Philodendron Luxurians Care & Propagation Guide

The Philodendron Luxurians luxuriates as a plant! In this guide, you’ll learn how to care for and propagate it. Read on to discover more about this splendid plant.

The Philodendron Luxurians has huge heart-shaped leaves. They resemble those of the Philodendron Gloriosum. The leaves are dark green and velvety. They give the Luxurians a radiant appearance in light. In the right lighting conditions, the leaves can even shimmer with a red glow. Dark leaves adorned with light-colored veins can grow up to 50 centimeters in size.

It is from Ecuador. The Philodendron Luxurians thrives in the same misty rainforest. There, you can also find the Philodendron Verrucosum. It is also located in the Choco Province of Colombia. Like the Verrucosum, the Luxurians is a creeping plant.

Substrate for Philodendron Luxurians

Understanding the Needs

Philodendrons are quite particular and sensitive when it comes to their substrate. They are semi-epiphytes. They spend most of their life with roots outside of soil. So, they are not used to regular potting soil.

Normal potting soil can be very compact. This stops oxygen from reaching the roots. It also retains a lot of water, which promotes rot. Thus, it’s crucial to choose the right type of substrate.

Substrate Options

1. Pre-made Substrate for Philodendrons is for those who prefer convenience. You can find it in many garden and plant stores.

2. Sphagnum Moss offers a unique alternative. It gives enough oxygen and moisture without the compactness of regular soil. Placing your plant in a vessel filled with moss allows roots to stay aerated and hydrated.

3. DIY Philodendron Soil: For those who mix substrates, mix potting soil with bark. You can use sand or perlite and moss. You can also add charcoal and compost. The goal is to create a mixture that is coarse, well-draining, and rich in organic material.

Temperature

The Luxurians come from a habitat that tolerates cool climates. It is much like the Verrucosum’s habitat. But, it tends to thrive better in higher temperatures. It is advisable to maintain the temperature between 18°C and 27°C for optimal growth.

Humidity

Humidity is critical for caring for the Philodendron Luxurians. It comes from the humid Amazon. Replicating Amazonian humidity levels can grow fungi. You should keep humidity above 70%.

For this purpose, we recommend regular misting and using pebble trays. Pebble trays are for those unfamiliar with them. They are trays filled with pebbles and water. You put them beneath the plant pots to raise humidity around the plants.

How Often to Fertilize Your Philodendron Luxurians

The Philodendron Luxurians grows . So, it does not need many nutrients. But, if you want full, healthy, and large leaves, regular fertilization is key.

Best Practices for Fertilizing

• Use a fertilizer made for Philodendrons. Or, use a standard plant fertilizer at a lower dose.

• Always dilute liquid fertilizer with water to prevent damaging the roots. This may seem counterintuitive. But, too many nutrients can harm your plant. This is due to the salts in liquid fertilizers. They can build up and attack the roots.

• Fertilize the plant less in winter. It grows less and needs fewer nutrients. Adjust to feeding once every 8 weeks during this period.

Lighting Needs for Philodendron Luxurians

Philodendron Luxurians, like most Philodendron species, prefer indirect but bright light. It can handle morning or evening sunlight. But, avoid direct sun exposure during the day. Its leaves are not adapted to direct sunlight and can burn quickly.

Artificial Lighting

• Your Philodendron can also thrive under artificial light. But, keep it 60cm away to prevent leaf burn.

Watering

Improper watering can lead to root rot. Wet substrate becomes heavy. It restricts oxygen flow to the roots. Moisture is a big factor in rot.

When to Water

• Water your Philodendron Luxurians only when the top 2-5cm of the soil is completely dry. Be sure the plant does not sit in wet conditions.

• Do not wait too long to water them. Philodendrons are from the jungle and can dry out .

Propagating Philodendron Luxurians

Stem Cuttings

1. Select a healthy shoot with at least one node and a few leaves.

2. Cut below the node using sterile tools.

3. Place your stem cutting either in water or into Philodendron soil.

4. Consider using rooting hormones to enhance growth.

5. Position the cutting in a warm location with plenty of indirect sunlight.

6. You should see root development within a few weeks.

Air Layering (Mossing)

1. Injure your plant: Use a sterile blade to make a cut approximately 5cm long and 3-5cm deep.

2. Keep the wound open: Use a toothpick to prevent the cut from closing.

3. Apply moss: Cover the wound with moist sphagnum moss. Secure it if necessary with string or ties.

4. Wrap in plastic: Use cling film to secure the moss around the wound, using tape for extra support.

5. Planting: Once roots develop, usually after a month, plant them. Do so after they reach about 8cm in length.

Seed Propagation

We generally discourage seed propagation. This is due to the difficulty in finding real seeds and the challenges of germination. If you do have seeds:

1. Soak them in warm water for a day.

2. Plant them about 5mm deep in starter soil.

3. Position them in a warm, bright place away from direct sunlight.

4. Wait for one to one and a half months for germination.

5. You can repot the seedlings once they reach a height of 10cm.

Conclusion

Caring for a Philodendron Luxurians requires understanding and patience. Follow these detailed care and propagation guidelines. They will help your Philodendron thrive and enhance your indoor jungle.

Further Learning on Philodendrons

Interested in learning more about Philodendrons? Dive into our big guide. It covers all species and common questions. It will deepen your love of these magnificent plants.