Treelover (Philodendron lingulatum): A Mysterious Caribbean Native
If you’re drawn to rare and unusual plants, you might have stumbled across the intriguing Philodendron lingulatum, commonly known as treelover. This Caribbean native is something of a botanical mystery – while it’s officially recognized as a distinct species, detailed information about this particular philodendron is surprisingly scarce in gardening literature.
Where Does Treelover Come From?
Treelover is native to the beautiful Caribbean islands of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a true native of these tropical territories, it has adapted to the unique climate and growing conditions of the Caribbean region over thousands of years.
What We Know About This Perennial
Here’s what botanical records tell us about treelover:
- It’s a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years
- Classified as a forb herb – essentially a non-woody vascular plant
- Has a Facultative Upland wetland status, meaning it usually grows in non-wetland areas but can tolerate some moisture
- Like other philodendrons, it likely has the characteristic heart-shaped or elongated leaves
The Challenge of Growing Treelover
Here’s where things get tricky for the home gardener. Unlike its more famous philodendron cousins that you’ll find at every garden center, treelover remains poorly documented in horticultural literature. We don’t have reliable information about:
- Specific growing requirements
- Mature size and growth rate
- Preferred soil conditions
- Cold tolerance or USDA hardiness zones
- Propagation methods
- Care and maintenance needs
Should You Try to Grow It?
The lack of available information makes treelover a challenging choice for most gardeners. Without knowing its specific needs, it’s difficult to provide the proper care this native plant requires. Additionally, since it appears to be quite rare, finding legitimate sources for plants or seeds could prove nearly impossible.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
If you’re interested in Caribbean native plants or philodendrons in general, consider these alternatives:
- Other documented Caribbean native plants that are better understood
- Well-established philodendron species with known care requirements
- Native plants from your own region that will thrive in your specific climate
The Bottom Line
While treelover holds the fascinating appeal of being a true Caribbean native, the lack of horticultural information makes it an impractical choice for most gardeners. Sometimes the most responsible approach to rare plants is to appreciate them from afar while supporting conservation efforts in their native habitats. If you’re passionate about Caribbean flora, consider supporting botanical gardens and conservation organizations working to protect and study these unique species in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
