We get the question of how to tell that a Spiritus Sancti plant is genuine very regularly. Once you have looked at both older and younger plants of this species more often, you will be able to recognize the differences more and more clearly. Still, it is nice if there are some guidelines to look out for in order to properly recognize these plants among all that is offered.
This is how I recognize a Philodendron atabapoense
Although the leaves at first look very similar to those of the Philodendron Spiritus Sancti, this species is fairly easy to distinguish from a young age by a dark red glow under the fancy leaves of this distinct houseplant. The leaves are usually shiny and have a dark green color of foliage. In addition, the stems are also green-colored and often have a slightly lighter green color than the leaves. The leaves are more slender than those of the Spiritus Sancti or billietiae.
This is how I recognize a Philodendron Spiritus Sancti
A Spiritus Sancti is completely green. Besides being a bit more sensitive to wet feet and likes to stand in higher humidity, this plant is still clearly distinguishable from other Philodendrons at least in its mature state. Namely, it has shiny green leaves with ears at the top, green stems and just below the "ears" of the green leaves, the leaves are often slightly broader. With the atabapoense, the leaves of a mature, large plant are just straight from the 'ears'. The stalk of the Spiritus Sancti may have some red color at times, which is determined by the amount of light and the type of nutrients the plant receives.
This is how I recognize the Philodendron billietiae
The billietiae is also known as Philodendron 'Billie'. It is a super beautiful foliage plant with characteristic features. For example, the stems are often orange and the leaves are a bit wider than those of the aforementioned species. In general, the leaves are a bit wider and have a clearer vein with a lighter color. The edges of the leaves are slightly more rounded, giving the leaves a less slender and long appearance than those of the Spiritus Sancti or the atabapoense. The Billie also exhibits a distinct feature on the back of the leaves. In fact, the veins on the underside of the leaves are also orange! Especially if you are looking for a plant with playful colors at a nice price, this one is highly recommended. Of the Philodendron billietiae there is also a very cool version with variegata in the leaves. This one is a little more difficult to take care of, but it is a real eye-catcher!
Now you can distinguish these three plants a lot easier. Which of these three do you like best?
