Philodendron spiritus-sancti - Rare Philodendron with long and elegant leaves

Philodendron spiritus-sancti is one of the best-known and most highly prized collector Philodendron species, noted for its very long, narrow, elegant leaves with an elongated shape and sculptural appearance.

The species is native to the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, where it grows in humid tropical forests. Kew recognizes Philodendron spiritus-sancti G.S.Bunting as an accepted botanical species and describes it as a hemi-epiphytic vine with long, triangular-elongated, characteristic leaves. 

It is an exceptional plant for Araceae collections and, as it matures, can develop impressive leaves with an elegant growth habit that is very distinct from classic Philodendrons.

🌿 Botanical characteristics

• Botanical name: Philodendron spiritus-sancti G.S.Bunting

• Family: Araceae

• Origin: Espírito Santo, Brazil

• Plant type: tropical hemi-epiphytic vine

• Growth habit: climbing

• Leaves: very long, narrow, elongated, with a pointed tip

• Color: deep green, with the underside slightly lighter

• Petiole: long, dark green

• Growth: moderate under stable conditions

• Use: houseplant, tropical greenhouses, and collections of rare Araceae

The botanical specimens described by Kew have leaves approximately 57-63 cm long, although cultivated plants may have leaves with slightly different proportions. 

☀️ Growing conditions and care

• Light: prefers bright, indirect light; avoid intense direct sunlight

• Watering: moderate; allow the substrate to dry slightly at the surface between waterings

• Substrate: very airy, well-draining, and rich in organic matter

• Humidity: appreciates moderate to high atmospheric humidity

• Temperature: prefers approximately 20-28°C

• Ventilation: good air circulation is important, especially in high-humidity conditions

• Fertilization: moderate during the active growth period

• Support: benefits from a stake or vertical support, which encourages the development of larger, more mature leaves

• Cold tolerance: does not tolerate frost and must be protected from low temperatures and cold drafts

🌱 Secret Garden substrate recommendation

👉 For optimal development, we recommend the Secret Garden Professional Substrate for Monstera & Araceae – SG PREMIUM MIX, specially formulated for plants in the Araceae family. Its structure provides excellent drainage, aeration, and an optimal level of moisture retention.

➡️ View the product: https://secretgarden.ro/products/substrat-monstera

✨ What makes it special

• rare botanical species highly prized by collectors

• extremely long and elegant leaves

• distinctive, easily recognizable silhouette

• tropical, architectural appearance

• becomes increasingly spectacular as it matures

• suitable for collections of Philodendron and rare Araceae

• very restricted origin, in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil

• species of exceptional botanical and horticultural importance

📌 Note: 

The appearance of cultivated plants may vary depending on age, growing conditions, and horticultural origin. Young plants may have shorter leaves or different proportions from mature specimens.

Leaves may have small spots, scratches, bends, dry edges, or other aesthetic imperfections resulting from growth, handling, or transport. These characteristics do not normally affect the plant's viability.

Height including pot approx. 15 -20  cm 

Product available with advance payment.