Philodendron plowmanii – The Ruffled Elephant Ear of the Tropics
Philodendron plowmanii isn’t just a plant — it’s a statement. With enormous, heart-shaped leaves that ripple at the edges like fabric and shimmer in silvery greens, this crawling beauty brings jungle royalty to any collection.
The real showstopper? That ruffled, pillowy texture. Each leaf looks like it’s been quilted and folded by hand, with bold veins and a leathery sheen. As a crawler, it sends out thick petioles with striking red bases and creeps slowly along the soil — making it perfect for wide, shallow pots and a centrepiece display.
Why This Plant Is a Must-Have:
Massive, quilted foliage – Heart-shaped, veined, and rich in texture
Crawling growth habit – Ideal for wide planters and horizontal displays
Rare and highly collectible – A must-have for serious aroid lovers
Striking petioles – Often red and chunky, adding even more flair
Thrives in bright, indirect light & high humidity
Grow it in a chunky, well-aerated aroid mix, give it warmth and humidity, and watch it unfurl leaf after giant leaf. It’s slower growing, but oh-so worth the wait — a true foliage flex.
Limited stock – Philodendron plowmanii is the crawling, ruffled, jungle queen you didn’t know you needed. Grab yours before it disappears into the canopy.
Philodendron plowmanii - 15cm/50-60cm
The Big Chop
The following aroid mix I would like to share with you is working well for my Philodendron:
- Potting Soil (30%)
- Orchid Bark (30%)
- Perlite (30%)
- Charcoal (5%)
- Worm Castings (5%)
Water thoroughly when watering to mimic tropical jungle conditions. It is best practice to keep the soil humid but never soggy.
