hilodendron Subhastatum is a rare tropical climbing plant. It belongs to the Araceae plant family. Its two-toned leaves are well-known. This plant has simple care needs. So, it is often grown indoors.
Active sentence: Caring for, propagating, and displaying it around the house is easy.
Classification
- Family: Araceae
- Subfamily: Aroideae
- Genus: Philodendron
About the Philodendron Genus
The Philodendron genus is one of the largest genera within the Araceae family. Botanists named it “Philodendron” in 1829. In Greek, “Philo” means “love,” and “Dendron” means “tree.” This name refers to the fact that these plants are “tree huggers.” Most people use Philodendrons as ornamental houseplants because of their beautiful foliage.
This genus comprises around 400 species, each with different sizes, structures, and shapes. But, all these plants have thick leaves. The leaves have a coarse texture that stops too much moisture loss. The plants are not only beautiful. They also have cultural meaning in some regions. They symbolize health, and enough, and bring good luck to some communities.
People have cultivated Philodendron plants. This has led to several variations. They include Philodendron Pedatum, Philodendron Esmeraldense, and Philodendron Plowmanii.
Origin and Distribution
Philodendron was first discovered in 1644. They are native to Colombia and the Caribbean. These plants thrive in tropical rainforests in the West Indies and the Americas. They also grow along riverbanks and swamps. These animals inhabit Australia, Africa, and Asia. Philodendron Subhastatum, in particular, originates from South America.
Characteristics of Philodendron Subhastatum
Leaves and Stems
Philodendron Subhastatum has glossy green leaves that change as the plant matures. Young Subhastatum plants have red leaves on the underside. The leaves become more prominent as the plant matures.
Evergreen
These beautiful plants remain attractive throughout the year and throughout their lifetime. They only must proper care and a comfortable living environment.
Height
With the right care and environment, these plants can grow up to 1.8 meters in height and spread up to 60 cm.
Temperature Tolerance
These plants have a specific ideal temperature range. They look unhealthy if the temperature goes too low or too high. They do not tolerate big temperature swings. So, it’s best to protect them from that.
Humidity Tolerance
Philodendron plants are moisture-loving plants and thrive in both soil and air humidity. They appreciate extra efforts to increase humidity levels.
Drought Resistance
These plants prefer water and humidity. They won’t thrive in dry conditions. So, keep them hydrated all day.
Pressure Tolerance
Despite their appearance of toughness, they are not the most pressure-resistant plants. Under constant pressure, they will stop to grow. So, it’s essential to place them in an open space without pressure from outside.
Disease and Pest Resistance
These plants are not immune to diseases and pests. Common issues include Erwinia blight, Pseudomonas leaf spots, aphids, and whiteflies. The best way to avoid these problems is to ensure that your plant remains healthy, clean, and dry at all times. Regularly inspect your plant. Do this to ensure no odd things occur under or around the leaves and stems.
Growth Rate
The rate of growth depends on the care and environment given to them. It also depends on the plant’s genetics. But, these plants grow . So, you’ll need to be very patient when propagating them indoors.
Toxicity
Philodendron plants are toxic to cats and pets. This is because they contain calcium oxalate crystals. This substance is poisonous to both humans and animals. It causes a range of symptoms from mild to severe when eaten. Symptoms may include stomach pain, mouth and tongue swelling, and difficulty breathing. Handling the plant can also cause skin irritation and allergies. Thus, it’s important to keep Philodendron plants away from children and pets. In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical help immediately.
Durability
Philodendron Subhastatum Variegated
Thanks to their permanent life cycle, these plants can live for years. So, you don’t have to worry about replacing them soon.
Maintenance
Not only are they beautiful, but Philodendron Subhastatum also requires low maintenance. This is one of the many reasons why plant enthusiasts love this species.
Philodendron Subhastatum Variegated
Dormancy
In subtropical winters, these plants enter a dormant state. They stop growing and go to sleep. The best thing to do now is to care for them as needed. Avoid overwatering and overfeeding. Just wait for them to wake up in the spring. It’s advisable to refrain from caring for or propagating the plant during this time.
Caring for Philodendron Subhastatum
Philodendron Subhastatum thrives in indirect sunlight and moderate temperatures. They must ample humidity, and you can water them as per your preference. You can fertilize them weekly and prune them as desired.
Watering and Soil
Philodendron Subhastatum is a moisture-loving plant, so you can water it as needed. Just make sure the soil is moist but not soggy up to 5 cm deep. You can check the soil texture using your finger or use a moisture meter for accuracy. Watering waterlogged soil will quickly harm your plant.
In terms of soil, rich organic soil is ideal for Philodendron Subhastatum. This should be a mixture of peat moss, cocopeat, sand, and perlite, all in equal proportions. You can also use compost as a soil conditioner. Plants prefer soil with a pH range of 5-8, from acidic to alkaline. Ensure that the soil has good drainage and does not keep excess water.
Sunlight
It’s best to keep this plant away from direct sunlight, as it can cause leaf burn. Filtered natural light is excellent for growing Philodendron Subhastatum. If you don’t have access to natural sunlight, you can always use artificial plant lights. If you must place the plant in direct sunlight, put it behind thin curtains or shade cloth. This will soften the light hitting the leaves.
