Philodendron basii is an easy grower for us here in South Florida, and a new leaf is cause for celebration. (We're easily entertained). Even with my heavy fertilizer hand, this Philo will quite probably remain scarce in collections. Hailing from low elevations in from Mexico, this unusual Philo grows in a little drier conditions than most others.
It likes to scramble along the ground with its swollen stems. It can be made to climb as well, but you'd better have a stout totem since this Philos stems get as big around as your arm!
P. basii isn't easy to confuse with any other species, but the stems are reminiscent of P. warszewiczii and it is thought to be closely related. While not the absolute largest Philo we grow, the leaf still grows to a very respectable 2 ft long and 18" wide.
