philodendron mcdowell care Philodendron Dean McDowell

philodendron mcdowell care Philodendron Dean McDowellPhilodendron 'Dean McDowell' (gloriosum pastazanum) Philodendron 'Dean McDowell' is a large crawling Philodendron hybrid created from Philodendron gloriosum and Philodendron pastazanum. It grows from a creeping stem that travels across the substrate surface, producing broad heart shaped leaves with pale venation and a softly textured, quilted look as the plant matures. The crawling stem needs horizontal room to advance, with each node able to touch

Philodendron 'Dean McDowell' (gloriosum × pastazanum)

Philodendron 'Dean McDowell' is a large crawling Philodendron hybrid created from Philodendron gloriosum and Philodendron pastazanum. It grows from a creeping stem that travels across the substrate surface, producing broad heart-shaped leaves with pale venation and a softly textured, quilted look as the plant matures.

The crawling stem needs horizontal room to advance, with each node able to touch the substrate and root as it moves. A wide planter lets the leading stem extend across the mix, settle at the surface and root from successive nodes.

Broad veined leaves on a crawling stem

• Parentage: Philodendron gloriosum × Philodendron pastazanum.
• Growth habit: Creeping stem that travels across the substrate surface.
• Foliage: Broad cordate leaves with pale venation and a softly raised surface.
• Pot shape: Best matched with a wider container that allows the leading stem to keep moving.
• Maturity cue: Large leaves develop more reliably when new nodes root into the mix and emerging blades expand in steady humidity.

Wide-planter growth from gloriosum × pastazanum

Philodendron 'Dean McDowell' was created by John Banta in 1988 from Philodendron gloriosum × Philodendron pastazanum and named after his friend Dean McDowell. The parent species are South American Philodendron species from wet tropical regions: Philodendron gloriosum is native to Colombia, while Philodendron pastazanum is native from Ecuador to Peru.

The visible stem should sit on or just above the substrate, with nodes in contact with the mix. Burying the stem too deeply can trap moisture around the growth points, while leaving the leading stem unsupported at the pot edge can slow new root formation. A loose top layer of airy mix helps new roots enter the substrate as the plant expands.

Even moisture, airy mix and horizontal stem contact

• Light: Provide bright indirect light, around 10,000–20,000 lux, to support large leaves while protecting the soft surface from scorch.
• Watering: Water once the top 30–40% of the mix has dried; the creeping stem performs best with even moisture and good oxygen around the roots.
• Substrate: Use a chunky but moisture-retentive aroid mix with bark, coco fibre, perlite or pumice and a small humus fraction.
• Pot shape: Repot sideways into a wider planter when the leading stem reaches the pot edge.
• Humidity: Aim for 60% or higher where possible, especially while large new leaves expand.
• Temperature: Keep at 18–28°C and protect the root zone from cold floors and winter draughts.
• Feeding: Feed at low to moderate strength in active growth to keep new leaves well sized and evenly coloured.
• Repotting: Position the creeping stem on top of the mix with nodes touching the substrate, then secure it gently if needed.

Leaf tears, edge marks and smaller new leaves

• New leaf tears: Often linked to low humidity, handling or cramped growth; give the next leaf more space and stable moisture.
• Yellowing around the stem base: Check whether the creeping stem is buried too deeply or sitting in constantly wet mix.
• Brown leaf edges: Look for dry root pockets, low humidity or fertiliser buildup in the substrate.
• Small new leaves: Usually means the plant needs stronger indirect light, healthier roots or more horizontal room.
• Pale speckling: Inspect the broad leaf backs carefully for spider mites or thrips.

Pet and child safety

Philodendron 'Dean McDowell' is toxic if ingested. Like other Philodendron plants, it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouth and throat. Keep cuttings, damaged leaves and pruning waste away from pets and small children.

John Banta, Dean McDowell and the parent species

Philodendron belongs to Araceae, and the genus name comes from Greek roots meaning “tree-loving”. Philodendron 'Dean McDowell' is a documented gloriosum × pastazanum hybrid named for Dean McDowell.

Choose Philodendron 'Dean McDowell' for a broad-leaved crawling Philodendron with pale venation, horizontal growth and a wide-planter habit.