The gardening boom in the Sultanate has been palpable the past few years, partly due to the pandemic and partly, due to the ongoing pressures of a modern lifestyle.
While some are seeking to escape through nature, others are almost terraforming their home gardens into tropical sanctuaries.
Though large florals still reign supreme in the local house plant market, foliage plants like philodendrons have captured many a gardeners’ heart for their vast variety, stunning greenery and ease of care.
They can also be cheap to boot! Listen, you do not need to break the bank to brighten up your backyard. All you need is the space, the time and most importantly, the patience.
Though it can be said that some philodendrons on this list were pricier at a time, but with how the house plant market functions as well as supply and demand, these plants have depreciated in value over the year.
Here are among the top five easy-to-grow and low-cost philodendrons for your garden.
GREEN TIPS AND TRICKS
Before we delve into the list, here I bring quick botanical tidings about philodendrons’ growth habitat. To keep it simple, a good majority of them will want to climb.
The philodendrons on this list are hemiepiphytes, which means they spend a portion of their lives as epiphytes. Epiphytes on the other hand, are plants that grow on other plants but unlike parasites, they derive no nutrients or water directly from their host.
Consequently, hemiepiphytic philodendrons start their life cycle, high up in the canopy where the seed initially sprouts. They initially grow as epiphytes however once they reach a certain maturity, they will begin producing aerial roots that grow downwards until they are firmly rooted within the forest floor.
With this in mind, the philodendrons on this list can thrive in low-light and will benefit the most when given a moss pole to attach themselves to and climb on, because the sooner they climb the sooner they mature.
They enjoy light and airy soil medium that can retain moisture yet not get waterlogged. A medium made out of coco peat, perlite, some pumice and coco chips will serve these plants well. You can adjust the ingredients according to your environment and plant-care style.
PHILODENDRON HASTATUM OR SILVER SWORD
True to its name, the philodendron hastatum is striking with its metallic silver leaves and is sure to be a captivating addition for any garden.
A juvenile of this plant is easy to find in local plant markets and even online with some costing less than BND8 – a bang for your buck – especially for a plant that grows this robustly.
A juvenile with its distinct, almost oval-shaped leaves which are tapered, will easily mature into lance-like leaves in mere months, provided it is grown with the right conditions.
A mature specimen can add drama and elegance to the garden despite demanding little attention. It fares well in low to moderate light conditions but bear in mind, its silver sheen is dependent on the amount of light it receives.
When it does not receive enough light, the leaves are a glossy mint green, which is still stunning, especially when it is place among sea of rich and deep greens.
The philodendron hastatum is an ideal choice for budget-conscious plant enthusiasts seeking a statement piece.
PHILODENDRON GIGAS
For those seeking a unique specimen, the philodendron gigas fits the bill. Its heart-shaped leaves can grow massive, with recorded wild specimens being able to easily dwarf an adult Western male.
The gigas, as it name suggests, is a plant of grandeur that can function as a majestic focal point in any garden. Its velvet leaves are soft to the touch, its foliage are a mesmerising deep green which is further accented by its light green veining, all in all, the gigas in its peak form is a sight to behold.
A juvenile gigas may come at a higher price point, ranging between BND10 to BND20 but it’s an excellent long-term investment, just by its ability to grow immensely even within a controlled environment and little effort.
A small word of warning however, during seasons of heavy winds, you might have to anchor your gigas well, especially when it reaches a certain size. The leaves will act like sails often toppling even the largest of planters, so keep this in mind when thinking of a location to place it.
PHILODENDRON MELANOCHRYSUM
The philodendron melanochrysum, also known as the black gold philodendron, is similar in many ways to the gigas. They have velvety leaves ranging from deep green to almost black and also has the capacity to grow exceedingly large.
However, between the two, the melanochrysum is favoured more and is valued slightly higher than the gigas due to its classic, mainstay beauty.
Whereas the gigas’ silhouette is dull and rounded, the melanochrysum is more elongated and absolutely shield-like. It has a rough edge to it, yet it is also graceful in the rich shades of its foliage. Among all the philodendrons in this list, the melanochrysum is the only one that takes its time.
It has a moderate growth rate and judging by the vertical symmetry in its growth habit, this plant is a practical choice for those with limited space.
PHILODENDRON LUPINUM
Now, the philodendron lupinum is somewhat of a novelty philodendron, due to the sheer difference between its juvenile and mature form. They cost no more than a regular pothos nowadays, but the lupinum is some kind of magic.
Most plants increase in size when they mature, barely changing shape, and texture or growth habit. The lupinum however completely shapeshifts.
As a juvenile, it starts out with heart-shaped leaves that have a velvety surface with an abaxial (underside of the leaves) that is maroon coloured.
The tinted underside is a light-catching adaptation for understory plants – plants that grow completely shaded by the canopy and are only exposed to flecks of sunlight.
When the lupinum matures however, the velvet texture and the maroon abaxial disappear, giving way to foliage that are wonderfully v-shaped, glossy and creased.
It is a completely different plant and the transformation truly reflects the marvels of nature, which makes it a good conversation piece for the garden.
PHILODENDRON ERUBESCENS OR PAINTED LADY
The philodendron painted lady, also known as philodendron erubescens, is a captivating plant with its distinctive, vibrant pinkish-orange foliage.
As a garden piece, it breaks the rhythm of green and effortlessly adds a pop of colour to any garden, especially with its almost salmon coloured stem.
If you peer closely at the leaves, you’ll notice where it gets its name. The variegation of this plant is ethereal akin to warring brush strokes on a glossy canvas.
You won’t see where the two colours begin or end, instead it’s a patchwork of sunset colours.
The painted lady can also grow anywhere and in any lighting, however, like the silver sword, its variegation will depend on the light it receives, appearing more green than yellow with less light.
Gardening enthusiasts on a budget with an eye for aesthetics can delight in these five easy and affordable varieties as they provide a range of captivating options for every taste and space.
These resilient and low-maintenance plants are sure to thrive with minimal effort, rewarding their caretakers with the beauty of lush foliage and adding a touch of elegance to their homes without compromising their wallets. Happy gardening! – Wardi Wasil
