Grow a Philodendron
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Introduction

One of the oldest plants at the Conservatory is the 100 year-old philodendron that dominates the Lowland Tropics gallery. Towering more than thirty feet high, this gorgeous native of the Amazon Basin was too large to move during the Conservatory's recent restoration when all the other plants were relocated.

During the construction, a large metal cage was built around the plant and covered in plastic to protect it. To help this tropical plant survive our maritime climate as work went on around it, fans and heaters were brought in, as well as misting devices and supplemental lighting.

Before your trip to the Conservatory you might consider bringing a small philodendron into your classroom. A very popular houseplant, it's easy to grow and is available at most plant nurseries.

The class philodendron will provide an excellent context for the Conservatory's centenarian. It's size and age will have more meaning for the students knowing how small a young philodendron is.

Suggested Activities

• Students can begin recording the growth rate of the philodendron on a bi-weekly basis (frequency of data collection can be adjusted to accommodate the growth rate of your plant-more frequently during growth periods). From this collected data they can estimate how many years it will take for their philodendron to reach thirty feet.
• Philodendrons produce aerial roots that grow from the limbs and trunk to the ground, providing additional support in the shallow soils of the rainforest, as well as drawing water and nutrients. Students can measure the growth rate of these roots and contrast that with the growth rate of the stem of the plant that grows up.
• The philodendron is also one of the most effective houseplants for removing pollutants from the air. Students can research the ability of plants to clean the air. The destruction of the Amazon rainforest, "the planet's lungs," is thought to be contributing to the greenhouse effect. Your philodendron can be a jumping off point for a unit on the destruction of the rainforest and what we can do about it.

Growing Your Philodendron

Philodendrons have been grown as houseplants since Victorian times when the Conservatory was originally built. The name derives from the Greek philo, love and dendron, tree.

Philodendrons will thrive in temperatures over 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer moderate to bright light, but no direct light-Don't put them in a sunny windowsill.

Keep the soil evenly moist, watering it until the water drains out of the bottom of the plant's container, then discard the drainage water. The plant will get stressed if the soil dries out often. Stressed too often, it will become susceptible to disease.

The leaves may need to be dusted occasionally. Don't be concerned when the lower leaves drop off, this is natural.

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