“How’s that Burl Ives plant doin’?” Dad would ask. He sort of remembered the name of only one of my plants, which is far better than some of my ex-partners. Burl Ives (google him) was dad’s favorite singer and he loved to sing along to the albums. Oh the buzzin’ of the bees…
This Philodendron burle-marx had a tough winter this year. Despite my efforts at maintaining humidity, the house seemed drier than usual. By the time the warm weather arrived he was looking like he needed a vacation, and seemed very happy to move out to the porch. The increased light, even temperatures, and higher humidity are just what he needed and there’s new growth everywhere.
Not that he’s a difficult plant, quite the contrary. In fact he’s one of the easiest Philodendrons I own. I appreciate his vertical approach. And those leaves, you gotta love them leaves. They’re not variegated or splashy, just big and green, which I like. He wasn’t expensive or rare, I found him at a big box, just a reliable, classic plant. So glad I brought him home.
And every time I water him I get to ask “How’s that Burl Ives plant doin’?” and I remember Dad.
I’ll keep you posted.
