Philodendron Mexicanum Mastery: From Propagation to Care

Plant lovers seek unique, low-maintenance indoor greenery. The Philodendron Mexicanum is a fantastic choice. This climbing plant is perennial. It has vibrant green leaves. It is a great addition to apartments and offices. Its color palette is a visual delight. It showcases shiny, light green leaves when they’re young. The leaves mature into dark green, textured foliage.

Introduction to Philodendron Mexicanum

Adding to its charm, the undersides of the leaves are magenta to maroon. They are enchanting to see. As a growing trailing plant, it flourishes when given the right care. Who wouldn’t want to foster the growth of such a splendid Mexicanum?

Before we dive into the nuances of caring for the Mexicanum, you must know that this plant belongs to a large genus. The genus has over 500 species. Classified under the Araceae family, it originates from Mexico.

To nurture Philodendron Mexicanum, mimic its natural habitat. It is an epiphyte—a climbing tree-dweller. They are common in the rainy Chiapas region in Mexico at an altitude of about 1,200 meters. This plant isn’t confined to that area. It thrives in many places in Central America. These range from rainforests to dry habitats. Mexicanum is versatile, showing off its climbing prowess on both trees and rocks. Now, with this knowledge, let’s dive into the care guide for Mexicanum.

Care Guide for Philodendron Mexicanum

Soil

When growing Mexicanum in pots, choose fertile soil. It should also be well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mix of leaf compost, kitchen compost, peat moss, and perlite works well. Avoid sandy or wet, muddy, or dry soils. A ready-made succulent mix has brick pieces, coconut coir, orchid bark, and more. It provides a good base. It offers both anchorage for the roots and extra drainage.

For outdoor planting, choose well-draining, loamy soil with lots of organic matter. This is especially important near the equator, like in Indonesia. Raising the planting area around tree mounds is a pro tip. It helps with natural drainage of excess water.

Lighting

Philodendron Mexicanum thrives with ample sunlight, receiving 70-85% filtered natural sunlight. Mimic its native habitat. Avoid direct sunlight and use shade cloth (20-40%) to spread out and shield the plant. This technique encourages faster growth. The plant tends to produce new leaves to capture sunlight.

When moving the plant outside, it needs to get used to bright areas. This should take one or two weeks and prevents leaf sunburn. Be cautious of intense sunlight, which may cause leaf burns.

Watering

One common mistake in Philodendron Mexicanum care is overwatering. The best watering frequency varies by the season, climate zone, and growth conditions.

In tropical areas like Indonesia, people can water outdoor plants daily.
For potted plants with good drainage, let the top layer dry a few centimeters before watering. Do this, especially in spring and summer.
Adjust watering in fall and winter, reducing frequency but avoiding dehydration.

Adapt the watering schedule . Shift from once a week to twice every 10 days. This change will ensure proper drainage. Yellowing leaves say excess watering.

Temperature

Philodendron Mexicanum thrives in warmth, with the best growth observed near the equator. It can tolerate elevations up to 1,900 meters. But, it prefers nighttime temperatures of 15°C and daytime temperatures around 30°C. It can’t grow below 12°C. It dies at freezing temperatures.

For places, summer is suitable. But, winter should stay above 12°C. In winter, move the plant indoors. If it gets very cold inside, growth may stop.

Humidity

Philodendron Mexicanum is a tropical epiphyte. It needs 20-40% humidity in the day and 80-100% at night. Mist your plants . Or, use a humidifier for Monstera, Philodendron, and Pothos. They like a warm, humid environment.

Fertilization

Grow Mexicanum plant in nutrient-rich soil or use organic nitrogen-rich fertilizers. Balanced organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, like well-diluted fish emulsion, supports growth. Reduce fertilization in winter.

Choose organic over chemical fertilizers for slow-release and safe usage. If using chemicals, ensure high-quality, chemical-free products, diluted before application.

Propagation

Propagate the Mexicanum plant with stem cuttings. Place cuttings in soil, husk, or water. This method aligns with the plant’s natural growth habits. It works well during its growth phase in spring and summer.

Growth

Philodendron Mexicanum is a fast-growing climber. It reaches an average height of about 2 meters in two years. Cutting a lot doesn’t always make more branches. So, we only need to trim a little.

Potting

Provide a large and sturdy pot due to the plant’s weight. We recommend terracotta pots for their excellent drainage and air circulation. To encourage lush growth, use a moss-covered pole for the plant to climb. Bury the pole deep in the pot to ensure stability.

Easy Steps for Propagating Philodendron Mexicanum

The Mexicanum plant is captivating. You can multiply it from stem cuttings or its berries. Let’s explore a straightforward guide for propagating this exquisite plant:

Stem Cuttings

Select a healthy stem. Pick the tip from the mature parent plant. Do this where aerial roots are visible.
Use garden shears to trim the stem’s tip. Make sure it has at least two leaf nodes. These nodes are crucial for rooting.
Prepare the Pot: Get a pot and create a mix of sphagnum moss and perlite in a 50-50 ratio. Ensure the mix is moist but not excessively wet.
You do not need any rooting hormone. Unlike some plants, Mexicanum cuttings usually don’t need it. They are ready to root without this more step.
Insert the cutting into the soil, making sure to bury at least one node when planting. Press the soil for stability.
Choose the Right Spot: Put the pot in a bright place. But, avoid direct sunlight. It might be too intense for the developing roots.
Keep it Moist: Maintain consistent soil moisture until the cutting establishes roots. This phase is critical for successful propagation.

Water Propagation

Follow Steps 1-2 from Stem Cuttings. Select a healthy stem and make the necessary cut. Make sure it has at least two leaf nodes.
Choose the Right Jar: Opt for a jar with a least width of 7 cm. Make sure it has enough depth for the cutting’s node to be underwater. But, it should also let the tip of the leaf stick out.
Place in Water: Submerge the cutting in the jar filled with clean water. Be mindful not to damage the roots when removing the cutting, especially if the jar mouth is narrow.
Find the Right Spot: Position the jar in a location with indirect sunlight. Avoid disturbances to the cutting during this critical rooting period.
Wait for Roots. About two weeks later, you’ll see roots coming from the submerged node. This is a sign that the cutting is ready for the next step.
Transfer to Soil: Once the roots reach a length of 2 to 5 cm, transfer the cutting to soil. Ensure the soil stays moist during this transition.

Air Layering

For air layering, you’ll need a transparent plastic bag (15 cm), sphagnum moss, and ties.

Select a Node: Identify a node with aerial roots on a strong, long stem. Make a shallow cut below that node, not exceeding 1/4 of the stem’s thickness.
Prepare the Bag: Create small holes at the bag’s bottom and place moist sphagnum moss at the base. Cut the top of the plastic bag to fashion a cover for wrapping around the stem.
Encase the Node: Hold the water-soaked moss inside the plastic bag at the chosen aerial root node. Wrap the plastic cover around the stem and secure it with ties to encase the node with moist moss.
Keep it Moist: Water the moss through the holes in the plastic, keeping it moist. In about two weeks, you’ll observe roots growing within the moss.
Separate and Pot: Carefully remove the moss without damaging the new roots. Cut the stem below the new roots, separating the cutting from the parent plant. Pot the new plant. Keep the soil moist until it establishes itself.

These propagation methods provide flexibility. They let you choose the technique that best suits you and your conditions. These methods are great for novices and experts. Trying them can reward you by growing your Philodendron Mexicanum collection.

Common Issues in Philodendron Mexicanum Care

When growing Mexicanum plants, pests and insects are not a big concern. But, common pests for this plant species include aphids and caterpillars. Also, fungal gnats, whiteflies, scales, shore flies, and thrips. You can manage them with routine insecticide and neem oil. , do so once a month or as on the packaging.

