Help with remembering plant name?
Hope someone can help jog my memory with this.
Years ago I saw a house plant that I think may have been a type of philodendron (or perhaps not). It had dark purple/magenta foliage, the leaves hung down distinctly.
It is driving me nuts because I hunted for an example all over the internet at the time and only found it available from a Dutch nursery, at the time the shipping costs were prohibitive (around 15 years ago). Now I think it is worth searching again for it as the cost won't be such an issue and it may be available from the newer online suppliers.
I think there may have been a picture of it The House Plant Expert book by Dr. D. G. Hessayon though can't be sure now if that is where I saw it.
Any ideas? I'm guessing it was a pretty tall plant up to around 6 feet and grown up poles like a philodendron.
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Hi Gemma JF. There is a variety of Philodendron erubescens called Black Cardinal which seems to fit your description. I hope this helps. Liz
Thanks Liz, doesn't look like the one. I guess the colour might be described as burgandy, the leaves I think were heart shaped and hung down in quite a striking way.
Good luck with tracking it down. Sorry I couldn't help. Liz
Like this, philodendron scandens
Very similar in shape Lyn, but more the colour of the plant Edd suggested
I've ordered a copy of the 'House Plant Expert' but I really can't remember which edition I use to have (think it got lost in a house move about ten years ago), so it may or may not be in there.
One of the decorative Rex-type begonias maybe?
http://www.dibleys.com/dibleys-shop/Rex_Type_Begonias.html
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I have a 1980 enlarged edition there is one called P. melanochryson (P. andreanum) Black Gold which has a velvety surface.Another on is P.Burgundy.
There is another plant in there called Iresine herbstii, Blood Leaf or Beefsteak Plant. Don' t know if that could be it purple leaf with pink veining and the leaves look a bit droopy.
I think you have it Fritillary, P.melanochrysum Black Gold, only picture I can find on the web, but this is the one I was thinking of:
Thanks so much to everyone for all the help amazing to get it from my pretty poor description Now I just need to hunt one down.
hurrah.
Been following this one all day.
Well done Fritillary.