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Philodendron Joepii – 4 Caring Tips & Propagation Methodology

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Contrary to popular belief, home gardening is not as easy as it looks. Most of us think that if you water your plants every other day and provide them with enough sunlight all day long, your plants will grow and thrive.

The reality, though, is not that simple. In fact, watering your plants every other day might cause their roots to rot, and the plant might eventually die and keeping your plant in the sun all day long might burn its leaves.

For this reason, you need to be aware of your plant’s exact species, its unique needs, and the region it is naturally found in (so you may know the environmental conditions it is accustomed to). 

If you’re someone who is interested in buying a Philodendron Joepii plant any time soon, you should continue reading.

In this article, we will walk you through the top 4 ways you can take care of your philodendron joepii, as well as the method for its propagation inside your home. Being aware of this plant’s specific needs is especially important considering how rare it is. So, read carefully.

Philodendron Joepii
Philodendron Joepii via Reddit

The Philodendron Joepii – Basic Characteristics 

Before we discuss how we can care for our philodendron joepii, it is helpful to be aware of its origins. In the lines that follow, we will briefly introduce this plant to you to make you understand its needs better.

The philodendron “joepii” (yupe-e–eye) is also known as “philodendron moonenii.” The plant was discovered first by Joep Moonen in 1991 in eastern french Guiana alongside the mataroni river.

This plant is known to be extremely rare (bordering extinction) as it has only 2 known natural specimens existing in nature. Perhaps the most unusual feature of this plant is the shape of its leaves.

There is nothing quite like them. The leaves have a broad lower lobe that tapers upwards into a narrow upper body which is finally topped by a pair of outward protruding pointy lobes.

The plant’s leaves appear to be chewed off by insects from the sides, but they’re not. It is just the way its leaves are shaped. This plant is also known well for its air-purifying qualities, and despite being extremely rare, it is fairly low maintenance.

The Philodendron Joepii – Top 4 Caring Tips

Even the most self-sustaining of plants have basic needs, though. In this section, we will consider how you should care for your philodendron joepii plant. Dealing with a very rare plant, you should read this section attentively so that your philodendron joepii does not die off. 

Soil needs

Given that this plant was found alongside a river, it is not surprising to know that the philodendron joepii grows best when kept in uniformly damp soil.

Keeping it such allows its roots to freely take in oxygen. Make sure, though, that your soil is moist and not soggy; otherwise, your plant’s roots will quickly begin to rot, and your plant might die off really quickly.

There is a misconception about reducing the frequency of watering your plants with the use of rich soil. We strongly advise against this because this way your plant will not get enough water and, therefore, will be deprived of oxygen.

Keep your plant in loose soil so that it drains quickly. The ideal soil pH for a philodendron joepii is around 4.5- 7.5. so, make sure it remains in this range.

New Philodendron Joepii leaf
“New Philodendron Joepii leaf” via Reddit

Watering

The philodendron joepii’s roots are built to collect and store water. This gives the plant its remarkable ability to collect water from its environment even during dry conditions by concentrating its energy on absorbing the surrounding moisture.

Watering this plant once a week or once every two weeks is considered sufficient for the plant’s optimal growth. Pick whichever frequency your plant responds best to but make sure you don’t waterlog the soil.

During the winter season, though, it is recommended that you reduce the frequency with which you water your plant. Your philodendron joepii will automatically be able to collect its water through dew and fog.

Light

The philodendron joepii grows towards sunlight. So, while planting it in your garden, make sure you install a strong structure next to it, like a totem or a wall.

Despite its attraction towards the light, though, it is recommended that you do not let this plant remain exposed to the direct sun (especially not for a prolonged period of time).

Keep your plant under a shade, or somewhere it will receive indirect or filtered sunlight of medium intensity. One way to do this (if you want to keep your plant indoors) is to put it behind a curtain, so it receives indirect light.

Humidity 

Humidity is really important for the philodendron joepii. In their natural habitat, these plants receive high levels of humidity. Aim for a humidity level of 60% or higher, but the plant will grow better if you’re able to manage even higher levels of humidity.

If you are is not naturally humid, we recommend investing in a humidifier to cover up the gap through artificial means.

How To Propagate A Philodendron Joepii 

Follow the steps we’ve outlined below to successfully propagate a philodendron joepii in your home. First, take a stem cutting (a few inches long) and dip it in a glass filled with water.

Alternatively, you may use sphagnum moss instead of water. Then, make use of a rooting hormone to improve the growth of the plant. Once you see the plant beginning to form a network of roots, pot your specimen in a suitable soil mix.

Make sure that the lighting and temperature conditions match what we outlined above. All that is left to do now is keep consistent with the care and wait several weeks for the plant to grow out.


Summary

The philodendron joepii is an incredibly rare plant that sports leave of an unusual shape. The plant is perfect for home gardeners who want to go beyond the regular crowd of houseplants and add rare plants to their collection.

Caring for this plant Is relatively easy; just water it sparingly, keeping the soil moist at all times and making sure it receives indirect sunlight from its surroundings. The stem cutting method may be used to propagate this plant at home.