It often becomes difficult to differentiate among huge varieties of philodendrons. As some variegation of this plant looks similar so, people often get confused.
In this post, I will talk about philodendron heterocraspedon and patriciae as these varieties of philodendrons resemble many similar features.
Both these varieties are climbers with deep green, large, elongated leaves. So, it is not very easy to identify them separately if you do not have sufficient information about the differences and similarities between them.
So, here I will help you to explore more about the growth rate, features, and light requirements of each plant so, that it becomes easier for you to decide which one can be the best fit for your office, home, or garden. So, here is the differentiating guide between a philodendron heterocraspedon and a patriciae.
What Does a Philodendron Heterocraspedon Look Like?
This variety of philodendron has beautiful dark green elongated leaves. The leaves can grow more than 1 foot long and are usually very large.
This plant prefers indirect bright light and grows very fast. Trimming the plant on a regular basis can prevent it from becoming overgrown.
Did You Know
The name “Heterocraspedon” comes from Greek words meaning “Different Feet,” referring to the unique structure of its adhesive pads. “Patriciae” honors a 19th-century Italian botanist who first described the genus.
What Does a Philodendron Patriciae Looks Like?
This rare variety of philodendron was discovered by Dr Thomas Croat in 2010 and he named it after his wife Patricia.
This plant also has deep green, elongated leaves with wavy margins. A patriciae also tends to grow very tall and, in a suitable environment it can grow up to 10 feet tall. A normal matured plant can grow up to 3 feet.
Heterocraspedon Vs Patriciae
Although both these varieties of philodendron resemble quite similar features, they also have a few differences. Go through the chart below to find out the differences between these plants.
| Difference | Heterocraspedon | Patriciae |
| The shape of the Leaf | Mostly elongated | Elongated and wavy |
| Prefers indirect bright light. Can also survive in low-light conditions | Deep glossy green | Dark green |
| Size of the Leaf | More than 1 foot long | 20cm wide and 30cm long |
| Growth Rate | Grows very fast | Grows slower than a hetercraspedon |
| Requirement of Light | It is propagated by division. | Grows best in indirect bright light. |
| Drought Tolerance | Less likely to tolerate drought conditions | More likely to tolerate drought conditions. |
| Care Required | Does not require much care | Watering should be done once a week. Soil should be allowed to dry out before the next watering. |
| Using Fertilizer | Fertilization should be done every 2 weeks during the growing period. | Fertilization should be done once a month during the growing season and after every 6 to 8 weeks during winter. |
| Propagation | It is propagated by root, stem cuttings, or by division. | Propagated by root, stem cuttings, or by division. |
What Are the Noticeable Differences Between Heterocraspedon and Patriciae?
Although both these plants look beautiful, it depends on your preferences to get the best one for yourself. Here are a few features that make these plants different from each other.
Foliage
A heterocraspedon usually has smooth, elongated, glossy green leaves. Whereas a patriciae has matt leaves with wavy margins and smooth edges.
The leaves of a heterocraspedon can grow up to 11cm wide and 48 cm long. On the other hand, the leaves of a patriciae can grow up to 20 cm wide and 30 cm long.
Requirement of Light
Both these plants prefer bright indirect light to grow and thrive. A heterocraspedon can also survive in low light conditions but, a patriciae cannot.
Stems of the Plants
A heterocraspedon has hollow stems with a brownish tint. They usually have thicker stems and grow very fast. On the other hand, a patriciae has thinner green stems and grows slowly.
Growth
A heterocraspedon is a fast grower and can grow up to 1 meter wide, and 1.5 metres tall in suitable environments.
A patriciae can take several years to grow and reach its required height as they are a slow grower.
How to Take Care of a Philodendron Heterocraspedon?
This variety of philodendron does not require much care and attention to grow and thrive. Unlike, most varieties of philodendron a heterocraspedon prefers indirect, bright light. However, it can also survive in low light conditions.
Over watering the plant should always be avoided as excess water can cause water logging and may lead to problems like root rot. To know more about philodendron root rot, check out my post: Philodendron Root Rot: Identification and Treatment.
The pot where the plant is placed should have enough drainage holes to drain away excess water. To make your plant healthy you should fertilize it every 2 weeks during the growing season. Warm and humid weather conditions can be best for this plant to grow fast and stay healthy.
How to Take Care of a Philodendron Patriciae?
A patriciae survives best in indirect bright light and cannot tolerate low light conditions like a heterocraspedon. You should water this plant once a week only after checking the moisture level of the soil.
You can easily propagate this plant by rooting stem cuttings in water or by division. A patriciae should be fertilized once a month during its growing season and, every 6 to 8 weeks during fall and winter to keep the plant stay healthy, grow fast, and thrive longer.
Should You Get a Philodendron Heterocraspedon or a Patriciae?
Although both these plants are equally beautiful with gorgeous foliage some differences can make you choose according to your preference.
As a heterocraspedon can tolerate low light conditions, a patriciae cannot. So, you should also get the one depending on the weather conditions of your location.
Another feature that makes these plants different is a heterocraspedon has glossy leaves with smooth edges. However, the leaves of a patriciae have a matt surface with wavy margins.
A patriciae is a rare variety and cannot be found easily whereas a heterocraspendon is a common plant and can be easily found.
So, the choice is yours which one you want to get depending on its features, habitat, and availability.
Final Thought
Both varieties of philodendrons are equally beautiful, and you can get both of them to make your garden and home look fresh. Although a heterocraspedon and a patriciae have similar features there are some vital differences between them.
Taking care of the plant you get is the important part of making your beloved philodendron stay healthy and survive for a long.
As a philodendron heterocraspedon is a common plant so, you can get it first before buying a patriciae which is a rare one.
