Pastazanum vs. McDowell: A Philodendron Duel You Don’t Want to Miss
Pastazanum or McDowell? These philodendron heartthrobs have plant lovers swooning, but don’t let their leafy charm fool you. Their differences are subtle but oh-so-important when it comes to giving them the TLC they deserve.
These eye-catching houseplants often misidentified by beginner plant lovers, have distinguishing features. However, these plants are well-known for their vibrant leaves, which bring a lush tropical feel to any space. But despite this similarity, it may still be necessary to know what sets each one apart from the other.
Philodendron Pastazanum is a species of plant with deep-lobed leaves that are bold and glossy in texture; therefore, they require specific care. On the other hand, Philodendron’ Dean McDowell’, a hybrid between Pastazanum and Philodendron Gloriosum, has its own set of care requirements. Generally speaking, McDowell has bigger matte leaves compared to the glossier ones found on Pastazanums. You need this knowledge for your indoor garden.
| Feature | Philodendron Pastazanum | Philodendron McDowell |
| Leaf Shape | Deeply lobed, “spidery,” wider at the base | Shallower lobes, rounder, more heart-shaped |
| Leaf Size | Up to 18+ inches | Up to 26+ inches |
| Leaf Texture | Glossy, smooth, sometimes bullate (bumpy) between veins | Matte, velvety, slightly textured, sometimes with wavy edges |
| Petiole | Shorter, reddish-brown | Longer, green with prominent reddish base |
| Stem Color | Green to light brown | Green, sometimes reddish |
| New Leaf Color | Deep green | Pinkish veins |
| Cataphylls (Sheath Covering New Leaf) | Yellowish-Green | Deep Red |
| Growth Habit | Creeping, semi-climbing, new leaves emerge from the soil | More upright, climbing, new leaves emerge from the stem tip |
| Soil | Well-draining aroid mix | Well-draining aroid mix |
| Temperature | 65°F-85°F (18°C-29°C) | 65°F-85°F (18°C-29°C) |
| Humidity | High (60-80%) | High (60-80%) |
| pH Level | 5.0-7.0 | 5.0-7.0 |
| Rarity & Price | Rare, expensive | Rare, can be expensive |
| Other Notes | More sensitive to overwatering, needs consistent care | More tolerant of inconsistent watering, faster-growing |
You can also look at the color of new leaves and petioles — a helpful trick! McDowell has pinkish veins on new leaves and more prominent reddish petioles near the base, while those belonging to pastaza are usually greener in color. These subtle signs make it easier to differentiate between these beautiful plants.
Key Takeaways
- McDowell’s leaves are larger than those of pasta, but they lack shine.
- The former is a hybrid with pinkish young foliage, whereas the latter is an unmodified species.
- Petioles of Dean often show some redness towards their bases.
Lineage and Origins
When deciding between Philodendron Pastazanum and Dean McDowell, it’s worth exploring their origins and history. This not only deepens your understanding but also provides insights into what makes them special, thereby enriching your knowledge as a plant enthusiast.
Philodendron Pastazanum: A Brief Origin Story
Philodendron Pastazanum is originally from the tropical rainforests of Ecuador, Colombia and Peru. The name comes from Pastaza region in Ecuador where it was first discovered during a botanical expedition in the 1970s.
Pastazanum belongs to the genus Philodendron and the family Araceae. It is characterized by its large velvety leaves that grow close to the ground spreading outwards with low branches. This plant thrives well under moist shady woods which are its natural habitat but can also do very good in similar conditions indoors.
Dean McDowell: The Hybrid Connection
Dean McDowell is a hybrid created by crossing Philodendron Pastazanum with Philodendron Gloriosum. This crossbreed was developed by John Banta who is a well-known figure in botanical circles. The aim here was to bring together desirable traits from both parents.
McDowell has glossy leaves like those of Pastazanum plus heart-shaped form characteristic of Gloriosum but tends to be more compact and has a climbing habit than the latter. This variety is loved for its unique attractive foliage thus making it popular among plant enthusiasts.
Deciphering the Leaves: A Visual Guide
To differentiate between Philodendron Pastazanum and McDowell look at their shape size texture stems petioles — every part counts! By doing this, not only will you be able to identify each plant but also appreciate what makes them different from one another.
Shape Matters: Defining Characteristics
The shape alone says much about these two plants belonging under the same genus; that’s why we call them “Phil”. For instance, while pastaza’s lobes may sometimes appear sharp or smooth at tips depending on leaf age, overall, they remain highly lobed with distinct separations, giving it a spider web-like look.
On the contrary, McDowells have lobed leaves, too, though not as deeply lobed as those of pastazanums, and they have rounded lobes instead of pointy ones. The base part is usually more heart-shaped or oval, giving it a softer appearance than the pastaza. These detailed descriptions will help you visualize the plants and better understand their unique characteristics.
Size Comparison: A Tale of Two Philodendrons
Another important characteristic is the size of the leaves. The Philodendron Pastazanum has larger leaves, which can reach up to 18 inches long or more. This makes it very noticeable and dominant in any collection.
The Philodendron McDowell’s leaves are still very large, usually ranging from 8-12 inches but occasionally reaching 15 inches. You can use this size difference as a way to tell them apart when both are fully grown.
Getting a Feel for Texture
You can also differentiate these plants by feeling their leaves’ textures. The Philodendron Pastazanum has glossy, smooth green leaves that reflect light off their shiny surface, giving them an attractive appearance.
On the other hand, the Philodendron McDowell has matte, velvety, textured, less shiny leaves than those of Pastazanum. They have a slightly rougher feel when touched too closely. You might notice this surface feels different from others.
Stems
Take a look at the stems for more clues! Philodendron Pastazanum typically has thin vining growth with green or slightly brown stems, which may make it look delicate and sprawling.
Philodendron McDowell also features green or brown coloration along its stem length but sometimes appears thicker and sturdier compared to pastazanum’s robustness, giving it an upright rather than vine like appearance.
Petioles: (leaf stalks)
Philodendron Petioles are a key differentiator! The petiole of the pastazanum matches the stem color – green or reddish-brown – so they blend in without much noticeable difference between them.
However, philodendron mcdowell often bears petioles having a pronounced reddish-pinkish tinge especially close to base where they attach leaf blade.
This contrast against the background makes them stand out more and can help you quickly differentiate between these two types of plants. Using petiole color is one most reliable way to tell the difference.
Growth Habit and Care Requirements
To ensure these plants flourish in your indoor garden, it’s essential to grasp their unique growth habits and care requirements. Our aim is to equip you with practical care tips that will empower you to nurture these special plants with confidence.
Setting the Stage: Growth Patterns
Philodendron Pastazanum has an upright growth habit; it grows vertically upwards with its leaves spreading outwards making for a compact bushy appearance on maturity. This growth habit indicates that the plant needs ample space to grow and should be placed in a larger pot.
On the other hand, philodendron mcdowell tends to trail or climb which makes hanging baskets a great place for it to grow or any other support system that allows climbing. This growth habit indicates that the plant needs support and should be provided with a trellis or moss pole.
McDowell also has larger leaves than pastazanum but they grow on longer stems giving them a more spread out look. Both would benefit from some form of support like moss pole or trellis.
Let There Be Light: The Bright Indirect Kind
Both Philodendrons thrive best under bright indirect light; direct sunlight should be avoided as this may scorch their leaves.
However, if there isn’t natural light available in a room where the plants are placed, then use a bright room with filtered light instead. This information will help the readers understand the importance of light in plant growth and adjust their care accordingly.
Waterspout mcdowell could do better than pastazanum under slightly lower lighting conditions; shears can help create an ideal environment for both plants by diffusing the light.
Watering Know-How
Watering is very important for philodendron pastazanum and McDowell. They prefer their soil to be consistently moist but not waterlogged. This means that the plants should be watered regularly, but the soil should not be allowed to become too wet. This information will help the readers understand the importance of proper watering and adjust their care accordingly.
