Philodendron subhastatum

Morphology

About

Philodendron subhastatum is a true climbing hemiepiphyte from the cloud forests of Ecuador and Peru, prized for the striking contrast between its two leaf faces. The elongated, arrow-shaped leaves have a glossy, semi-glossy deep-green upper surface, while the underside carries a rich burgundy-purple wash that shows through at the margins and whenever a leaf twists toward the light. New growth is especially dramatic — emergent leaves flush a distinct coppery bronze-red before settling into their mature green as they harden off. Like most climbing Philodendron species, it wants a moss pole or similar support to climb, producing visible aerial roots along a steadily lengthening stem as it matures.