Philodendron hastatum
silver sword philodendron
Brazil — Atlantic Forest; ENDANGERED in the wild
Overview
Philodendron hastatum is the silver sword philodendron, climbing 36–72 inches (90–180 cm). Elongated arrowhead-shaped (hastate) leaves 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) long in metallic silvery-blue — the species name 'hastatum' means 'spear-shaped.' The metallic blue-silver sheen on the leaf surface is produced by a wax layer on the epidermis. Climbing on a moss pole or trellis increases both leaf size and the intensity of the silver coloring; trailing specimens produce smaller, less silvery leaves. Endangered in the wild: native to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, where habitat destruction has reduced wild populations. The species is widely cultivated but remains at risk in its native range. Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate raphides). Bright indirect light maintains the silver sheen; low light shifts the color toward dull green. Fast-growing when climbing. Allow the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry between waterings. Propagates from single-node stem cuttings in moist sphagnum or water. The silver coloring is present on both leaf surfaces, though more pronounced on the upper surface.
Native Range
Philodendron hastatum is native to Brazil — Atlantic Forest. ENDANGERED in the wild.Suggested Uses
Grown on a moss pole or trellis in containers of 2–5 gallons (8–20 liters) in bright indirect light. Climbing support increases leaf size and silver intensity. Toxic to cats and dogs.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Spathe-and-spadix inflorescence rarely produced indoors. The metallic silvery-blue foliage is the year-round display.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Green-white spadix (rare indoors)Foliage Description
Metallic SILVERY-BLUE, elongated arrowhead (hastate) shape, glossy — the silver sword bladeGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Bright indirect light for the most pronounced silver coloring. Allow the top inch (2.5 cm) to dry between waterings. Moss pole support increases leaf size and silver intensity. Endangered in the wild. Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate).Pruning
Prune to control vine length. Stem cuttings with a node propagate in moist sphagnum or water.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons