Accepted:
Yes
Established:
No
Nomenclatural Notes:
Published in:
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Released Year:
Propagated:
Yes
Cultivar Type:
Hybrid
Originator:
Quinton Hausermann
Namer:
Quinton Hausermann
Seed Parent:
'Red Emerald'
Pollen Parent:
Verrucosum
Base Species or Cultivar:
Philodendron
Cultivar Origin:
Name Origin:
In Hawaiian, Pele is the goddess of Fire and Volcanoes. The Hawaiian word Wao (pronounced "wah-oh") is known as a "wild upland forest." Pele Wao roughly translates to "Pele of the forest" or "Volcano Goddess of the forest."
Growth Habit:
Hemi-Epiphytic, thriving as a climbing plant that will also crawl as needed. Similar to Verrucosum, this cross grows best when its aerial roots have a moist surface or potting media to root into.
Leaf Blade:
The leaves of Philodendron 'Pele Wao' are broadly heart-shaped, with a smooth velvety texture and slightly wavy margins.
The undersides of the newer leaves are a soft red color, with bright green venation. This color eventually fades to a light green, similar to Philodendron Verrucosum. The coloration has been observed to last for as long as five nodes of growth.
Bloom and Fruit:
This select seedling has not produced an inflorescence.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This hybrid is most similar to Philodendron 'Splendid', but demonstrates multiple unique characteristics. The petioles of 'Pele Wao' begin with a light red color that fades to a tanish green color at roughly the same rate as the color on the undersides of the leaves. The texture and structure of the entire plant would be described as intermediate between 'Red Emerald' and Verrucosum, making this plant tougher, more resilient, and easier to work with than Philodendron 'Splendid'. The humidity requirements seem to be lower than 'Splendid', making this plant better suited for ambient environments. In our central Florida greenhouse setting, this hybrid maintains its older leaves longer than 'Splendid' and has a higher tolerance for colder temperatures. The leaves of 'Pele Wao' are smaller, with shorter petioles; yet still grow to a larger size than 'Red Emerald'. This hybrid has a much more bushy appearance, as the nodes are generally closer together than 'Splendid.' The stems of 'Pele Wao' are much more flexible and durable, making this plant easier to transport, transplant, and propagate. The undersides of the leaves have a very vibrant and beautiful coloration that lasts much longer than the color on the undersides of the leaves of 'Splendid.' This hybrid is also able to grow without support longer than both 'Splendid' and Verrucosum, while still maintaining its size.
