Philodendron Deja Vu: Care Tips for This Evergreen Perennial

Philodendron Deja Vu of the Araceae family is an evergreen houseplant with a dark-green rippled foliage and an undulating margin. It is an underrated philodendron genus plant that is still not very popular among houseplant enthusiasts.

Read all about its care requirements in this comprehensive, no-fail guide.

What Is Philodendron Deja Vu?

Philodendron Deja Vu or Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Thaumatophyllum) is a self-heading Philodendron that has uniquely-edged foliage. It is part of the Araceae family and belongs in the Philodendron genus.

The plant is found and cultivated in the warm, tropical jungles of Brazil and Mexico. Needing warm temperatures and humid conditions make this a perfect plant for tropical climates.

– Size and Growth

Philodendron Deja Vu growth rate is moderate as it grows upright. It is a self-heading plant and does not grow long vines. Upright philodendrons grow slower than vining philodendrons, but they sprawl over time like slow-growing vines.

With the right care, this plant can grow up to four feet long, making it an ideal patio plant. Normally, it easily reaches a height of 24 inches. The perennial shrubby Philodendron has flexible, delicate stems that carry the green leaves. It does not lose the leaves in the fall like other plants.

The plant has soft and flexible stems. Protect it from the heavy canopy of other plants, keep it away from heavy objects, and give it proper space to grow and spread.

Philodendron Deja Vu is a cultivar and looks quite similar to Philodendron Xanadu. This plant is toxic if ingested, so keep it away from the reach of children and pets. It can cause mild irritation to ulcers in the throat area and may also cause skin irritation to some people.

– Leaves

Philodendron Deja Vu has serrated leaves. Its new leaves start with smooth margins and as they mature, they develop jagged edges. The ripple foliage grows upright and not in the form of a vine.

Over time, the lobes on the younger leaves become more crinkled and jagged. It is a non-flowering plant and has multiple stems growing out of a single base.

– Roots

Philodendron Deja Vu does not have an extensive root system. It is a slow-to moderate-growing plant and it takes about two to three years for its roots to go deeper into the drainage holes.

Because of this, repotting is not required very often. The roots are neither too soft nor too hard, but be careful not to break them while repotting.

Quick Overview

Here is a handy table of this plant’s requirements.

Requirements	Philodendron Deja Vu
Light	Thrives well in low to moderate light conditions
Water	Allow the soil to dry out a bit in between waterings
Soil	Needs very loose and well-draining soil
Humidity	High humidity levels above 50 percent
Temperature	Temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit
Fertilizer	Apply a well-balanced liquid fertilizer once a month from spring to late summer

Philodendron Deja Vu Care

Philodendron Deja Vu is one of the easiest Philodendrons to take care of. Given below are some of its standard growth requirements. Adjust them according to the environment in your area.

Light Requirements

Philodendron Deja Vu needs low to moderate light conditions to grow well. It will do just fine even under a fluorescent light. Any bright but shaded spot is a great spot to keep this plant as too much light causes the browning of leaves. Near the window and away from direct sunlight is the perfect area to grow this plant.

In very bright light, the leaves start to turn pale and eventually become yellow. In very low light conditions, its foliage will develop a darker green shade. In low light, the plant also runs at a risk of facing problems related to overwatering such as root rot and fungus growth, so be careful with watering, especially if your plant is kept indoors in low light.

Water Requirements

Watering Philodendron Deja Vu should be consistent with the soil allowed to dry out a bit in between waterings. It does not like wet feet, and in soggy soil conditions, the plant begins to face root rot and other fungal problems. Despite being a tropical plant, it has low water requirements and can go for weeks without being watered.

While ensuring that you do not overwater your plant, make sure that you do not underwater it as well. Underwatering can also cause problems for your plant in the long run. Browning of leaves and crispy edges indicate that the plant is not getting enough water. The plant is fairly drought resistant, but do not put it under pressure by keeping it under dry conditions for long periods of time.

Soil Mix Requirements

Philodendron Deja Vu soil should be very loose and well-draining, similar to cactus potting mix. Use regular potting soil mixed with sand and perlite to make it well-draining. Add organic compost to make it rich and fertile.

The quantity of sand and perlite to be mixed will depend on other factors such as humidity and temperature in your area. As a basic rule, use two parts of regular soil, one part sand or perlite, and one part organic compost or vermiculite. Adjust the quantity accordingly. 

The ideal soil pH level should be 6.1 to 6.5. To maintain this level, you can add vinegar to the soil. Mix two drops of vinegar in water and add them to the soil.

Temperature Requirements

Temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit work well for the growth of Philodendron Deja Vu. Even though it can tolerate temperatures as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit, avoid placing it in temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Avoid exposure to cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. Philodendron Deja Vu is a tropical plant, which means that it grows the best in warm temperatures. But keeping it at a  warm temperature does not mean that it can survive very hot climates. Avoid extremes — both cold and hot.

Humidity Requirements

Philodendron Deja Vu prefers humid conditions around itself to grow well. It grows quite well around other plants in moist areas. Try to maintain the humidity levels above 50 percent to keep this plant happy.

