"All-American" Houseplant, Philodendron

Do you agree that Philodendron is a prime example of the all-American houseplant? With origins in hot and humid climates, Philodendrons are actually quite exotic… not just apple pie and ice cream, but those sweet things plus a healthy measure of exotic flair, based on their rainforest roots.

The “all-American” part comes from the fact that once in the United States, these plants took their place among the nation’s favorite houseplants. With an earlier introduction centuries prior, the Philodendron became a ubiquitous home décor item in the U.S. during the 1950s and 1960s. Picture a cul-de-sac with newly built homes in the style we now call Mid-Century Modern. Look behind the doors of those houses, and I am pretty sure there would be a good chance of finding a Philodendron on display.

What Is Philodendron Birkin?

Pothos and Philodendron… I tend to think that these are two types of houseplants, plants that happen to be of two different genera, that are familiar to most of us. For Philodendron, I suspect that the first image that comes to mind has simple green tones, shapely leaves, and a vining/trailing nature. But Philodendron is a broad genus comprised of more than 450 species. Subdued green, with simple and heart-shaped foliage… well, not always. The options are numerous and encompass everything from the simplest to the most decorative plants.

For one that falls within the latter category of highly decorative plants, Philodendron 'Birkin' is a lovely dark green plant with creamy or pale yellow pinstripes to accentuate the curves of each leaf. This is no run-of-the-mill houseplant. You will not find this one in every home in the cul-de-sac. In fact, going back in time to find it would be impossible because it is a new and very rare plant that has its attractive looks resulting from what is referred to as an unstable mutation. 

It is the pinstripes on Birkin that catch the eye. Those creamy stripes and overall good looks come courtesy of a mutation of Philodendron 'Rojo Congo', which looks quite different from Birkin but is eye-catching in its own right, in dramatic tones that range from darkest crimson to darkest green. Propagation of Birkin is possible, and in fact not very difficult, but there is always the possibility of reversion, with the plant returning to an earlier form, perhaps a bit more like that of Rojo Congo. So, rare it is, this lovely houseplant which looks as though it is dressed in a fine pinstriped suit.

Care of Birkin

Birkin, though new, has already earned its stripes by being an easy-care plant. It likes a little drying out of the top layers of its soil between waterings, and good humidity which can be provided easily by placing a pebble tray with a bit of water under its container. It requires nothing too exotic. And as with most plants with great markings, some good light each day helps it stay bold and visibly patterned. To maintain the nice sheen on the leaves of Birkin, damp-dusting the foliage with a moistened towel is also important from time to time. And just as you would with other Philodendrons, keep it away from pets. 

No, Birkin is not fussy. It is little wonder that our forebears of mid-century, just newly experiencing the wonder of convenience foods such as the “TV Dinner” and loving the time-saving nature of the at-home electric dryer, grew to appreciate the Philodendron, itself a time-saver in that it was (and is) so easy to tend.

Your present living space may be a home within a cul-de-sac, a subdivision where you hope to make your space look distinctive, a city apartment, or a dormitory with limited space. No matter where you are, and no matter what your style, Philodendron can do a great job decorating your indoor environment. And even though it is a genus of plants that are long-beloved, you need not perceive those plants to be commonplace. There are silver-toned options, striped beauties such as Birkin, rosy plants such as Rojo Congo from which Birkin developed… so many from which to choose, with some such as Birkin remaining “rare finds” that collectors love to acquire. 

So now, quite close to the Fourth of July and at the start of a long and pleasant summer, it might be time to pick up a Philodendron or two. When rain droplets move the cookout indoors—eek, I hope I vacuumed—and when out-of-town guests drop by unannounced, having these “all-American” houseplants as part of your indoor space can be a great help in keeping you looking like the great gardener you are.