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Birkin Philodendron

Philodendron (fil-oh-DEN-dron BIR-kin)

Family: Araceae Unknown Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

This popular, evergreen, herbaceous perennial houseplant is a member of the arum family (Araceae). Philodendron 'Birkin' has glossy, dark green leaves with pinstripes of creamy white, yellow, or light green. The variegated pattern is different on each leaf, and as the plant matures the stripes become more pronounced. The plant has an erect and compact growth habit and may grow from 6 inches to 3 feet tall and equally as wide. The stems are thick and upright. This plant can produce flowers; however, the unique and stunning foliage is the main attraction. The flowers consist of a spadix and a greenish-white spathe. As with most houseplants, it rarely flowers indoors. It is unclear the origin of this hybrid. It is believed to be either a rare mutation of the Philodendron 'Rojo Congo' or a hybrid of the cultivars Philodendron 'Congo' and Philodendron 'Imperial Green.' Philodendron 'Birkin' prefers bright, filtered sunlight. Too much sun will scorch its leaves. It thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils of loam and sand and warm, humid conditions. The room temperature should range from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity level between 50 to 60%. This plant is not frost-tolerant, and cold drafts should be avoided. The bathroom may be a great place to accommodate the recommended warm and humid conditions. The plant may be propagated by stem cuttings. This decorative, compact houseplant with a self-heading habit is perfect for a desk, tabletop or shelf in a home or office. The striking foliage has great visual appeal and will add brightness to your living space. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems : Monitor for spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Overwatering can cause root rot and yellowing leaves, and leaf spots can occur if the leaves get wet during watering. Insufficient light can result in loss of variegation and leggy growth or small leaves. Brown leaf tips indicate a lack of humidity. More information on Philodendron .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 47 attributes.

How it fits the guild

Guild layer 4 - Herbaceous (3-15 ft) Optimal soil pH Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
See companions & conflicts ↓

Companions & Conflicts

Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.

No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.

Also noted by NC State

Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.

Fills a similar niche Alocasia Anthurium andraeanum Begonia – Rex Types

Full plant profile

Growing Conditions
Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial; Houseplant
Life cycle
Perennial
USDA zones
10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
Light
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
Soil texture
Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
3 feet-6 feet
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in. | Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Dense; Erect
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Cream/Tan; Gold/Yellow; Green; Variegated
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Cordate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Glossy
Leaf value
Showy
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
The leaves are thick, glossy, heart-shaped and dark green with pin-striped variegations of creamy white, yellow or light green. Each leaf is unique and different, and the pinstripes are more pronounced as the leaves mature.
Flower color
Green; White
Flower form
Spadix
Flower detail
The flower consists of a spadix with a greenish-white spathe. Houseplants usually do not flower.
Stem detail
The stems are thick and upright.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Play value
Colorful; Easy to Grow
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Houseplants; Patio
Design feature
Accent; Specimen
Garden tags
#houseplant #problem for dogs #low maintenance #problem for cats #interesting leaves #container plant #contact dermatitis #poisonous if ingested #variegated #acidic soils tolerant #problem for children #herbaceous perennial
Problems & Resistance
Insect problems
Banded Greenhouse Thrips
Problems
Contact Dermatitis; Poisonous to Humans; Problem for Cats; Problem for Children; Problem for Dogs
Resistant to
Deer; Humidity; Rabbits
Propagation
Stem Cutting
Poison severity
Low
Poison parts
Flowers; Fruits; Leaves; Roots; Sap/Juice; Seeds
Poison symptoms
If any part of the plant is ingested by humans or pets, it may cause pain and swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. Excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and loss of speech may also result. The spa can cause skin irritation.
Toxic principle
Calcium oxalate crystals
Contact dermatitis
Yes
Toxicity summary
Low severity poison; parts: Flowers; Fruits; Leaves; Roots; Sap/Juice; Seeds; contact dermatitis

Planted at Hunnicutt

Nobody’s planted this one yet.