenge to grow satisfactorily for longer periods in home conditions. Fairly susceptible to mite infestations if kept warm and dry; under which conditions it will promptly die anyway. It requires very high relative humidity to thrive.
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.
Philodendron luxurians
Name:Philodendron luxurians Croat, D. P.Hannon & R. Kaufmann
Type: herbaceous evergreen
Form: Chamaephytes
Family: Araceae
Native Range: Colombia
Zone: 12-13
Habitat: Chocó Department: Pacific lowlands, inthe region of the Río Negro, less than 300 m elevation
Height: to 75cm
Spread: 100cm
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Very high
Leaf: Evergreen
Tolerate: Semi ShadeTaxon identifiers: none yet published
Synonyms: no synonyms recorded