Philodendron grandipes of the Araceae family are the popularity of houseplants suitable for homes and offices equally. The Philodendron genus plants offer a variety of sizes and a wide spectrum of colors as a plant and can thrive in almost any light and soil condition.
Is this not lovely? Let us share more about the beautiful Philodendron grandipes so that you can grow them flawlessly.
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Philodendron Grandipes Care
- Soil: Use a well-draining mix of charcoal, sphagnum, and perlite.
- Watering: Provide consistent hydration.
- Light: Provide bright, indirect sunlight
- Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 60-75°F
- Humidity: Keep high humidity, around 50-70%
- Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced orchid fertilizer every 2 weeks
- Repotting: Every 2-3 years or when the pot becomes overcrowded.
Generally, Grandipes philodendrons are a low-maintenance species of plant. However, every plant needs some care and looking after so that it has a healthy and happy growth.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about growing and caring for your own Philodendron including its light needs, water requirements, soil type, and ideal temperatures. Let’s get started!
Water Requirements
Philodendron leaves will wilt if they are not getting enough water. Many gardeners make the mistake of just watering the top layer of soil, but for these plants, deep and thorough watering is required. During the hot summer season, be sure to provide sufficient water about once or twice a week, while in the winter, less frequency is needed.
These plants are tolerant of both underwatering and overwatering, making them very forgiving houseplants. The Philodendron will recover from underwatering within a few days. It may take a few weeks to recover from overwatering. When the leaves are wilting, they are an indicator that your philodendron isn’t getting enough water. If your Philodendron is wilting, check the soil to make sure it isn’t too dry.
Light Requirements
As Philodendrons are native to South American rainforests, they have adapted to grow under the very dense tropical canopy there, rather than under direct sunlight. For this reason, these plants prefer partial sunlight and lots of shade.
If you have a philodendron growing in an area with a lot of direct sunlight, it will most likely suffer from sunburn. In this case, the leaves will brown and become brittle, and the rest of the plant will die.
Nevertheless, too little sunlight can also lead to the leggy growth of your plant with a lot more spaces between the leaves that shine like a rubber plant. So, the best solution is to keep your plant near a window that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Blinds or transparent curtains are very helpful, especially in the afternoons, as they save the plants from harmful, direct sunlight.
Soil Requirements
Suitable soils are essential for the healthy growth and development of all types of plants. This variety can adapt to different types of soils, although they do prefer slightly acidic soil pH in the range of 5.5 to 6.5. If you are unsure about the pH of your soil, you can have it tested by your local cooperative extension office.
They are not fussy about the type of soil they grow in, but they do need fertile soil. The soil should be moist, but not watterlogged. You should also add some organic material to the soil to help it retain moisture. If you are using purchased potting soil, be sure to check the ingredients list.
Good quality potting mixes are generally rich in nutrients and pH balanced, meaning they offer the ideal environment for growing your plants. If your soil is lacking nutrients, you can add fertilizer to help your philodendron grow better.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer container and avoid applying fertilizer too often. An additional tip is to use soil mixtures that contain peat as Philodendrons need to retain moisture and also need good drainage.
Temperature Requirements
Philodendrons prefer temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit – they do not tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If your philodendron is receiving too little sunlight, it will benefit from being placed in a warmer area.
If your philodendron is receiving too much sunlight, it can be placed in a shadier area to reduce its temperature. The ability of this species to thrive in average household temperatures makes it a popular plant to grow indoors too.
Humidity Requirements
In terms of humidity, Philodendrons prefer high humidity. They require humid environments to help their leaves stay hydrated and to prevent wilting. If your Philodendron is growing in a dry environment, its leaves will start to turn brown and brittle.
There are couple of things you can do to ensure that your plants are getting enough moisture during a dry spell:
- Install a mister to provide soft mist of water around the plants.
- Use a humidifier to generate humidity around the plants.
- Install a pebble tray under the pot to make sure there is moisture for the roots to soak in.
- Put other plants close to the plant to make sure they create a micro climate and it becomes easier for them to source humidity.
Remember that the plants will need less humidity in winters. Indoor environment will be enough for them to soak up the moisture. Also try not the keep plants close to the heating systems in winters as those areas are low in humidity and too dry for these plants.
Fertilizing Requirements
Fertilizing your philodendron once every two weeks will help it grow in ideal conditions. You can use any fertilizer that is meant for indoor plants. You can also use compost to fertilize your philodendron. If you are using commercial fertilizer, be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
Any fertilizer that is meant for indoor plants will provide your philodendron with the nutrients it needs to grow. Some natural fertilizers to use are vermicompost, compost, manure, bone meal, fishmeal, and even liquid organic fertilizers.
Pruning
This plant originated from South America, more specifically from Colombia and Ecuador and grows really fast in the growing warm season . It is also commonly referred to as a wild vine because of its ability to climb up surfaces using the adventitious roots and shoots that protrude from its stem. They are also capable of growing new vines from the main stem.
Generally, Philodendrons are low-maintenance plants and require little pruning. However, it is better to trim your plant when it starts to show symptoms of leggy growth. Pruning can also be performed in case the foliage becomes infected or turns yellow or brown. Remember to always disinfect all of your tools and always start pruning by cutting the leaves at the bottom of the plant.
During its growth, you need to look after even the smallest details to ensure a healthy and beautiful plant. You need to get rid of any yellow or dead leaves when they appear. Moreover, if you want to control your plant’s size, you can cut back the plant’s stem too. Be sure to disinfect all of your tools before doing anything else though!
