Philodendron Ivan Portilla 'Inverse crossing' (Big)

A rare collector's hybrid — the inverse cross of Phil. patriciae x Phil ruizii — producing long, narrow, lance-shaped leaves in deep glossy green with a graceful, pendant posture. The reversed parentage results in subtle but distinct differences in leaf shape and growth character compared to the standard Ivan Spirit cross, making it a prized variation for serious enthusiasts.

• Light: Bright indirect light; produces its longest, most impressive leaves with good ambient brightness. Tolerates moderate light but growth will be slower. Avoid direct sun.
• Temperature: Warm-growing; thrives between 65–85°F (18–29°C). Protect from temperatures below 60°F (15°C) and cold drafts.
• Humidity: High humidity preferred, ideally 60–80%. Higher humidity encourages larger, more elongated leaf development.
• Watering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Avoid waterlogging — ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
• Growth Habit: Vigorous climber that develops increasingly long, narrow leaves as it ascends. A sturdy moss pole is strongly recommended — keeping it moist encourages aerial root attachment and maximizes leaf size.

Additional Notes:

Best grown in a chunky, well-draining mix of orchid bark, perlite, and potting soil. Install a moss pole early and keep it moist. The inverse parentage makes this a botanically distinct and highly collectible variation — a must-have companion to the standard Ivan Spirit cross for dedicated Philodendron collectors.