Philodendron Birkin

If you love a bold statement print but want a houseplant that will not punish you for having a life, the Birkin is your perfect match. This spectacular plant is famous for its dark green leaves painted with striking white pinstripes. The fun part about a Philodendron Birkin is that it is totally unpredictable. Every new leaf unfurls with a completely unique pattern, and as the plant matures, the white stripes become even more dramatic. It looks like a high-maintenance designer piece, but because it is a Philodendron, it is wonderfully forgiving and happy to adapt.

12cm Nursery Pot size only for this plant.

How to keep it happy:

• Light: This is the key to the stripes. It needs bright, indirect light to keep that white variegation looking sharp. If you hide it in a dark, dingy corner, the new leaves will revert to a plain, boring green. Keep it out of direct afternoon sun to avoid scorching.

• Water: Let the top half of the soil dry out completely before you water it again. It likes a good drink but it absolutely hates wet feet.

• Feed: A weak dose of standard liquid fertiliser once a month during the spring and summer will keep it thriving.

Troubleshooting:

• Losing its stripes? If the new leaves are coming out solid green, the plant is begging for more sunlight. Nudge it closer to a window.

• Yellowing lower leaves? This is usually the classic sign of a heavy hand with the watering can. Make sure the pot isn't sitting in a puddle and let the soil dry out a bit more between waterings.

Pet Safety: Not Pet Safe. Like all Philodendrons, the leaves are toxic if ingested. Keep this striking beauty up on a shelf and well out of reach of curious cats and dogs.