Philodendron billietiae ‘Variegata’
 
Some plants are expensive because somebody decided they should be.
This isn’t one of them.
 
Philodendron billietiae ‘Variegata’ is one of those plants that earns every bit of its reputation. Native to the rainforests of French Guiana, Brazil and Guyana, the normal green billietiae is already an incredible species. Then nature decided to throw in patches of cream, lime and yellow, creating one of the most sought after variegated philodendrons in the world.
 
No two are ever the same.
One leaf might emerge almost entirely green. The next could be splashed with half a pint of custard. That unpredictability is exactly why collectors become obsessed with them. You’re not buying a plant. You’re buying every leaf it hasn’t grown yet.
 
As it matures, the leaves become ridiculously long and elegant, hanging from vibrant orange stems that almost look painted on. Give it something to climb and it transforms from a nice plant into something that dominates a room.
 
It isn’t difficult to grow, but it does appreciate being treated like the rainforest plant it is. Bright indirect light, a chunky airy mix and watering once the soil has started to dry are pretty much all it’s asking for. Higher humidity will reward you with faster growth and bigger leaves, but it’ll happily grow in the average home too.
 
This is one of those plants that visitors notice before you’ve even made them a cup of tea.
If you’ve been waiting for the right variegated statement plant, you’ve probably just found it.
What it loves
 
Bright indirect light
A chunky free draining aroid mix
Watering once the top of the compost begins to dry
Warm temperatures and a bit of humidity
Something to climb as it matures
 
Because let’s face it…
Life’s too short for boring green leaves.