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Philodendron Domesticum – 8 Caring and 4 Propagating Tips!

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Philodendron Domesticum, also known as Spadeleaf Philodendron or Burgundy Philodendron, is a herb that has all the goods of a perfect climbing plant. These plants are tropical, so provide them with a climbing pole or wall, and they will change the complete outlook of your room.

You can also hang them from the basket, allowing the foliage to show its astonishing colors and size.

They have a really strong root system that allows them to resist most of the harsh environmental conditions but make sure that you provide them with enough water and light to show what they are actually capable of.

Philodendron Domesticum 1
Philodendron Domesticum – via Etsy

Characteristics of Philodendron Domesticum

Most plants are quite eye-catching, but their characteristics make them difficult to handle. So it is important to know about your plant’s growth habits before choosing it for your garden. We have listed down some basic characteristics of your plant to get a good knowledge of how they grow and what they offer.

Foliage

The leaves of the plant are glossy green. They are quite long and thin, which allows them to hang below with a bending stem. The texture of the leaves is the main highlight of these plants, so allow them to grow freely inside your house to get the best out of them.

Height and width

They can grow up to 8 feet high under ideal conditions. The leaves of the plant can grow up to 22 inches tall and 9 inches wide, so make sure that you have enough space to let them grow freely without any disturbance.

Origin

These plants are native to tropical America, so make sure that you keep them in a similar environmental condition to make them feel at home. High humidity levels are the most common requirement for tropical plants.

Some plants can resist changing environmental conditions well, whereas some struggle to survive. Your Philodendron Domesticum can adjust under various conditions, making them durable and strong.

Toxicity

Calcium oxalate present in the leaves can be toxic to your pets and children, so keep your plant away from them. It can cause irritation and swelling of the throat, so make sure that you strictly train your pets and children not to consume the plant’s leaves.

Hardiness zones

They grow in hardiness zones 9 to 11, so make sure that you maintain a mildly warm temperature for your plant to grow ideally.

Air purifier

These plants have the ability to purify the toxic material present in the air. It allows the owner to breathe fresh air every day. We request you take good care of your plant’s health as it takes care of yours.

Philodendron Domesticum 2
Philodendron Domesticum – Etsy

Caring tips for Philodendron Domesticum

These plants can easily be grown if you follow all the tips provided in this guide properly. We have listed 8 caring tips to help your plant thrive and flourish with astonishing colors.

Sunlight

We advise you to keep your plant under dim lighting conditions. Please avoid placing them in direct sun as it can turn the color of the leaves yellow.

Moreover, Very low lighting conditions can make the plant leggy. Keeping them in a balanced lighting condition that is neither too bright nor dim is ideal for these plants to thrive.

Soil

A soil with high organic matter and well-draining are ideal for these plants. We recommend using sphagnum peat moss and keeping the pH level from 5.0 to 6.0. They love to grow under slightly acidic soil. Please make sure that you keep the soil moist and not wet.

Water

Water makes the soil moist, but please do not keep the plant’s roots in standing water for too long. Wet soil can cause root rot, which can damage the plant’s roots. You can check if the soil is moist by using your fingers. The first half of the soil dry indicates that the plant needs watering.

Temperature

A temperature between 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for these plants. They cannot survive under extremely cold temperatures, so make sure that you bring them inside as soon as the temperature drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit in winters.

Humidity

These plants require high humidity levels. You can use a humidifier to increase the humidity level, but keep in mind that it is a bit expensive.

We recommend you mist the plant once in a while when the environment is dry. It is the most economical and easy to perform method of increasing the moisture level in the air.

Fertilizer

Feed the plant once every week in the growing season with a liquid fertilizer. Fertilizing can boost the growing speed of your plant when it is active. Reduce the feeding to once every two months when the plant is inactive in the winter season.

Pruning

Remove the dead leaves and maintain the good shape of your plant by pruning them occasionally. It can also encourage the leaf’s growth, making the plant look bushier. Please use gloves while pruning as toxic sap can stick to your hands which can be dangerous for your health if not cleaned.

Pests

Mealybugs and aphids can be your plant’s worst enemies. We recommend you use neem oil sprays to get rid of them.

Propagating Philodendron Domesticum

The stem cutting method is one of the most economical ways of propagating your plant. Here are some tips that can help you get the best results.

  • Cut the stem a few inches below the leaf node.
  • Leave a few leaves intact after cutting.
  • Place the stem in water with some rooting hormone to boost the root development process.
  • Once the roots develop, plant them in a well-drained soil mix.

Conclusion

Philodendron Domesticum is a plant that has all the good characteristics of an indoor climbing plant. It is quite easy to handle, but a few requirements must be met in order to keep them growing at full pace and healthy.

We have provided you with a complete guide to assist you with your plant caring needs and requirements.