Thaumatophyllum xanaduThis plant was originally called Philodendron bipinnatifidum 'Winterbourn' was thought to be a selected chance seedling that arose in 1983 in a Western Australian nursery. It was protected under Plant Breeder Rights in Australia. It was renamed 'Xanadu' by House Plants of Australia and released as their 1988 Plant of the Year. It now seems likely that the plant is not a cultivar at all but actually originated from seed collected from a wild plant in Brazil and the name has been reclassified as Thaumatophyllum xanadu.
The plant belongs to the Araceae family of plants and some of them become enormous and climb to great heights. However this one is a popular and compact plant for creating a tropical effect where there is not a lot of available space for some of the larger-leaved foliage plants. It grows to around 75 cm in height and eventually makes a 1-2m-wide clump. It needs no attention once established, apart from occasional watering and some fertiliser once a year.
Philodendron Xanadu with other shade-loving plants at Central Park, SydneyA part or dappled shade position amongst other tropical-looking plants suits it best - I grow mine amongst bromeliads, Alocasia, bird's nest ferns, giant Liriope, cane Begonia and Abutilon. It is well suited to life outdoors in Sydney; but in colder regions, it can be grown as a patio plant, or indoors, as long as there is sufficient indirect light. Too much sun, especially afternoon sun, can bleach the leaves. Heavy shade can make it leggy. It can be propagated by division.
Potted golden version of Philodendron Xanadu, at left, in the garden of Jill Hankinson in SydneyThere is a golden form of this plant, which is very beautiful. However, it seems slower-growing than the green version. It is wonderful for bringing light into shady areas and grows well in a pot, as illustrated at right.
This plant is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Sap can also cause skin irritation.