Philodendron 'Moonlight'
moonlight philodendron
Overview
Philodendron 'Moonlight' is a chartreuse-leaved self-heading philodendron, growing 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall and wide. New leaves emerge bright chartreuse-lime, then mature to medium green over several weeks. Multiple leaf-age stages visible simultaneously create a gradient from lime at the rosette center to green on the outer leaves. Self-heading: compact upright rosette without climbing, requiring no support pole. Compared to other self-heading color types in the same hybrid group: Philodendron 'Rojo Congo' (red new growth), P. 'Prince of Orange' (orange new growth), and 'Moonlight' (chartreuse new growth). Bright indirect light (200–400 foot-candles) produces a more saturated chartreuse; lower light shifts new leaves toward medium green. Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate raphides). Growth rate is moderate — a new leaf every 2–3 weeks in favorable conditions. Propagation by division only. Overwatering causes root rot; allow the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry between waterings. The compact form rarely exceeds 24 inches (60 cm). Native ancestry from tropical Central and South America.
Native Range
Philodendron 'Moonlight' is a garden hybrid.Suggested Uses
Grown in containers of 1–2 gallons (4–8 liters) on tabletops and plant stands in bright indirect light. The self-heading form suits small to medium spaces. The chartreuse new growth is visible in moderate-light positions. Toxic to cats and dogs.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Spathe-and-spadix inflorescence rarely produced indoors. The chartreuse-to-green foliage gradient is the year-round display.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Green-white spadix (rare indoors)Foliage Description
New leaves emerge bright CHARTREUSE-LIME → mature to medium green; multiple stages visible simultaneously — a glowing lime-green center on a green plantGrowing 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 saturated chartreuse. Allow the top inch (2.5 cm) to dry between waterings. Self-heading — no support needed. Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate). Propagate by division.Pruning
Remove yellowed outer leaves at the base. The self-heading habit requires minimal pruning.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons