The Philodendron Xanadu or Philodendron Winterbourn is easy to grow plant. .The Philodendron ‘Winterbourn’ was protected under Plant Breeder Rights in Australia.’ Then it was renamed ‘Xanadu’ by House Plants of Australia and released as their plant of the year in 1988.

Philodendron xanadu eventually forms dense clumps up to 1.5 metres tall by 2 metres wide. It has deeply dissected, lobed leaves up to 40 cm long by 30 cm wide glossy green leaves.

It is an upright plant not a climber or vine. The best part is, the older Xanadu gets, the better its looks. Older Xanadu specimens develop a short trunk that produces aerial roots that sprawl along the soil surface hence Well-suited for shadier parts of the landscape.This low-maintenance philodendron variety is great for background to lower-growing shrubs, annuals and perennial. Even more Xanadu can become a popular atrium and poolside selection.

Besides that this Philodendron also makes a great container specimen, and you can grown this plant indoors if provided ample light. Philo Xanadu thrives in a rich, well-drained soil with regular watering. In coastal climates Philo Xanadu able to tolerate a good amount of sun. However this plant prefers a filtered-sun to light-shade exposure in warmer inland climates.

POTTING MIX
Philodendrons do best in loose, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. They will grow in 100% sphagnum peat moss. Soilless mixtures such as peat-vermiculite or peat-perlite are also satisfactory.

WATER
When growing philodendron plants, allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. The length of your index finger to the first knuckle is about an inch, so inserting your finger into the soil is a good way to check the moisture level. Droopy leaves can mean that the plant is getting too much or not enough water. But the leaves recover quickly when you correct the watering schedule.

SUNLIGHT
Set the Philodendron in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Find a position near a window where the sun’s rays never actually touch the foliage. While it’s normal for older leaves to yellow, if this happens to several leaves at the same time, the plant may be getting too much light. On the other hand, if the stems are long and leggy with several inches between leaves, the plant probably isn’t getting enough light.

FERTILIZER
Feed philodendron houseplants with a balanced liquid foliage houseplant fertilizer that contains macro-nutrients. Water the plant with the fertilizer monthly in spring and summer and every six to eight weeks in fall and winter. Slow growth and small leaf size is the plant’s way of telling you that it isn’t getting enough fertilizer. Pale new leaves usually indicate that the plant isn’t getting enough calcium and magnesium, which are essential micro-nutrients for philodendrons.

TEMPERATURE
The ideal temperature for a philodendron is between 65 – 78°F during the day, and around 60°F at night.

TOXICITY
Philodendron should not be consumed by animals or humans. Lacy tree philodendrons are toxic to cats and dogs. Being educated on poisonous plants can help you avoid any accidents all the while enjoying your greenery.

PEST PROBLEMS
Philodendron are not prone to insects, but you may encounter aphids and mealybugs. You can wipe off mealybugs with cotton balls dipped in rubbing alcohol. Periodically showering the plant with water and applying insecticidal soap will help keep pests at bay.

LIGHT
A philodendron Xanadu needs more light than other philodendron plants to maintain its compact appearance. It grows best in medium indirect light. Too much bright light causes the leaves of a Xanadu to become pale and bleached looking; too little and the stems become elongated as the plant stretches towards the light. Direct sun burns the leaves.

WATER
Water a Xanadu thoroughly until the water drains out the drip holes in the bottom of the pot and then allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out before watering again. leaves turn yellow if the soil stays too wet. A Xanadu grows more slowly in the winter and requires less water.

FERTILIZER
Feed a Xanadu monthly in the spring and fall, every other week in the summer, never in the winter. Use a balanced plant food diluted to 1/2 the recommended strength. If the leaves are getting smaller and new growth is slow, the plant needs more food.

TEMPERATURE
Daytime temperatures 75° to 80°F ( 23.9°-26.7°C); nighttime temperatures 65°- 70° F (18.3°-21.1°C)

HUMIDITY
Philodendrons like high humidity but still grow well in regular household humidity.

PESTS
A xanadu attracts Aphids and Mealy Bugs. If the air is very dry, spider mites are a problem.

DISEASES
These plants are very susceptible to bacterial diseases, especially all varieties of Leaf Spot Disease. Root rot from over watering is another problem to watch out for. Cool temperatures, dry leaves, and good air circulation helps prevent diseases.

SOIL
Use a potting soil high in organic matter that drains quickly.

POT SIZE
These plants like to be repotted as soon as their roots start to fill the existing pot. Use a a container that has drip holes in the botton and is about two -three inches larger than the root ball.

PRUNING
A xanadu does not require much pruning. If the plant is getting to large and taking over your room, remove leaves by cutting them off at the base of their stem.

PROPAGATION
A Xanadu is propagated by plant division.