Also, ensure each part of the plant gets the same amount of light. This helps it grow . If your light comes from one direction, you can rotate the plant. This will expose all its parts .
Temperature
The optimal temperature range for growing this plant is between 10 to 30 degrees Celsius. This means your Philodendron Subhastatum will thrive in a regular indoor environment. But, shield the plant from temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius. Also, shield it from temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius.
Humidity
This plant requires humidity levels of around 60 to 80% to grow well. If you live in a very dry area, occasional misting can be beneficial. You can also use a humidifier indoors. Or, group several moisture-loving plants together. This will raise humidity in the area.
Another good home care practice is to place your plant on a pebble tray. Simply pour water into the tray and place the pot on the pebbles without direct contact with the water. The water will evaporate and create humidity around the plant. Overall, keep the plant well-hydrated. But, let it dry within a few hours. Avoid letting humidity linger on its surface.
Fertilization
You can fertilize your plant every two weeks, as needed. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can harm the roots. Use organic fertilizers. Also, use chemical ones like NPK, leaf, and other safe types. Remember not to use cheap fertilizers for this purpose. Low-quality fertilizers can harm these lovely creatures in the long run.
Repotting
These plants have a big root system. If the roots get crowded, their growth slows. Since they grow , you don’t need to repot them , at least not for 2 to 3 years. Yet, if the plant has outgrown its current pot, it’s best to transfer it to a larger one.
Simply, remove the plant from its current pot and clean the remaining soil from the roots. Now, plant it into the new, larger pot. Continue with your watering and fertilizing routine. This will save your Philodendron Subhastatum from getting sick. It will also spur growth and make it look greener and more vibrant.
Care and Pruning
If necessary, you can prune the plant. Make sure to use clean and sterilized tools to prevent the spread of germs or infections. Also, be careful not to cut too much, as it can inhibit their growth. Keep your plant clean, dry, and dust-free. This will not only make your plant look tidier and healthier. It will also spur new, healthier growth.
How to Propagate Philodendron?
You can propagate this plant year-round. You can do so using two methods: stem cuttings or tip cuttings. The plant thrives in both soil and water. Simply place the desired cuttings in the chosen medium under the right conditions.
Tools and Preparation
-
Sterilize and clean all your tools and equipment. This way, you can avoid spreading germs or infections. Also, remember to wear gloves to protect yourself during the process.
Stem Cuttings
-
If you prefer to propagate the plant using stem cuttings, use a knife, shears, or scissors to cut the stems. Be careful! They should be about 5 to 8 cm long.
Tip Cuttings
-
If you’d rather use tip cuttings, cut a section of the stem that’s similar but ensure there are leaves at the tip.
Medium
Water Propagation
-
If you decide to propagate in water, fill a jar with water and place your cuttings in it. Remember not to fill it to the top. Instead, leave about 2 cm from the top of the jar. It’s also recommended to let the water sit overnight. This allows chlorine to go away before starting propagation.
-
Arrange the cuttings in the jar. Make sure one or two stems are underwater while two or three leaves stick out.
-
Change the water often, at least every two to three days. Also, keep the jar out of direct sunlight to stop algae growth.
-
Once the roots start growing, they become longer. You can then transfer the plant to a soil pot for optimal growth.
Soil Propagation
-
If you decide to plant the cuttings into a potting mix, prepare the mix with the right soil. Then, place the cuttings in the mix.
-
You can cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity. Remember to ventilate the bag to prevent unwanted microbial growth.
-
Water the baby plant and keep it moist and hydrated under warm conditions.
-
Check if roots have started growing. Do this by tugging on the plant and feeling for resistance. Once you feel that some strong roots have developed, you can transplant the plant into a larger pot.
-
To encourage faster root growth, dip the end of the cutting in a rooting hormone. Then, plant it. Rooting hormones stimulate quicker growth without harming the plant’s roots.
Growth Timeline
-
Days 1-7: Put your stem or tip cuttings in the medium you want. Put them under the right conditions.
-
Weeks 2-3: Roots will start to emerge in the soil. Cuttings in water will start to grow roots.
-
Months 2-4: You can now move cuttings grown in soil to larger pots and those grown in water to soil. Treat them like mature plants and care for them .
Displaying Philodendron Subhastatum
The plant has attractive and distinctive bicolor leaves. It is effortless to showcase. Their two-toned leaves add a splash of color to any room. You can place them in a corner or next to your furniture. Make sure the plant is out of reach. This is for safety. It’s also because it’s toxic if pets or children eat it.
Selecting Philodendron Subhastatum
Since this plant is rare, it can be somewhat challenging to find. But, if you come across one, ensure that the plant is healthy before purchasing it. Examine the leaves and stems of the plant. Also, check around and underneath it for signs of pests, diseases, or infections.
Conclusion
Philodendron Subhastatum is a beautiful but rare tropical plant. Its leaves are eye-catching. They have two distinct colors: green on top and burgundy-red beneath. This plant is easy to care for and propagate indoors. But, it’s toxic if ingested, so keep it away from pets and children. It’s large and has stunning foliage. You can display it in your home. It makes an excellent ornamental plant.
Leave a Reply