Philodendron spiritus-sancti - 10.5cm pot / 25cm
Philodendron spiritus-sancti. If that name has been sitting on your plant wishlist, I completely understand why.
Those long, elegant leaves have a wonderfully dramatic outline: a narrow blade stretching down from two distinct upper lobes. As the plant matures, the shape becomes increasingly striking. It's the sort of foliage that makes a whole collection feel a little more serious, even if the owner is standing there in pyjamas getting excited about a new leaf.
The species is native to Espírito Santo in southeastern Brazil. That very particular home is part of its story, and a much more interesting detail than simply calling everything 'rare'. Spiritus-sancti is a climbing aroid, so support, warmth and a comfortable growing environment help it develop towards that extraordinary mature form.
I would adopt this for the long game. Watch the leaves lengthen, learn its rhythm and enjoy growing a plant you've probably admired in someone else's collection for ages.
There is something very satisfying about looking at your own shelf and realising the wishlist plant finally lives there.
