We stand before us with another philodendron plant more within the 600 available in the family, Philodendron hederaceum. A species suitable for indoor plants and environments with stable temperatures and high humidity.
This group of plants fascinates with its climbing attitude and the large volume of leaves it produces. Among all its varieties, we find some really interesting and strange ones like Philodendron erubescenswith a lush pink speckled leaf.
In this article we will mainly learn how to carry out the care and tips for its proper maintenance inside our home.
Contents
Characteristics of Philodendron hederaceum
This plant represents the class of heart leaf philodendronsone of the most common species at home due to its ease of cultivation and because its light requirements are not so high.
With Philodendron hederaceum we found one very hardy species and especially suitable for people taking their first steps in plant care.
Make it bloom? a real challenge
Most philodendrons are valued solely for their woodsy development of dark green leaves. In some cases, also can give an interesting floweringalthough in this case it is quite rare.
This flowering can appear in spring and early summer (between May and July), appearing between 2 and 4 flowers per plant, but only for a few days.
care guide for Philodendron hederaceum
Heartleaf philodendrons are easy to care for. In fact, the main problems with this type of indoor plants come from a overwatering and uncontrollable rot by a waterlogged substrate.
With these simple steps that we will explain to you below Philodendron hederaceumyou’ll grow your philodendron (and most of them) with ease.
| light requirements | Medium light, no direct sun. It also tolerates low levels. |
| Temperature | Indoor controlled and usual (18-26 ºC) |
| Humidity | Prefers medium to high humidity. Spray 1 or 2 times a week. |
| Substrate | Good drainage. Universal substrate and earthworm humus |
| Irrigation | Light and constant humidity throughout its development |
| Subscriber | Balanced and low dosage from spring to late summer |
ideal location
Flash
One of the great attractions of philodendrons is that they do not need large amounts of light to grow. It is very interesting as an indoor plant because not all apartments or houses have much access to it, especially those located to the north.
Philodendron hederaceum It grows natively in the tropical forests of South America, sheltered by tall trees that provide it with shelter and extra humidity that is particularly beneficial.
Locate your philodendron in an area with indirect or diffuse light. Only if you see the leaves turning a little yellow, increase the light gradient by placing it a few days near the window.
You can place your plant in the kitchen, living room or any room where other plants do not thrive because they need better lighting conditions.
never put Philodendron hederaceum direct sunlight, and less in spring and summer.
Temperature
In terms of temperature, we have something similar to the lighting example, since they need constant temperatures throughout the year.
Therefore, the heat of the house makes it a typical indoor plant, with a gradient of about 18-26 ºC.
Humidity
Philodendron hederaceum It requires moderately high humidity conditions, which is not typical of a healthy home environment, unless you live near the coast.
Although it is optimal, a humidity between 40 and 60% of the house will be sufficient. Only when you see the edges of the leaves turn brown and crispy is it a sign that needs a little more humidity the environment or even irrigation.
To do this, just use a spray with distilled water on the leaves a few times a week. In most cases this is almost never necessary, but we have it as an option in case something goes wrong.
Substrate type
All varieties of pot-grown philodendrons require a fertile substratemoist and airy, conditions very similar to those it grows in its native environment, with soils full of detritus and rotting leaves, creating consistent high quality compost.
If we choose a universal substrate, it will be more than enough to take care of our Philodendron hederaceumbut if we want to pass the exam with outstanding grades, we will mix a 20-30% worm humusa type of substrate that provides many nutrients and organic matter, and the philodendron will feel good.
If you see that you have drainage problems and excess water is accumulating, you can improve the substrate provide coir, pine bark or perlite as alternatives. It leaves a lot more air spaces and the water moves more smoothly to the bottom of the pot.
Photo: plantsinaboxhow to water Philodendron hederaceum
Irrigation is one of the major determinants of Philodendron hederaceumsince in 80% of cases always tends to overwater.
Never water without checking the humidity of the substrate, and the best way (although dirtier) is to introduce the first phalanx of the index finger, making a palpation of hydration status.
If there is excess moisture (soil sticks to our fingertips, remaining partially moist), then we will not water.
If the substrate is almost dry or with low humidity, we can add additional water.
Nail risk report The approximate value for indoor plants is as follows:
- Watering in spring and summer: 2 waterings per week.
- Watering in autumn and winter: 1 watering per week or every 10 days.
Another important point is to see the exact amount of water to add. For the different species of philodendron, we recommend watering with 1/6 of the volume of a pot.
What does it mean? If we have a pot with a volume of 4 liters, we water it with 660 ml of water.
Use of fertilizer
The fertilizer use It is recommended for this type of plants, especially in spring and summer. We recommend providing low, but consistent levels of fertilizer.
You can use liquid fertilizers (mixed with irrigation water) or solid fertilizers, which are more convenient to apply but with less control over them.
- Liquid fertilizer: mix NPK 4-2-6 or similar, with micronutrients, at the rate of 1 ml/litre of water, 1 out of 3 irrigations.
- Solid fertilizer: mix NPK 12-8-16 with micronutrients, providing 20-40 grams per jar once a month.
discounts
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- Contents: 1 x COMPO Novatec universal blue fertilizer, 5 kg
Is it possible to multiply this species of philodendron?
Another interesting point that makes heartleaf philodendron a good option to grow at home is its ease of multiplication.
The stems themselves have nodes which, if stimulated by moisture, are capable of developing aerial roots.
For get a new plant of a stem Philodendron hederaceumthe process is as follows:
- Using sharp scissors, cut a healthy philodendron stem, noting that it has a few knots along the stem.
- Remove the lower leaves and keep only 2 or 3 upper leaves.
- Put the stem in water for 7-15 days, changing the water every 3 days. You can also dip the cutting in rooting hormones to speed up the process, or even use seaweed, which is rich in phytohormones.
- When you see a somewhat developed root system, with several centimeters of white hairs, it’s time to transfer it to a pot with universal substrate and humus, previously well moistened.
- Install your new plant in a dimly lit place at the right temperature.
Additional Philodendron Tips
Leaves with dry brown edges
This symptom is a clear sign that you need more water in the substrate (an easy thing to check) or the environment is very dry.
First check the irrigation and keep the substrate permanently hydrated, without the soil drying out. On the other hand, get a sprayer and spray distilled water on the plant 2 or 3 times a week.
Chlorotic appearance and yellow leaves
If you Philodendron hederaceum has a rotten appearance and its leaves they have a yellow color and have lost their original greenness, this is a symptom of lack of light, low nutrient supply or excess water.
Let’s learn to distinguish each of them:
- Lack of light: this is rare in philodendrons, but check if the room is too dark and move your plant to a brighter area, but still out of direct sunlight.
- Nutrient deficiency: If you haven’t paid for a long time, add a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
- Excess water: Check the substrate and, if it is very soggy, cut off the irrigation and oxygenate the soil by inserting a wooden stick to open small holes where the air enters.
pruning needs
The well maintained philodendron will produce lots of stems. Over time, these stems age, become hard and very long.
This plant admits pruning, so to control its growth, feel free to use scissors and remove long, old stems and disfigured leaves.
Top image: aboveandbeyondgarding.com