Philodendron scandens, Climbing Philodendron. C17

The climbing Philodendron has heart-shaped leaves, 10 cm long, bright green and short stalked. It produces adventitious roots along the stem. There are varieties with variegated leaves.

They are often used as houseplants in rooms, even heated rooms. It can either hang or climb on a moss stake, in the latter case the leaves will be larger.

The ideal location for this plant would be a semi-shaded corner protected from draughts and direct sunlight. The temperature should not drop below 18°C, and it can even reach 30°C.

The soil it likes best should be well drained, fertile and light, e.g. a mixture of garden soil, coarse sand and heath soil.

It should be watered in autumn, winter and spring just enough to keep the soil a little moist. In summer, water more often (best with lime-free water) and spray the leaves with lukewarm water from time to time.

This plant does not need pruning as such, but it is a good idea to pinch off the tips to encourage new stems with more leaves to appear.

Ideally, fertilise with mineral fertiliser every 20 days during spring and summer.

It can be propagated from stem cuttings which have some axillary leaves.