Keep humidity trays under the plant to increase the humidity levels. To prepare a humidity tray, fill it with pebbles and water and keep your pot above it. As the water evaporates, the plant will absorb the required moisture.

Fertilizer Requirements

Use a well-balanced liquid fertilizer to feed the Philodendron Deja Vu once a month from spring to late summer. Feeding the right amount at the right time helps encourage new growth and makes the foliage healthier and glossier.

Take note that the plant goes dormant during the winter months. No new growth means no need for more nutrition, so do not worry about fertilizing during winter. Wait until spring before resuming with regular fertilizing.

Over-fertilizing or fertilizing in the winter months can cause problems such as salt build-up that can lead to root burn. Root burn may even kill the plant. Fertilizer quantity and frequency should be such that the plant does not suffer from root burn. Too much fertilizer also makes the soil unhealthy over time.

 

Repotting

Philodendron Deja Vu does not need repotting for at least two years. It has a slow to moderate growth rate, which means that you don’t need to repot it every year. A slow growth rate means smaller roots. It is only when you see the roots coming out of the drainage holes that it is time to shift the plant to a bigger container.

Choose a wider and longer pot or container to repot it. Two inches longer and wider than the previous one works well. Generally, a pot with 10 to 20 inches diameter and 10 inches depth works fine for average-sized plants.

After taking out the plant from the pot, remove the dead and black roots, if any. Prepare a new soil mix with regular potting soil mixed with perlite. Fill more than half the pot, place the plant in it, and cover the roots with soil, firming it around them. Keep the plant in a shaded spot and let the roots acclimatize to the new soil environment.

Propagation

Philodendron Deja Vu is cultivated through seeds, leaf and stem cuttings. Seed propagation is difficult to do at home, so we recommend using the stem cutting propagation method. It is much easier and gives excellent results.

To propagate using stem cuttings, cut a stem below the node. You can then place it directly in a jar of water or into a soil mix. It takes about 10 to 20 days for the new roots to sprout.

If you placed the cuttings in water, shift them to the soil after 20 days. Keep the soil mix moist initially because the new roots have high water requirements.

Problems

The Philodendron Deja Vu is not completely immune to pests and other infections.

It may face some problems now and then if left ignored.

– Leaf Spot

Leaf spot is a very common problem in almost all Philodendrons. The leaves begin to turn yellow and eventually brown. It is most often caused by overwatering, leading to the growth of bacteria and fungus that thrive in damp and soggy environments.

To treat this problem, stop watering the plant and apply two spoons of baking soda mixed with soap water on the affected parts. Keep the plant away from direct sunlight and use commercial fungicides if the problem is severe.

– Erwinia Blight

Erwinia blight attacks the stem and foliage of the plant. It causes yellow-brown water-filled lesions on the stems. It is difficult to get rid of Erwinia but some bactericides containing copper may help slow down the spread.

As soon as you see the plant getting affected, remove the affected part and protect the rest by applying bactericides.

– Root Rot

Philodendron Deja Vu is intolerant of soggy soil conditions. If you overwater your plant, it will likely suffer from root rot. It starts with pale, yellow leaves which slowly turn mushy. Eventually, the plant will die because of rot.

To treat this problem, change the soil mix immediately. Use a well-draining aroid soil mix and keep a check on your watering schedule. Water only when the soil has dried. Use the finger knuckle test to determine whether the plant needs water or not.

Other Helpful Information

Let us take a look at some frequently asked questions about the Philodendron Deja Vu.

Is Philodendron Deja Vu Rare?

The Philodendron Deja Vu is a relatively rare plant with unique foliage growing upright. It is still quite underrated and not many people know about it, unlike Philodendron Xanadu. It is not commonly available at most garden centers and stores.

How Do You Care For Philodendron Deja Vu?

Maintain bright, indirect light conditions with a regular watering schedule. Water only when the top few inches of the soil have completely dried. Use a well-draining and porous soil mixture similar to the one used for cactus.

Keep the environment warm and humid for best growth results. Protect the plant from frost and cool temperatures as it is a tropical plant that loves warm temperatures. Fertilize the plant regularly once a month during the active growing months of spring and summer.

Conclusion

The Philodendron Deja Vu is a perennial plant that does not shed its leaves at all. If you want green vibes all year round, then this is the plant for you. Let us summarize all the important points about its growth and care requirements.

• Philodendron Deja Vu is a perennial, self-heading Philodendron with serrated leaves.

• It has split and elongated leaves that makes it look similar to Philodendron Xanadu.

• It thrives in low to moderate light conditions. Avoid direct sun exposure.

• Water the plant only when the soil is dry. Avoid overwatering to protect it from root rot.

• Use a loose and well-draining soil mix, like cactus soil mix, to grow this plant.

• Maintain temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for proper plant growth. Avoid exposing it to frost and freezing temperatures.

• Maintain the humidity levels above 50 percent to keep it healthy.

• Repot the plant every two to three years when it has outgrown its existing pot.

• Propagate the plant through stem cuttings in a jar of water or directly in the soil.

• It can sometimes face problems such as Erwinia Blight and Leaf Spot. It is better to prevent these diseases rather than work on curing them.

If you are looking to add a touch of nature inside your house, add Philodendron Deja Vu to your plant collection for some peaceful and calm vibes.