Cultivar guide · Philodendron hastatum
Silver Sword Philodendron
Long, narrow, arrow-shaped leaves with a metallic silver-blue sheen on top and a pale silver-green underside. Juvenile leaves are smaller and more silvery; mature climbing leaves elongate dramatically.
Family
Araceae
Classification
species
Mature size
4–6 ft on a moss pole; juvenile leaves 4–6 inches, mature 8–16 inches
Pet safety
toxic to cats and dogs
Care at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect light — silver sheen fades in low light
- Water
- Water when top 1–2 inches of soil are dry
- Humidity
- 50–60%
- Temperature
- 65–80°F (18–27°C)
How to tell it apart from look-alikes
IUCN Red List classifies P. hastatum as Endangered in its native Brazilian habitat — cultivated specimens are widely available and not from the wild. Sometimes mislabeled "Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum" (the same plant).
Pet safety: Silver Sword Philodendron is toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA.
Botanical reference: Kew Plants of the World Online — Philodendron hastatum
For full care of the parent species, see the Philodendron care guide.