Philodendron Plowmanii: How to Grow This Large, Majestic, and Rare Plant

The philodendron plowmanii is a relative newcomer in the botany world. Up until recently, it was grouped in with its close relative the philodendron mamei due to their similar appearance and characteristics. However, it is now recognized as a distinct species, although it still awaits its turn to be formally recognized by its proposed botanical name. For now, it is referred to as philodendron plowmanii, after the distinguished ethnobotanist and philodendron enthusiast, Dr. Timothy Plowman.

This rare philodendron is prized for its large, heart-shaped, textured leaves and unique coloring. As a juvenile, the plowmanii has iridescent silver patches on its leaves that mature to gradients of yellow and green once the plant becomes established. Its petioles have a light pink hue while its roots boast a stunning red color.

Like all philodendrons, the plowmanii is considered toxic to pets and humans if ingested, so be sure to keep it out of reach if you have pets or little kids at home. Here’s everything you need to know about how to grow and care for the philodendron plowmanii indoors.

Philodendron Plowmanii Care

Here are the basic requirements for growing philodendron plowmanii:

• Choose a location for your plant that receives several hours of medium to bright indirect light.

• Water once the top half of the soil is dry,

• Plant in a rich, well-draining soil mix designed for aroids.

• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer to support strong, healthy growth.

Light

In its native environment, the plowmanii receives dappled light through the canopy of the forest above it. To replicate these conditions at home, bright to medium indirect light is best.

This means your plant should be positioned within a couple of feet of a bright window, but not so close that the sun’s rays are directly hitting the leaves. Too much sunlight can lead to leaf burn, while not enough light can lead to yellowing leaves and a plant that is leggy and weak.

Soil

Choose a soil mix that is loamy, airy, and well-draining, but holds some moisture. Pure indoor potting soil is too dense and will lead to suffocated roots and potentially root rot. Instead, opt for a soil mix designed for aroids or a soilless mix that is rich and well-draining. You can also make your own aroid soil mix at home using equal parts indoor potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark mix.

Water

These tropical houseplants should be allowed to partially dry out between waterings. While they enjoy moist conditions, their roots are sensitive to overwatering and they can easily develop root rot if left to sit in wet conditions.

Allow the soil to dry about half to three quarters of the way and then water well, saturating the soil and allowing the excess water to drain from the pot’s drainage holes. Cut back on watering slightly in the fall and winter months when the plant is no longer actively growing.

Temperature and Humidity

Native to the tropical rainforests of South America, the philodendron plowmanii requires warm, humid conditions. This makes it particularly well-suited to indoor growing, where average household temperatures are perfect for this plant.

While average household humidity levels are usually sufficient as well, if you want to provide your plant with some extra humidity it certainly won’t complain. Consider adding a small plant humidifier close by, growing it in an indoor greenhouse, or choosing a naturally humid room of the home such as the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room for it to grow.

This philodendron can also be grown outdoors if you live in areas with consistently warm temperatures. It is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11—just be sure to bring it indoors if temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius).

Fertilizer

These philodendrons are known for being slow-growing, so it’s not a bad idea to provide your plant with some extra nutrients to help support strong and healthy growth. During spring and summer, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during waterings. You can also opt for a slow-release fertilizer designed for houseplants if you wish.

Propagating Philodendron Plowmanii

Just like many other kinds of philodendron, the plowmanii is relatively simple to propagate using stem cuttings. While you can attempt propagation at any time of the year, it is best to do so in the spring when the plant is actively growing.

Follow these steps to propagate a philodendron plowmanii:

1. Using a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors; take a stem cutting from a mature and healthy plant. The cutting should have between two to four nodes on the stem and at least one leaf.

2. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting to expose the nodes along the stem, leaving at least one leaf at the top.

3. Fill a small glass or plastic container with fresh water and place the cutting in the water, ensuring the nodes are submerged and the leaf and its petiole sit above the surface.

4. Place the cutting in a warm location that receives bright, indirect light.

5. Replace the water once a week to keep it fresh. Within a few weeks, small white roots should begin to grow from the submerged nodes.

6. Once the roots are about an inch long the cutting can be transferred from water to soil. Fill a small pot with a well-draining soil mix and plant the rooted cutting.

7. Water the freshly planted cutting well, ensuring the soil is left evenly moist.

8. Return the cutting to its original location, and keep the soil evenly moist for the first one to two weeks to help the roots acclimate from water to soil. Then, you can slowly start letting the soil dry out more between waterings until you have achieved a normal watering schedule.

Potting and Repotting Philodendron Plowmanii

Due to its slow-growing nature, the philodendron plowmanii does not require frequent repotting. Once every two to three years is usually sufficient. Once you notice roots growing from the pot’s drainage holes or circling the inside of the pot (you may need to lift the plant out to check those) you can move your plant to a new container. Spring or summer are the best times to repot your plant since it is actively growing in these months.

Choose a new pot that is only two to four inches larger than its previous container. Lift your plant out of the pot and remove as much of the old soil from the plant’s roots as you can. Then, plant the root ball in the new pot with plenty of fresh, well-draining potting soil and water thoroughly. Return your plant to its original location to minimize shock.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

A few common houseplant pests and diseases can afflict the philodendron plowmanii. Keep an eye out for pests such as mealybugs, scale, fungus gnats, and spider mites which can be transferred from other plants in your home or at the nursery. Treat infested plants with an insecticide as soon as you can and be sure to isolate it from your other plants until the pests are gone.

As for diseases, root rot and fungal leaf spot diseases are the most common for the plowmanii. Root rot is usually a result of overwatering, while fungal leaf spot diseases are often transferred from contact with other affected plants. Root rot is treated by cutting away affected roots, while fungal leaf spot diseases are treated with a fungicide spray.

Common Problems With Philodendron Plowmanii

Watch out for these common problems when growing this philodendron indoors.

Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves are a common sign of stress in many houseplants, including philodendron plowmanii. Usually, this is due to underwatering, a lack of light, insufficient humidity, or pests. Examine your plant’s growing environment closely to determine what the underlying cause may be.

Brown Leaves

Another common symptom of stress is brown leaves. Brown leaves can materialize in a few different ways, including brown edges, large brown spots, or even small brown or rust-colored spots.

Brown edges are usually a result of insufficient humidity or underwatering, while large brown spots can be a sign of leaf burn (too much direct sunlight), overwatering, or a fungal infection. If you notice small brown or rust-colored spots on the leaves of your plant then you are likely dealing with a fungal leaf spot disease, which is common among philodendrons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is philodendron plowmanii a climber or crawler?

Philodendron plowmanii is a terrestrial philodendron, meaning that it has a crawling growth habit. In its natural habitat, it can be found growing along the forest floor.

Is philodendron plowmanii rare?

As a relatively new species of philodendron, the philodendron plowmanii is considered rare and difficult to get your hands on. Online sellers, specialty plant shops, and rare plant collectors are the best places to look if you are hoping to add a plowmanii to your collection.

Does philodendron plowmanii need a moss pole?

Philodendron plowmanii has a crawling or creeping growth habit, which means it does not climb and therefore does not need a moss pole.

Read Next: How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Bernardopazii

Read the original article on The Spruce.