Run your hand over those deeply lobed, finger-like leaves, and you’ll feel why Xanadu is so beloved. Philodendron Xanadu (formerly known as ‘Winterbourn’ and now reclassified under Thaumatophyllum) is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial that forms a dense, fountain-like clump of glossy, dark green leaves, each pinnately divided into numerous wavy, finger-like lobes. Over time, it develops a stout, self-heading stem with prominent leaf scars and may produce aerial roots. While it rarely flowers indoors or in temperate climates, in ideal outdoor conditions it can produce a striking, dark red spathe surrounding a creamy white spadix.
Native to southern Brazil and Paraguay, Xanadu thrives in the Western Cape’s warm, frost-free gardens. It needs full sun to partial shade—bright light maintains its dense, compact form, though protection from harsh afternoon sun is essential. It prefers rich, well-drained soil high in organic matter and requires regular watering, especially during dry summer months, to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Sensitive to severe frost, it’s best suited to sheltered, frost-free gardens or grown in a large movable container. Reaching 1–1.5m tall and 1.5–2m wide, it’s perfect for tropical accents in shaded borders, mass planting as groundcover under trees, or as a stunning architectural feature in a large container.
Key Features:
- Glossy, dark green, finger-like leaves for lush, textured, tropical presence
- Compact, clumping habit—ideal for smaller gardens, foundation plantings, or large containers
- Tolerates both sun and shade; perfect for borders, groundcover, or as a container “thriller”
- Known to help purify the air in indoor and outdoor living spaces
Gardening Note: Plant in sheltered full sun to partial shade in rich, well-drained soil. Protect from harsh afternoon sun, which scorches leaves. Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Apply balanced liquid fertiliser monthly during spring and summer. Sensitive to severe frost; in colder inland areas, grow in a large movable container. Wipe or hose down leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free.