To control pests, caring for Philodendron Mexicanum involves washing the leaves. Do this with a water spray each week. Do this while watering the plant and then wipe them dry. Severe infestations may need more detailed treatment, involving chemical solutions.

Wilted or Yellowing Leaves

This issue is usually from root rot. Too much water or fungal infections in the roots cause it. Promptly inspect the base of the plant. Try to save some stems. Then, try to propagate them in a new pot. Use soil that drains well and is sterile.

Irregular Brown spots on Philodendron leaves

This may be due to bacterial infections. Examples are Erwinia blight or Pseudomonas leaf spots. These infections are common in types of Philodendron plants. You can identify bacterial infections by the bad smell from the plant. These diseases usually affect smaller plants. They look less severe in larger plants grown in soil. Bacterial infections thrive in humid conditions.

First, isolate the plant from others in your garden. Trim affected leaves. Water less and keep leaves dry to stop the spread. Bactericides are usually not necessary.

Dark Spots on Leaves

This may result from exposure to cold weather. Trim damaged leaves and move your plant to a warmer location.

Yellowing/Browning of Leaves

If you notice browning and drying of the leaf tips, you may be under-watering. The Philodendron leaves are turning yellow. The soil feels wet. Overwatering may be the cause.

Pale Color

Leaves lacking their characteristic dark green color usually say poor lighting. Consider moving your plant to a brighter location.

Tips for Keeping Philodendron Mexicanum Problem

Here are some care tips accumulated over the years:

The ideal temperature range is between 12.75°C – 26°C.
Dappled sunlight or bright shade is best for Philodendron Mexicanum.
Avoid temperature spikes, such as sudden indoor or outdoor transitions. Acclimate the plant before moving.
Use nitrogen fertilizer to enhance leaf size and encourage faster growth.
Keep the soil moist in the growing months. But, never let it become waterlogged.
Wash the leaves often to stop pests and dust from building up. Make sure the leaves dry after washing.
Provide humidity by clustering it with other plants.
Water during winter to prevent plant lethargy.
Use totems and twine vines around them for a lush appearance.
Remove dead leaves and branches to prevent infection spread.

FAQs

Is Mexicanum Pet-Friendly?

The ASPCA says philodendron plants are toxic to dogs and cats. This includes Philodendron Mexicanum. The crystals are insoluble calcium oxalate. They are like those in other Araceae plants. Chewing or biting these plants releases these crystals. They cause tissue penetration and irritation in the mouth and digestive tract. Pets that eat any part of this plant may vomit. They may also paw at the mouth, lose their appetite, and drool.

Is Philodendron Mexicanum the Same as Syngonium?

Both plants have arrow-shaped leaves and are often confused with each other. They are from different plant species. You can tell them apart by touching their leaves. Philodendron leaves are glossy. In comparison, Syngonium leaves are thinner and less shiny.

Can Philodendron Mexicanum Purify the Air?

You can grow Mexicanum plant for its air-purifying properties. This plant helps remove common household toxins from the air. These toxins, such as formaldehyde, make it a healthy addition to your space. A NASA study in 1989 recommended 15 to 18 plants in pots 15 to 20 cm wide. They would clean the air in an average home of 167 square meters.

Can You Grow Philodendron Mexicanum from Seeds?

Technically, yes. But, this requires a flowering plant, and when grown indoors, they rarely flower. Seeds have a short lifespan unless processed and vacuum-sealed. Professional nurseries do this, but not regular home plant enthusiasts.

Does Misting Help Philodendron Mexicanum Grow?

Regularly misting the plant with water and applying insecticides can help prevent pests. Also, philodendrons are tropical plants. High humidity encourages lush growth and shiny leaves. Be cautious of bacterial infections spreading due to humidity.

Conclusion

Philodendron Mexicanum, with its captivating foliage, offers a rewarding journey for plant enthusiasts. The plant is a delightful addition to any indoor space. It’s versatile and beautiful. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, you’ll love it. As you start your Mexicanum care journey, use these full tips and techniques. You’re sure to grow a thriving and vibrant green friend. Happy gardening!