How to Grow and Care for Philodendron McDowell

The Philodendron McDowell is a terrestrial hybrid known for its large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves with prominent white veins. Its stem grows horizontally across the ground, a “crawling” habit that distinguishes it from climbing varieties and affects how it is potted. This striking foliage makes it a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts.

Distinguishing Philodendron McDowell

The Philodendron McDowell is a hybrid of Philodendron gloriosum and Philodendron pastazanum. It inherits a unique combination of features from both parents, which helps in its identification.

A telling feature is the shape of its petioles, the stalks connecting leaves to the stem. The McDowell has D-shaped petioles, meaning they are flat on one side and rounded on the other, a trait inherited from its gloriosum parent. In contrast, Philodendron pastazanum has rounded petioles.

While both parent plants have heart-shaped leaves, the McDowell often displays the broader, more pronounced heart shape of the pastazanum. However, it inherits the striking, silvery-white veins and velvety leaf texture from the gloriosum.

Ideal Growing Conditions

This plant thrives in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window that receives gentle morning sun is an ideal location. Too much direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, while insufficient light can lead to smaller new growth and a leggy appearance.

As a terrestrial crawler, the McDowell requires a chunky, airy, and well-draining medium to prevent rot in its horizontal rhizome. A peat-based mix amended with orchid bark, perlite, coco coir, and horticultural charcoal provides the necessary aeration and drainage while retaining adequate moisture. Due to its crawling nature, a rectangular or wide, shallow pot is better than a standard round one, as it gives the rhizome room to grow.

Water the plant using a “soak and dry” approach. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Underwatering often presents as drooping leaves.

This philodendron prefers warm temperatures and high humidity, with an ideal range between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Protect the plant from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. While it tolerates average household humidity, it performs best with levels above 60%. You can increase ambient moisture with a humidifier, by grouping it with other plants, or by using a pebble tray.

Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 4-6 weeks during the spring and summer growing season to support its growth.

Propagation Techniques

Propagating a Philodendron McDowell is done through stem cuttings. This process involves taking a cutting from the main rhizome to create new plants from a mature specimen.

Identify a healthy section of the rhizome that includes at least one leaf and a node, the point where leaves and roots emerge. Use a sterilized, sharp knife or shears to make a clean cut, which helps prevent introducing pathogens. Make the cut just below a node, ensuring the section has visible signs of being able to produce new growth.

There are several options for rooting the cutting. You can place it directly into a well-draining soil mix or into moist sphagnum moss to maintain high humidity. Another method is to root the cutting in water, submerging the node and changing the water every few days. After the cutting has developed a healthy root system that is a few inches long, it can be transferred to its own pot.

Common Issues and Solutions

Yellowing leaves are a sign of overwatering. If you notice this, check the soil moisture and allow the pot to dry out more thoroughly between waterings. Adjusting your schedule can prevent the issue from progressing to root rot.

Brown, crispy leaf edges indicate a lack of humidity or underwatering. The large leaves of the McDowell lose moisture quickly in dry air. Increase the humidity around the plant with a humidifier or pebble tray. Also, check the soil more frequently to ensure it does not stay dry for too long.

Pests like spider mites and thrips can affect the plant. Regularly inspect the leaves, especially the undersides, for any signs of infestation. Pests can be managed by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using a gentle insecticidal soap. Good air circulation around the plant also helps deter pests.

If new leaves are emerging smaller than previous ones, the cause may be insufficient light or a lack of nutrients. Move the plant to a location with more bright, indirect light. If it has not been fed recently, provide a balanced, half-strength fertilizer during the growing season to encourage larger growth.