Philodendron 'Burle Marx'

Burle Marx philodendron

Philodendrons have an interesting pollination strategy. Immediately before producing pollen, the philodendron flower will produce a certain pheromone and also heat its flowers to temperatures ranging from 95 – 110 degrees Fahrenheit by a process known as “thermogenesis,” which is accomplished by metabolizing stored fats and carbohydrates. For more on thermogenesis in philodendron flowers, check out the first few minutes of the following video:

Both the pheromones and high temperatures attract male beetles to the flower, which provides a nice protected (and warm!) space for the beetle to await females who are ready to mate. Female beetles may be either attracted to the flower by seeing a male enter the flower or by sensing the pheromones and heat, which mean there is a high probability a male beetle is either in the flower or on his way. The beetles are not only given a protected place to mate, but the pollen and sterile flowers of the philodendron serve as a valuable food source. Though blissfully unaware in his love-crazed daze, the male beetle is gradually forced out of the flower as it begins closing from the bottom. As the beetles make their way out of the flower, they are coated in philodendron pollen, which they will transport to the next flower they visit, thereby pollinating the plant.

Philodendrons are shade lovers, though they can tolerate some sunlight. We have a patch of 'Burle Marx' in an area that gets afternoon sun, and the leaves of these plants are not as verdant and dense as those in shadier spots. A few of our 'Burle Marx' are also beginning to climb some of our silver buttonwood trees ("philodendron" means "tree lover" after all).