Philodendron Nangaritense Care: Tips for Thriving Plants

The Philodendron Nangaritense is a unique ornamental plant. The appearance of its striking leaf stalks (petioles) is well-known. It is from a valley near the Rio Nangaritza in southern Ecuador. Its leaves are heart-shaped and glossy. They are medium-sized and more fragile than those of other philodendrons.

Caring for this plant needs a specific mix. It includes orchid bark, perlite, charcoal, husk, or cocopeat. It thrives in temperatures between 12 °C and 26 °C and prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity. It is recommended to fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

The Philodendron Nangaritense’s most notable feature is its dark red petioles. They have a furry texture. These petioles contrast with the green leaves. This is especially true as the plant grows along the ground.

Philodendron Nangaritense Care Guide

Soil

For potting Philodendron Nangaritense, use fertile, loose soil. It should have lots of organic matter. A mix of garden soil, compost, mulch, and sand is ideal. You can use perlite or burnt husk in place of sand for drainage. The roots favor wrapping around thick, organic materials. So, get creative. For example, use cocopeat, husk, charcoal, or fern shavings.

For optimal Nangaritense care, plant it outdoors in the ground. Elevate the planting site, like a tree mound or along a garden wall, to drain excess water.

The soil should be loose and well-aerated. If your garden soil is clayey, amend it with plenty of sand, compost, and mulch.

Lighting

This species thrives in primary rainforest in Ecuador. It grows along riverbanks under full shade. Its ease of care even in low light makes it perfect for shaded areas in your garden.

Philodendron Nangaritense needs 70-85% filtered sunlight. This means prolonged exposure to light but not direct sun. Indoors, place it in bright, indirect light near east- or west-facing windows.

Its large leaves and size state adaptation to scarce light conditions. If there’s no natural shade, use a 50% shade cloth. In non-equatorial zones, indoor cultivation under fluorescent lights in winter is advisable.

Watering

A crucial aspect of Philodendron Nangaritense care is watering. The plant is prone to root rot like many Philodendron plants, a common cause of death. It prefers humidity as it grows along riverbanks.

But, don’t let the roots “sit” in water. This is not a function of water but also of the soil. Water enough to keep the soil moist. Water about once a week. Then, let the top few centimeters of soil dry.

Optimal care varies with time, climate zone, and specific growing conditions.

• In tropical areas, watering daily outdoors on the ground is workable.

• Use pots with good drainage. Let the top soil dry a bit before rewatering, especially in dry months. Reduce watering in the rainy season but don’t let the plant dry out.

• In cooler zones, indoor pot planting is safest. Water twice a week in dry seasons. Water less in rainy seasons.

Temperature

Philodendron Nangaritense’s care reflects its Ecuadorian origins. They love warmth, and optimal growth is near the equator. Outdoors, ensure night temps are around 15 °C and daytime around 30 °C. In the north, summer is fine. But, ensure temps don’t drop below 12 °C in autumn. During winter, move indoors as the plant is sensitive to cold.

Keep it in comfortable room temperatures between 12 °C – 26 °C away from radiators or AC vents. Consider its delicate leaves. They are prone to stress from big temperature swings.

Humidity

A humid environment is ideal for Philodendron Nangaritense. Outdoors, mist the leaves during watering, but only in the morning.

Indoor plants enjoy misting to stay fresh and clean. Wipe the leaves with a sponge for a fresh, shiny look. Mist them 3-4 times a week if indoor humidity is low. Use a humidifier during dry months for optimal care. Aim for >60% humidity.

Fertilizing

The goal is more leaves and thus more soft, red, hairy petioles. Leaf-boosting fertilizer is ideal. Decaying leaf matter and bark mix with soil. They act as organic food, but more feeding helps.

Nitrogen fertilizer will increase leaf size. It will make plants larger and healthier. Planting them outdoors for ground cover is desirable.

For potted plants, give them regular doses of good nitrogen fertilizer. Do this every 4-6 weeks during the growth months. Fertilize less in winter. Use a third of the recommended rate. This will help avoid salt buildup and over-fertilization. Gardeners prefer liquid fertilizer because it is easy to dilute.

For propagation, young Philodendron Nangaritense care will must fertilization. Once roots are established in young plants, use a very diluted solution.

Growth

This is a plant where more leaves mean more petioles. Don’t plant Nangaritense in hanging baskets. Also, avoid small window pots. It might not be the best choice.

It’s a robust creeper! To care for Philodendron Nangaritense, plant it in the ground. This lets the stems sprawl over the surface. They then look like a plant that grows on the ground.

The best way to plant Nangaritense indoors is in a wide pot, as it’s a natural creeper. Leaves will remain medium-sized, but you’ll get more shoots. Pruning tips encourage bushiness and provide cuttings for propagation.

Many people plant Nangaritense in the ground under tree shade. We’ve observed it’s not a fast grower but gets larger leaves and a denser appearance this way. Leaves can get as large as 30 cm. It’s pruned and kept under control in limited areas.

Pots

As mentioned earlier, growing it in the ground is best for Philodendron Nangaritense. You needn’t worry about pots. For patios and indoors, plant in large wide pots or use planting bags.

If the roots can breathe, Nangaritense grows more . It doesn’t need to be root-bound and dislikes narrow pots. Repot about once a year or as the plant grows larger.

How to Propagate Philodendron Nangaritense?

