Philodendron Xanadu Plant – Thaumatophyllum xanadu (Live Tropical Starter Plant)

The Philodendron Xanadu (Thaumatophyllum xanadu, formerly Philodendron xanadu) is a lush, easy-care tropical that brings instant jungle style indoors or out. It forms large, neat clumps of glossy green, deeply lobed leaves, each one 12 to 18 inches long, in a dense, mounding, cushion-like shape. Unlike many climbing philodendrons, the Philodendron Xanadu stays compact and self-supporting, usually growing about 2 to 3 feet tall. As a result, it has become one of the most popular philodendrons in Florida and a favorite houseplant everywhere else.

Why Grow a Philodendron Xanadu?

• Bold tropical foliage – glossy, deeply lobed green leaves up to 12–18 inches long create a full, sculptural, tropical look.
• Neat clumping habit – forms tidy, self-supporting mounds without climbing or stakes, so it will not sprawl out of bounds.
• Indoor or outdoor – thrives as a houseplant in any climate, and also as a landscape plant in warm zones 9–11.
• Low-maintenance & forgiving – moderately drought-tolerant once established, beginner-friendly, and rarely needs pruning.
• Air-purifying & deer-resistant – also helps freshen indoor air, while deer tend to leave it alone outdoors.

Looking for more greenery? Browse our Indoor Plants and Outdoor Plants collections.

Plant Specifications at a Glance

• Botanical name: Thaumatophyllum xanadu (formerly Philodendron xanadu; also sold as ‘Winterbourn’)
• Plant type: Evergreen, clumping tropical foliage perennial (non-climbing)
• Plant family: Araceae (the arum family)
• Origin: Native to Brazil and Paraguay (South America)
• Mature size: about 2–4 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide, forming a dense mound
• Foliage: Glossy green, deeply lobed leaves 12–18 inches long
• Cold Hardiness Zones: 9–11 (grown as a houseplant in cooler regions)

Philodendron Xanadu Care & Growing Guide

The Philodendron Xanadu is one of the easiest tropicals to grow. Follow these simple guidelines:

• Sunlight: Partial shade to bright, indirect light. Outdoors it takes sun to light shade in mild conditions, though harsh direct sun can scorch the leaves. Indoors, give it bright indirect light.
• Water: Once planted, keep the ground moist for two weeks, then water weekly (skip a week if it rains about a half inch). Let the plant dry out a little between waterings, because too much water can kill any philodendron. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant.
• Soil: Well-drained soil. In addition, planting with a mix of topsoil or organic peat moss and composted cow manure gives it a strong start.
• Cold Hardiness Zone: 9–11. In cooler areas, grow it in a container, so you can bring it indoors before frost.
• Feeding & pruning: Do not fertilize for the first year, then feed about three times a year (spring, summer, and fall) with a quality slow-release granular fertilizer such as Osmocote. You will rarely need to trim it, since its clumping habit forms an attractive cushion shape on its own.

Good to know: like all philodendrons, Xanadu is toxic to people, cats, and dogs if ingested, because it contains calcium oxalate, and the sap can irritate skin. Therefore, keep it away from pets and small children, and consider wearing gloves when handling it.

Ways to Use Philodendron Xanadu

This versatile tropical works inside and out. Popular uses for the Philodendron Xanadu include:

• Statement houseplant for living rooms, offices, and bright corners
• Also a patio and container plant for a tropical feel
• Mass plantings and groundcover in warm-climate landscapes
• Similarly, borders, foundations, and shady garden beds
• Tropical and poolside garden designs

It pairs well with other lush, warm-climate plants. For example, gardeners often combine it with the tropical White Jade Pineapple or the upright evergreen Podocarpus Macrophyllus for layered texture.

What You’ll Receive

These are live Philodendron Xanadu starter plants, grown and shipped by Carlo’s Plant Farm. Each plant is less than 12 inches tall when we ship it. The listing photos show mature plants of the same species. That way, you can see how yours will look as they grow. Finally, choose your preferred bundle size using the options above.

Also, due to different state laws, we reserve the right to charge extra fees where necessary to comply.

Ordering, Shipping & Returns

Every order ships free and is insured against loss or damage in transit. For full details on how we pack and send your plants, processing and delivery times, and what to do in the rare case of a problem, please review our Shipping Policy and Terms & Conditions before purchasing. By placing an order, you agree to those terms.

Philodendron Xanadu FAQ

Growing & Care Questions

Hardiness, Buying & Shipping Questions