Philodendron is a popular flowering plant genus known for its incredible diversity. People particularly favor the Philodendron Pastazanum. It is an evergreen and perennial Aroid known for its beautiful leaves. Its leaves are heart-shaped. They are medium to dark green and have white veins. They are semi-glossy. They can grow up to 60 cm in length and width. These leaves stand on upright stems. The stems are longer than the leaf stalks. The philodendron has large, green leaves. They make it an attractive addition to any indoor space or garden.
Also, this Colombian plant is low-maintenance and easy to grow. It’s suitable for beginners or those less inclined to gardening. Let’s delve deeper into the beautiful Philodendron Pastazanum.
Classification of Pastazanum
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Philodendron
- Species: P. pastazanum
Genus Philodendron
Plumier introduced it in the 16th century. It is the second-largest genus in the popular Aroid family. It is flowering plants. The latest checklist of picky plant families lists about 489 distinct species. Most philodendrons are from the rainforests of the Americas. They are from the regions of Central and South America.
People have bred and grown these plants. They have done so to create many new plants. This has made the plants popular for decoration. Two categories divide the genus.
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Climbing Philodendrons produce aerial roots along the stem. They grow on other plants in the wild. In domestic environments, they grow around extra supports or stakes.
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Non-climbing Philodendrons, grow along the ground and form lush, thriving plants. Their leaves are large and lobed. These plants prefer spacious areas.
Characteristics of Philodendron Pastazanum Plant
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Adult plants are usually 90 to 150 cm tall. They can spread 120 to 180 cm wide, growing to fit the space. In the wild, they can become quite large.
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Unlike typical climbing Philodendrons, Pastazanums creep. They have rhizomes that grow along the ground and produce foliage. The rhizomes usually stick out of the soil. This happens once the plant is about 1 meter tall.
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Pastazanums have a moderate growth rate.
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Their flowering consists of large, reddish-modified leaves that form a single flower spathe. These leaves, 10 to 15 cm long, grow on long stems like the leaf-bearing stalks.
Plant Toxicity
philodendron pastazanum silver
Philodendrons are toxic to cats and children. The plants contain high levels of calcium oxalate crystals in all parts. Close contact and ingestion can cause allergic reactions and mouth ulceration. Thus, experts recommend keeping these plants away from children and pets.
Comparisons
Philodendron Pastazanum Vs Philodendron Mcdowell
Pastazanum closely resembles the cultivar McDowell. The key difference is that Pastazanum has a more pointed leaf tip than Mcdowell.
Philodendron Pastazanum Vs Philodendron Gloriosum
Distinguishing characteristics from its large-leaved cousin, Gloriosum, include:
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V-shaped sinuses.
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In mature leaves, the branching veins lose their prominent white coloration. In contrast, Gloriosum leaves keep their white veins throughout their lifespan.
Care for Philodendron Pastazanum
How to care for philo Pastazanum? It’s an easy-to-maintain plant, often recommended for beginners and casual gardeners. Let’s explore the care and requirements of this plant:
Watering Needs
Pastazanum is unlike many other Philodendron plants. It doesn’t need a lot of water. Water it when the top 5 cm of soil dries out. Water twice a week in dry seasons and once a week in rainy seasons. But, adjust based on your local weather. Overwatering is always harmful. Waterlogged soil can cause root rot and other plant issues.
Sunlight Requirements
Moderate to bright indirect sunlight suits this plant. Pastazanum displays healthy foliage in bright places without direct sunlight. Yellowing leaves mean too much light. Long stems and fewer leaves mean too little light.
Temperature Requirements
Common philodendrons thrive at 16 to 24 °C. Philodendron Pastazanum can’t handle cold and dies below 13 °C. Frost is especially deadly for them.
Humidity Needs
This plant can adapt to different humidity levels. So, you don’t need to give it extra care for humidity. Its large green leaves will do fine in natural environmental humidity.
Soil and Fertilizing
The plant needs fertile, moist, and porous soil. For packaged soil options, a general aroid mix will do. The ideal pH level is acidic to neutral, ranging from 5 to 7.
The large leaves will appreciate more nutrients. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month.
Propagation of Philodendron Pastazanum
Popular propagation methods include:
- Seeds.
- Stem cuttings.
- Division of clumps.
You can collect seeds from berries. These berries have a natural hormone that inhibits seed germination.
Clump Propagation
Mature Pastazanum plants form clumps. Clumps are dense growths of many baby plants at the base of a mature parent plant. You can separate some baby plants from the clump and plant them in fertile, moist soil. Keep the baby plants in moderate indirect light. Water when the topsoil becomes about 70% dry. Roots will start developing within three to four weeks.
Growth Timeline
Let’s look at an estimated growth timeline to understand Pastazanum’s growth pattern:
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Day 1 to Day 60: In the early days, keep the baby plants in moderate indirect light. Water after the soil starts to dry. Fertilizer isn’t necessary until at least 6 months from initial planting. Roots will start forming at the end of the first month. Then, slowly, small buds will emerge. They will be small, curved leaves. They will grow and open over about 15 days.
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Day 60 to Day 120: By the end of the second month, reduce watering. Water only after the soil dries out. This easy-to-grow plant doesn’t must much attention now.
Summary
The Philodendron Pastazanum is an alluring, low-maintenance option for plant enthusiasts, including beginners. Its leaves are distinctive and large with prominent veining. They are easy to care for and make it a popular choice. Just remember its toxicity, especially around children and pets.
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