Philodendron 'Birkin'

Plant name: Philodendron ‘Birkin’

Scientific name: Philodendron ‘Birkin’

Plant description:
Philodendron ‘Birkin’ is a compact, self-heading tropical plant grown for its bold pinstriped foliage. This cultivar forms a tight clump of upright stems rather than trailing vines, making it suitable for tabletops and decorative containers. The plant is believed to be a mutation of Philodendron ‘Rojo Congo’ and is valued for its stable cream-to-white striping across deep green leaves.

Flower description:
Mature plants may produce a typical aroid inflorescence consisting of a pale green spathe and spadix. Flowers are uncommon indoors and are not considered ornamental.

Leaf description:
Leaves are oval to slightly elongated with a glossy surface and strong central rib. Each leaf features fine cream or white pinstripes radiating from the midrib across a dark green background. New leaves often emerge lighter before deepening in color as they mature. Leaves typically reach 6–10 inches long indoors.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen tropical perennial.

USDA grow zones:
Zones 10–12 outdoors; grown as a houseplant in all zones.

Mature height and width:
2–3 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide indoors.

Landscape uses:
Primarily used as an indoor ornamental plant in containers. Suitable for desks, shelves, and living areas where structured foliage adds contrast. In frost-free climates, it can be grown outdoors in shaded patios or protected garden beds.

Native range:
The parent species of this hybrid originate from tropical regions of Central and South America. ‘Birkin’ is a cultivated selection.

Sun exposure:
Bright, indirect light promotes strong striping and compact growth. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch leaves. Low light may reduce contrast in the variegation.

Water requirements:
Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. Use a well-draining tropical potting mix with good aeration. Avoid prolonged soil saturation, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering frequency during cooler months.

Pests and problems:
May be susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and thrips. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering. Variegation patterns may vary over time, and occasional reversion can occur.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Prefers temperatures between 65–85°F. Tolerates normal indoor warmth and moderate humidity. Direct afternoon sun can cause leaf burn, especially on lighter striped areas.

Cold tolerance:
Not cold hardy. Damage may occur below 50°F. Protect from cold drafts and freezing temperatures.

Growing tips:
Use a container with drainage holes to prevent excess moisture buildup. Provide consistent bright, indirect light to maintain strong striping. Feed monthly during active growth with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Rotate the plant regularly for even growth. Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust and maintain healthy foliage appearance.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.