This is our little fashionista plant, a manmade version from two philodendron cultivars that produced an offspring that is as stylish as it is easy to care for. I mean, take a look at that pinstripe variegation! Look at those lush leaves. The name ‘Birkin’ might be a reference to the very expensive Hermes handbag.
That is just a rumor. This plant is relatively new and its origins are somewhat mysteries. The best history we could find was on houseplantcentral.com:
“Did you know?Ā For a bit of (somewhat complicated) background info, Philodendron āRojo Congoā, which gave birth to Philodendron āBirkinā, is also a man-made cultivar. It was created in Florida and its parents were a variety of Philodendron tatei (male) and a Philodendron āImperial Redā (female). If youāre still following, it gets more convoluted: Philodendron āImperial Redā, in turn, was patented in Belgium in 1982 after a greenish-maroon spontaneous mutation with unknown parents was discovered in a nursery in Florida. Quite a history!“
– Houseplant Central blog post
Like most Philodendrons, the ‘Birkin’ prefers bright, indirect light (too much direct sunlight will burn the leaves). The light is really important because of those leaves, which might lose those beautiful cream and yellow pinstripes.
Birkins like humidity, so place the plant on a tray of wet pebbles or mist periodically. Keep its variegated leaves clean using a damp cloth (this will help foster photosynthesis).
Allow the first couple of inches of soil to dry out before watering.
Philodendrons like āBirkinā are aroids. They appreciate an airy soil type that retains some water but lets the excess drain easily to prevent root rot.