Philodendron mayoi is part of the Araceae family and its native range is Brazil (Brasília D.F., Goiás). It is a scrambling subshrub and grows primarily in the seasonally dry tropical biome. Eduardo G. Gonçalves described P. mayoi as “Terrestrial, creeping, scandent or hemiepiphytic herb.” It produces adventitious roots along its green petiole. Leaves are pinnatifid and dark green. It is noted to grow in ravines along streams or on limestone outcrops.
Genus name comes from the Greek ‘philo’ meaning loving and ‘dendro’ meaning tree.
Specific epithet honours Dr. Simon J Mayo of The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, who first noted this species as new.
Pot: ø 12cm.
Height: Approximately 20cm from base of pot.
Light: Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive.
Water: Allow the first 2-3 inches of mix to dry out, pour water slowly over the top and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes.
Potting mix: A well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark and worm castings. Our Potting mix would be ideal.
Fertilising: Feed your plant every other watering during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: 18-27°C.
Humidity: This plant would prefer higher humidity but adapts well to average home humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Philodendron are toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children.