Propagation
The most common method of propagating this variety of plants is the stem cutting method. First of all, you need to pick out a healthy-looking petiole and leaf on the parent plant. Then, you need to trim this leaf. However, be sure to leave a minimum of three inches of petiole attached to it.
– Tools and Cuttings
It is also recommended to treat the cut end with a rooting mixture. The readers and fellow gardeners are encouraged to develop a habit of cleaning their tools. This is a helpful tip as it helps to prevent diseases from spreading to other plants in your garden. You can sanitize your tools using rubbing alcohol or bleach.
– Potting After Propagation
After taking a cutting, you need to bury it in a small pot, along with a well-draining mixture of soil. Be sure to appropriately water this frequently so that the soil can retain moisture. It is also important to note that even though it is a small cutting, this requires the same optimal conditions that are required for a mature Philodendron grandipe plant.
Make sure that you have kept your stem cutting in a warm and humid environment to provide a highly compatible set of conditions for them to have healthy growth and development.
After about three to four months, you will notice that your cutting will start developing its own system of roots. This will be an indication for you to shift it into a bigger and more compatible pot.
Common Problems
If you have decided to grow these plants, then you need to be familiar with some of the most common problems associated with their growth. As they are easy to grow one might think they are immune to disease and pests but that is not the case.
– Root Rot
The biggest problem with Philodendrons is getting the roots wet. This can cause root rot, which can be fatal to your plant. That is why it is important not to overwater your Philodendron. This disease is also more likely to attack plants that are exposed to overwatered conditions for a long time.
To solve this problem, you can cut back some of the leaves, so that the roots can easily distribute nutrients all around. Then, place the pruned plant into a pot with fresh soil and fine drainage. Water well, and make sure any excess liquid saps away. It is essential to keep a thorough watering schedule while your plant recovers, making sure not to let it dry out or sit in soggy soil.
– Overwatering
Growers need to be careful not to overwater their plants while watering. There are various symptoms that confirm that your plant is growing in over watered conditions. These include wilted leaves that have turned brown and soft. Besides this, the development of crusty salt patches on the surface of the soil is also another sign.
Along with the primary factor of wilting, over-watering also causes stunted growth of the plant with yellowing leaves. If this standing water continues, it can lead to blisters, lesions, or even indentations on the leaves. Moreover, it can rot the roots of the plant and cause increasing problems with bacteria, pests, and fungus.
– Leaf Spots
The most common diseases you will find on Philodendrons are leaf spots. In general, this is caused by fungal infections. However, other reasons include an excessive amount of sunlight, overwatering, and pest infestation. You can prevent this disease by providing your plant with good air circulation and by not overwatering. When diseases do appear, you can treat them with fungicide.
In short, good plant care can keep the disease away as a healthy plant has a lot more resistance than a weak, malnourished plant. Make sure the sunlight is enough, soil is well drained, and the plant has good air circulation to prevent leaf spot.
– Dry Air
As Philodendrons are mostly grown herbs indoors, there is also a problem of dry air affecting the growth of the herbs. The hot, dry air coming from the forced air vents and radiators needs to be taken care of.
Otherwise, they can cause the leaves to turn brown and the tips to curve. The damaged sections of the plan will eventually wither off. Hence, to avoid this problem, try to place your herbs in an area that is protected from hot gushes of wind.
Frequently Asked Questions
– What Is Special About Grandipes Philodendrons?
Grandipes philodendrons are one of the most popular species of indoor plants, particularly because of their unique, attractive appearance, and also because they are easier to take care of compared to other indoor plant species.
It can grow up to 20 feet tall and has heart-shaped leaves that are dark green and their stems can reach a diameter of up to two inches. The philodendron leaves are thick and fleshy. They can be anywhere from 8 inches to 30 inches long.
– Can You Eat Philodendron?
No, as beautiful as they look, Philodendrons are inedible and poisonous to humans and pets. Consuming them can lead to the swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat, along with an upset stomach with diarrhea and occasional vomiting. If children or pets eat it, they must be taken to doctors for immediate care.
– What Are Philodendrons Used For?
These plants are used to improve the quality of air in homes. Moreover, these exuberant species are also a wondrous sight to look at, which is why they are also preferred to be kept indoors. These purify air from toxins, add greenery, and keep temperatures cool.
– Are There Other Types of Philodendrons Too?
Yes. There are over 400 species of Philodendron native to the humid tropical rainforests of South America. These amazing indoor plants come in an array of sizes, colors, and textures.
With so many varieties to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one would be best for your home or office. Perhaps you think they’re all pretty much the same plant with different names. Think again!
Conclusion
So, if you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant with a unique appearance, consider the philodendron.
Here is a quick recap about this plant species:
- Philodendron Grandipes come from the Araceae family and are a rare and beautiful species of herbaceous vine plants.
- There are many different types of Philodendrons, and all of them will grow best in warm, humid environments and in pots filled with soil. You should always check the label on your potting soil to make sure it is the best type for your plants.
- For philodendrons, it is also important to keep them out of direct sunlight, otherwise, the leaves will start to wilt.
- Grow them in well-draining soil, rich in organic matter, in indirect bright light, and give it well-balanced natural fertilizer in the growing season for best results.
These plants are very forgiving and low maintenance, so they are a great choice if you are new to indoor gardening!
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