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I am always surprised when traveling and I walk into a hotel and there sits a unique look you seldom see in garden centers today… The Philodendron totem.

Philodendrons have been grown for decades as indoor plants. Some how it seems that the philodendron totem has dwindled in production. It’s been pretty much limited to 12-18 inch totems in small pots. Larger totems take more time in production and require a little more care in shipping.

This doesn’t mean that they are fragile but simply don’t fit as easy in the growers production mix.

For this article we are generally classifying “philodendron” totems very broadly. The “totem” plants would include the following:

• Philodendron
• Monstera
• Pothos

Indoors, totems offer a different look of some old time – but still very good – favorites. Many of these plants have a much smaller and “plain” looking leaf when they are small. As they mature the leaves can look distinctly different with multiple colors and natural cuts in the leaf pattern.

Large totems range in size from 36-72 inches and sometimes larger and can have leaves 8-24 inches in size.. Pot sizes are 10-14 inches diameter, so it’s very easy to get a very tall plant in a small pot. Which is great for indoor use and lower cost decorative containers.

Here are a few things to look for when purchasing totems.

• Look for plants that haven’t grown all the way to the top of the totem
• Try to find a totem (itself) that is solid and not a piece of cut wood
• Be careful when you are transporting the plants, not to crush the leaves
• Make sure that the totem is stable and doesn’t wobble in the pot

Don’t assume that since the plant is tall it MUST be planted in a larger pot. Many of the plants used in totems have a fine root system and don’t need large soil mass.

Misting the roots and not the leaves growing on the totem can be helpful in producing healthy foliage.

Let’s look in a little more detail on those above points!

Totems that don’t reach the Top

One of the things to look for when buying a plant totem is for plants that haven’t grown all the way to the top.

The reason is pretty simple… when the plant has reached the top of the totem, the plant has no where else to go but flop over. If the plant doesn’t have anything to attach to (the totem) it slowly starts to reduce the leaf size of the new leaves. The roots experience “air pruning” and dry out which reduces the support and food for the plant.

When the plant reaches the top of the totem, simply remove the tip from the plant. Don’t cut it off at the top but about 1/3 of the way down. New tips should emerge below the cut area.

Solid Totems

Totems that are a solid piece of wood are preferred on totems that are larger in size… say 48 inches or taller. They provide more stability to these taller plants.

Some new “manufactured” totems have been introduced in recent years such as coco totems. These totems allow the plant to also grow “into” the totem instead of just on the side.

Careful Transport

Whenever you purchase a plant getting it home can sometimes be a real challenge. Large totems are no different.

Because of the type of plant used as totems it’s important to watch out for leaves that may break or become damaged. Philodendrons and Monstera can leave a really nice stain from their sap. Make sure that you cover the seats or throw down some paper or plastic for protection. Once placed in their final location this shouldn’t be a problem.

A New Container…

Don’t assume that since the plant is tall it MUST be planted in a larger pot. Many of the plants used in totems have a fine root system and don’t need large soil mass.

Remember that this fine root system won’t like sitting in puddles of water that can accumulate at the bottom of decorative containers. Make sure the excess water completely drains from the pot.

Misting the roots and not the leaves growing on the totem can be helpful in producing healthy foliage.

Clean the leaves

Many of these totems have large leaves which can attract dust. Take the time to clean the leaves, removing the dirt and dust that can build up over time.

While you’re cleaning the leaves, take the time for a little closer inspection for any pest. Mainly the white cottony looking mealy bugs. They love to hang out where the stem and leaf meet.

All of the three types of plants we have discussed:

• Philodendron
• Monstera
• Pothos

Have waxy leaves and you shouldn’t have too much of a problem with other pest.

That’s one of the reasons totems are a great plant to use indoors.

• Not everyone has them
• A tall plant in a small space
• Easy to care for varieties are used

Next time you’re at the nursery or garden center ask them about philodendron totems.