Nurseries grow philodendrons from seeds. They also use tissue culture. These techniques are not workable for home gardeners. Here, we share some successful methods for home propagation.

Propagation from Stem Cuttings

• Select a stem tip with two to three leaves and aerial roots, cutting below the roots.

• Let the cutting callous for about 6 hours.

• Wrap the stem with aerial roots in a handful of very moist but not soggy sphagnum moss.

• Place this in a pot with a 50-50 moist peat and perlite mix.

• Keep the pot in a bright area with high humidity, away from direct sunlight.

• Keep the soil moist until the cutting is stable, which takes 1 – 2 weeks.

Propagation from Basal Branching

Parent plants will branch at the base, with new branches directing roots into the soil. Once the roots have established, cut the branch from the main plant. If the roots remain in the soil when you pull on them, you’ll know they are established.

Air Layering Philodendron Nangaritense

Common Problems with Philodendron Nangaritense

Sudden Wilting or Yellowing Leaves

Usually due to root rot caused by overwatering or fungal infection at the roots. Root rot results from draining soil mix or frequent watering. Check the plant base immediately. If you are propagating several cuttings, try putting them in fresh pots. Use well-draining sterile soil.

Irregular Brown Spots on Philodendron Leaves

Could be bacterial infections like Erwinia blight or Pseudomonas leaf spot sometimes seen in Philodendron Nangaritense. Identify bacterial infections by the unpleasant smell of the plant. The disease usually attacks smaller plants and seems less severe on larger plants planted in the soil. Bacterial infections need moisture to spread. First, isolate the plant from all others in your garden, cut off affected leaves, reduce watering, and stop misting the plant, keeping leaves dry or allowing them to dry very quickly to control spread. Bactericides are usually not necessary.

Dark Spots on Leaves

This might be due to cold weather exposure. Cut off damaged leaves and move your plant to a warmer location.

Yellow / Brown Leaves

Browning and dry leaf tips indicate under-watering. If Philodendron leaves are turning yellow while the soil is still moist, it might signal overwatering

Pale Color

Leaves lacking the characteristic dark green color usually say poor lighting. Move your plant to a brighter location.

Common Pests

When growing Philodendron Nangaritense, pests and insects are not a major concern. Common pests of this plant species include aphids and caterpillars. They also include fungal gnats, whiteflies, scale insects, shore flies, and thrips. The best control action is to use insecticidal soap and neem oil. Apply them monthly or as specified on the packaging.

Nangaritense care routines for pest control include washing leaves with water spray. Do this once a week during watering. They also include wiping them dry. Severe infestations must more detailed treatment than usual, involving chemicals.

Philodendron Nangaritense Care Summary

• deal temperature range: 12 °C to 26 °C.

• Best grown in indirect sunlight.

• Avoid temperature spikes, strong winds, radiators, and AC exhaust exposure.

• Diluted nitrogen fertilizer enhances leaf size and plant growth.

• Cheap fertilizers with high salt content can damage roots and may be fatal.

• Over-fertilization causes leaf tip curling and can kill the plant.

• Keep soil moist but never waterlogged.

• Frequent watering in rainy seasons can lead to fatal root rot.

• Regularly clean leaves to prevent pests but ensure they are dry after washing.

• You can maintain high indoor humidity by regularly misting or using a humidifier.

• Plant in large, wide pots.

• Ideal for outdoor ground cover.

• Regularly prune is recommended.

• Remove dead leaves and branches to prevent infection spread.

Common Questions About Philodendron Nangaritense

Is Philodendron Nangaritense Pet-Friendly?

According to the ASPCA, Philodendrons are toxic to cats and dogs. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. These are like those in other plants in the Araceae family. Chewing or biting the plant releases the crystals. They cause tissue penetration and irritation in the mouth and GI tract. Pets that eat any part of the plant may vomit. They may also paw at the mouth, lose appetite, and drool.

Does Philodendron Nangaritense Purify Air?

People know Nangaritense for its air-purifying qualities. It helps remove common household toxins, like formaldehyde, from the air. This makes it a healthy addition to your space. NASA’s 1989 Indoor Pollution Study recommends 15 to 18 medium-sized plants. They should be 6 to 8 inches in diameter. This is to purify the air in a 1,800 square foot home (167 square meters).

Can You Grow Philodendron Nangaritense From Seeds?

Technically, yes. But, it requires the plant to flower, which is rare when grown indoors in pots. Seeds have a limited shelf life unless processed and vacuum-packed. This is usually a method adopted by professional nurseries, not home gardening enthusiasts.

How to Make Philodendron Nangaritense Look Fuller?

The best way to grow Nangaritense for a fuller look is to let it trail across the ground surface. You can also trim the vine stems to encourage branching. Try using leaf-inducing fertilizers.

Is Misting Philodendron Nangaritense Helpful?

Regularly misting the plant and applying insecticidal soap helps prevent pests. Additionally, as a tropical plant, higher humidity encourages lush growth and glossy foliage. Be cautious of bacterial infections that can spread due to moisture.

Conclusion

Philodendron Nangaritense is a great plant. It’s for those who want to add a unique touch to their garden. It has stunning leaves and red, hairy petioles. It needs specific care. But, it rewards both new and skilled gardeners. Indoor gardening enthusiasts can also explore similar, plants. These include Marble Pothos, Philodendron Brandtianum, and Philodendron Billietiae. Happy gardening!