Both Philodendrons prefer warm, humid environments. They thrive in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29 °C) and humidity levels of 40-60%. This information will help the readers understand the plants’ ideal living conditions and adjust their care accordingly.
The Dirt on Soil: Aroid Mix Essentials
Both Philodendrons are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and root rot if not properly cared for. This information will help the readers identify and treat any issues that may arise in their plants.
Both philodendrons are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat. This information will help the readers understand the potential risks associated with the plants and take necessary precautions.
Additional Notes
Philodendron McDowell is a hybrid plant that was created by crossing Philodendron Gloriosum with Pastazanum. This makes it more resilient when it comes to care and growing conditions.
Pastazanum may have bigger leaves that are more dramatic than those of McDowell, which although similar-looking brings its own unique beauty into your home garden.
Identification: Cracking the Code
Distinguishing between Philodendron Pastazanum and McDowell can be tricky. Here is a guide to help you easily identify these beauties.
Leaf Lobe Depth
When comparing the two species side by side, pay attention to how deeply lobed their leaves are. Philodendron Pastazanum has deeply cut leaf lobes with noticeable separations between them; sometimes, these lobes are pointed or rounded at tips, giving them a spidery appearance.
On the other hand, Philodendron McDowell has shallower and rounder leaf lobes than those found on Pastazanums. Furthermore, where stems meet, the base tends to be heart-shaped or oval-shaped in Mcdowell’s, but much more should be cut lower down towards the petiole attachment point, which makes this plant look different from its relative with deeply incised leaves – Pastazanum.
Leaf Size
Another clue lies in leaf size: mature individuals of Patsanazums can reach up to 45-61 cm (18-24 inches) in length, whereas fully grown Mcdowell’s produce leaves that are more than 66cm (26 inches) long. The size difference between these two species is fairly significant, which makes them easily distinguishable from one another.
Petiole Color
The hue of petiole (stalk attaching leaf blade to stem) acts as a good indicator too; while some may have greenish petioles others exhibit pinkish or reddish coloration near the base region especially in McDowell. This can be seen easily and therefore used effectively when trying to differentiate between the two plants if other features are not as clear-cut.
Texture Tells: Smooth vs. Matte
Differentiating factors could also lie in the texture of the leaves themselves – Patsanzooum has shiny-smooth surfaced ones, which give off an appearance that reflects light, hence making it appear shiny all day long, but McDowell’s leaf surfaces lack this feature, thereby having a dull.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, we provide answers to frequently asked questions about Philodendron Pastazanum and McDowell, including care requirements, physical characteristics, and growth habits, among others:
What are the key differences in their care needs?
Both plants require bright indirect light and should be watered once the top inch of soil has dried out. However, Philodendron Pastazanum might grow slower and tolerate inconsistent watering less than its counterpart.
What are the different physical characteristics of Philodendron Pastazanum and McDowell?
The leaves of Philodendron Pastazanum are shiny, smooth, and can have marked veins. On the other hand, the leaves of McDowell are dull with reddish edges and veins. The length of the leaves in McDowell can exceed 66 cm, while those of Pastazanum range from 45 to 61 cm.
Can you compare how Philodendron Pastazanum and McDowell grow?
Philodendrons are climbing aroids that need support such as a moss pole or trellis. Pastazanum has a more vine-like growth habit with thin stems while those of McDowell are slightly thicker.
In terms of rarity and availability, how do Philodendron Pastazanum and McDowell compare?
McDowell is a hybrid, which makes it rarer than Pastazanum, which is a species; thus, it may not be very easy to find on the plant market.
Between Philodendron Pastazanum and McDowell, which one is best for indoor growing?
Both can be grown indoors because they require similar care conditions. If you have not yet mastered your watering routine, then perhaps McDowell would be more forgiving.
What was used to create Philodendron Pastazanum, and what about McDowell?
Philodendron pastazanum is a species in its own right, whereas John Banta created Mcdoweli by crossing pastazanum with philodendron gloriosum, so it should have red cataphylls as well as thicker stems.
