The Philodendron ‘Dean McDowell’ is a popular and sought-after houseplant, prized for its distinctive appearance. Its impressive foliage and relatively manageable care requirements make it a favorite among both novice and experienced plant parents. This hybrid plant offers a striking tropical aesthetic to any indoor space.
Understanding the Dean McDowell Philodendron
The Philodendron ‘Dean McDowell’ is a hybrid resulting from a cross between Philodendron gloriosum and Philodendron pastazanum, developed by John Banta in 1988. This plant is recognized for its large, heart-shaped or roundish leaves, which can reach up to 2 feet long. The foliage presents a deep green hue with prominent, often white or cream-colored, deeply set veins, giving the leaves a slightly ruffled or quilted appearance.
This Philodendron exhibits a terrestrial or creeping growth habit, meaning it spreads horizontally along the soil surface rather than climbing vertically. This unique growth pattern allows its stems to root into the soil as it expands, anchoring the plant and contributing to its sprawling, lush look. When young leaves first emerge, they can display a soft pink tint before transitioning to their mature rich green color.
Essential Care Guide
Light Needs
The Philodendron ‘Dean McDowell’ thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. Placing the plant near a window with filtered sunlight or several feet away from a bright window. Direct sunlight can scorch its large leaves, causing burn marks. Conversely, insufficient light can result in slower growth and smaller foliage.
Watering Practices
Allowing the top one to two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering poses a greater risk to this plant than underwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Water thoroughly until excess water drains from the pot’s bottom, ensuring the plant is not left sitting in standing water. During the growing season in spring and summer, the plant typically requires more frequent watering, while in fall and winter, the frequency should be reduced.
Humidity and Temperature
This tropical plant prefers warm temperatures, 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It also benefits from moderate to high humidity levels, 60% and 80%. In drier indoor environments, increase humidity using a humidifier, placing the plant on a pebble tray with water, or grouping it with other plants. Avoiding cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations helps maintain plant health.
Soil and Potting
An ideal soil mix for Philodendron ‘Dean McDowell’ is well-draining, airy, and rich in organic matter. A suitable mix includes coco coir, perlite, and orchid bark. Worm castings or compost can enrich the medium. When selecting a pot, drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, and consider wider, shallower pots to accommodate its creeping growth habit. Repotting may be necessary yearly to refresh the potting medium and provide more space for growth, moving to a pot only one size larger to avoid overwatering issues.
Fertilization
During its active growing season, spring and summer, fertilize the Philodendron ‘Dean McDowell’ with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Applying a diluted solution, often at half strength, once a month. Fertilization should be reduced or stopped during the dormant fall and winter months when the plant’s growth slows. Over-fertilization can harm the plant.
Propagating Dean McDowell Philodendron
Propagating the Philodendron ‘Dean McDowell’ can be effectively done through stem cuttings. To take a cutting, select a healthy stem that includes at least one node, which is the point where a leaf or aerial root emerges. Make the cut just below this node using clean, sharp shears.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or a moist medium such as sphagnum moss or a mix of perlite and moss. If rooting in water, ensure the node is submerged, and change the water every few days. Roots can begin to develop in as little as 3-5 weeks. Once roots are a few inches long, transplant into a well-draining potting mix. For creeping philodendrons, if the stem is already rooted along the soil, cutting between rooted nodes can create new plantlets.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Owners of Philodendron ‘Dean McDowell’ may encounter a few common issues. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering; allow the topsoil to dry thoroughly between waterings. Conversely, brown, crispy leaf edges point to low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity or adjust watering frequency.
Stunted growth can be a sign of insufficient light or nutrient deficiencies. Ensuring the plant receives adequate indirect light and a regular feeding schedule during the growing season can promote healthier development. Common pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Regular inspection helps early detection, and prompt treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil can manage infestations.