How to Grow and Care for Jerry Horne Philodendron

The Jerry Horne Philodendron is a sought-after houseplant admired for its long, serrated leaves that create a jungle-like aesthetic. As a climbing aroid, its growth habit makes it a striking specimen for plant collectors, as it can be trained vertically. The name pays tribute to Jerry Horne, a notable figure in the tropical plant world instrumental in developing unique hybrids.

Identifying the Jerry Horne Philodendron

The defining characteristic of the Jerry Horne Philodendron is its impressive leaves. They are long, narrow, and lance-shaped, with the potential to grow to 70-90 cm as the plant matures. What truly sets them apart are the deeply serrated, saw-toothed edges that run the length of each leaf, giving it a prehistoric appearance.

As a climbing aroid, this Philodendron has a natural tendency to ascend. In a home setting, it thrives when given a support structure like a moss pole or trellis, which encourages the development of larger leaves. Its sturdy stems, sometimes with a reddish-brown tint, are capable of both creeping along a surface or climbing upwards.

The plant is a cultivated hybrid with unknown parentage, though it is believed that Philodendron bipennifolium may be part of its lineage. It has become a favorite among collectors for its fast-growing nature and architectural beauty.

Essential Care Requirements

Light

This plant flourishes in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window with gentle morning sun is an excellent location. While it can tolerate lower light, its growth may slow and leaves might not develop their full size. Avoid direct, intense sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.

Soil

A well-draining soil mix is necessary to prevent root rot. A chunky aroid mix is ideal, containing components like orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir. This medium provides structure, aeration, and moisture retention.

Water

Water the plant when the top 1-2 inches of the soil feel dry. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Watering frequency will depend on your home’s light, temperature, and humidity.

Temperature and Humidity

As a tropical hybrid, the Jerry Horne Philodendron prefers warm and humid conditions, ideally between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Avoid placing the plant near drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations. It adapts to average household humidity but thrives with levels around 60% or more, which can be achieved by grouping it with other plants or using a humidifier.

Fertilizer

To support its vigorous growth during the spring and summer, a balanced liquid fertilizer is beneficial. Feed the plant every 4-6 weeks, diluting the fertilizer to the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots. Reduce fertilizing during fall and winter when growth slows.

Comparing Jerry Horne to Similar Cultivars

The Jerry Horne is often compared with the Philodendron ‘Jungle Boogie’, also known as ‘Tiger Tooth’. The primary difference lies in the leaf serrations. Jerry Horne features deeper, more pronounced, and distinctly jagged saw-tooth edges, while the serrations on a ‘Jungle Boogie’ are shallower and wavier.

Another plant it might be compared to is the Philodendron ‘Ring of Fire’. The most obvious difference is that ‘Ring of Fire’ is variegated, with leaves that display splashes of cream, yellow, or pink. The Jerry Horne is non-variegated with solid green leaves, making it easy to distinguish.

Since ‘Jungle Boogie’ is considered the non-variegated version of ‘Ring of Fire’, the way to tell it apart from a Jerry Horne comes back to the leaf lobes. Focusing on whether the edges are sharply jagged or gently wavy is the most reliable identifier.

Propagating Your Plant

Multiplying your Jerry Horne Philodendron is done through stem cuttings. This method is straightforward and relies on including a node in your cutting—the small bump on the stem where leaves and aerial roots emerge. Nodes contain the necessary cells for new growth to begin.

Select a healthy stem that has at least one leaf and one or two nodes. Using a clean, sharp tool, make a cut just below a node. Some growers prefer to let the cut end air-dry for a few hours to form a callus, which can help prevent rot.

You can root the cutting in water or a soil medium. For water propagation, place the stem in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged but the leaves are not. Place the jar in bright, indirect light and change the water every few days. Once roots are a few inches long, the cutting can be transferred to soil.