Habitat:
Philodendron billietiae is native to northern Brazil (Amapá), French Guiana, and Guyana. It occurs in lowland tropical rainforest, typically found growing as a terrestrial or hemiepiphytic climber along humid forest margins, riverbanks, or seasonally inundated woodland, usually below 600 metres elevation. It grows in deep shade, rooting at the base of trees or scrambling among understory vegetation.
Description:
Philodendron billietiae is a striking climbing aroid prized for its dramatic elongated sagittate (arrow-shaped) leaves and vibrant petiole colouration. Mature leaf blades are narrowly triangular to sagittate, typically measuring 30–60 cm long and 15–25 cm wide, with a deep sinus and pronounced posterior lobes. The upper surface is semi-glossy, dark green, and the underside is paler. Petioles are distinctly terete, wingless, and notably orange to coppery in colour, ranging from 40 to 80 cm in length, which gives the plant its characteristic visual appeal. The stem is slender, climbing with short internodes and bearing clasping aerial roots. Inflorescences, rarely seen in cultivation, consist of a greenish spathe enclosing a cream to white spadix, around 15–18 cm long. The species is closely allied to Philodendron atabapoense but differs by its thicker leaves, shorter internodes, and vivid petiole pigmentation.
Cultivation:
Grow Philodendron billietiae in bright, indirect light. Maintain daytime temperatures between 22–28 °C and nighttime lows of 16–20 °C. It thrives in high humidity (70–90%) and should be supported with a moss pole or stake to encourage upright growth. Use a well-aerated, fast-draining mix composed of orchid bark, coco coir, perlite, and leaf mould. Water thoroughly when the top few centimetres of substrate become dry, avoiding prolonged dryness or saturation. This species prefers a slightly acidic pH (5.8–6.5). Apply a balanced, diluted fertiliser every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Best suited to indoor tropical collections, warm conservatories, or greenhouses.
Specifications:
Plant Size: established young plants with leaves 20-30 cm
Plant Family: Araceae
Plant Passport: Philodendron billietiae B 140084 C [user input] D GB