How long has it been since you treated your home to a truly remarkable piece of art? Something exotic and green? Or something perennial? Yes, here we are talking about the most exotic perennial plant species – Philodendrons.
The Philodendron genus contains some of the most beautiful, stunning, and interesting plants in the world. The Philodendron ernestii is one of these fantastic species that everybody would love to have in their indoor spaces.
This article will provide you with all the necessary information about this plant – right from its detailed description to its ideal growing conditions. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Philodendron Ernestii Classification
- Kingdom – Plantae
- Phylum – Tracheophyta
- Class -Liliopsida
- Order – Alismatales
- Family – Araceae
- Genus – Philodendron Schott
About:
A stunning evergreen climber with a South American origin, the Philodendron ernestii is worth seeking out. It’s lustrous, and huge heart-shaped dark-green leaves are a sight to behold.
The maximum dimensions for this plant are 20-30 cm in length and 10 cm in width. White flowers with a pleasant scent are produced by this beautiful Philodendron
One of the plant’s selling points is how simple it is to keep alive and flourishing. It’s adaptable enough to flourish in a variety of environments, both indoors and out. It is a low-maintenance plant that can be left alone for long periods.
Native Habitat:
This climber is a native of South America. It is found in the tropical rainforests of Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, and Venezuela.
Hardiness Zones:
Ernestii is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.
Features of the Philodendron Ernestii Plant
Height and Growth
The Philodendron ernestii is a fast-growing climber that can reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters) in the wild. However, when cultivated indoors, it is unlikely to grow more than 3-4 feet (1 meter).
Foliage and Flowers
This plant has large and glossy dark green or light green heart-shaped leaves. The size of the leaves can range from 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in length and width.
It produces white flowers that have a pleasant scent. The light green leaves are usually accompanied by dark green veins and midrib, which gives them a striking appearance. Also, the petioles (leaf stalks) are pretty long and green in color.
Evergreen and Durable
Philodendron ernestii is an evergreen climber that can last for many years. It is a very tough and durable plant that can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions, including dormancy and drought.
Toxicity
This plant is poisonous to both humans and animals if ingested. The leaves, stems, and sap of this plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty in breathing. Therefore, it is important to keep this plant out of reach of children and pets.
Dormancy
The ernestii plant does not enter a genuine dormancy phase. Nevertheless, it enters a phase of partial dormancy as the days get shorter and the nights get longer in the winter.
A halt in growth and possibly some modest yellowing of the leaves is to be expected during this time. This is to be expected and need not be a reason for alarm.
Once the days get longer again in the spring, the plant will restart growing.
If you live in a region that experiences cold winters, you’ll need to keep your Philodendron indoors, where it will be kept in an atmosphere that is both warm and humid.
Drought Tolerance
The Philodendron ernestii is quite tolerant of drought conditions. This means that it does not need to be watered very often. However, the plant should be given a good soaking every 2-3 weeks to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
Uses
This beautiful philodendron can be used as a houseplant or in the garden. When cultivated indoors, it can be placed in a pot or hanging basket.
When grown outdoors, it can be used as a ground cover or climbing plant. This plant is also ideal for use in shady areas of the garden where other plants might struggle to grow.
Philodendron Ernestii Care
Watering Requirements
Plants of the genus Philodendron ernestii do best in damp conditions. The plant and soil need to be constantly moistened. This plant does not hibernate much; thus it is important to provide an adequate water supply year-round.
You should water it three times a week and mist the plant and its environment frequently to keep it moist. They should be hydrated first thing in the morning.
In addition, removing any remaining water from the leaves is recommended as a means of protecting them from sunburn and microbial growth. When possible, you should use filtered rainwater or distilled water instead of tap water, which contains dissolved minerals.
Light Requirements
Bright, indirect sunshine is ideal for most Philodendron plants. It’s best to put them near a window where they’ll get lots of light but not direct sunshine, which can scorch their leaves. If you cannot provide adequate natural light, you can supplement with artificial lighting such as fluorescent bulbs or grow lights.
Temperature Requirements
This species of philodendron plants do best in warm temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be protected from drafts and cold snaps, which can damage their leaves. If you cannot provide adequate natural heat, you can supplement it with artificial heating such as a space heater or heating pad.
Humidity Requirements
Humidity is essential for the growth of Philodendron ernestii. Frequent misting will help to maintain leaf moisture and increase relative humidity for your plants.
A humidifier can be used to increase the relative humidity in a dry environment. The humidity around the plant can also be increased by placing the pot on a tray of pebbles and water and allowing the water to evaporate.
Fertilizing Requirements
Philodendron plants do not need to be fertilized often. A light feeding every 2-3 months is sufficient. You can use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and frequency.
What Type of Fertilizer Would Be Ideal For Ernestii?
Philodendron ernestii prefers a high-nitrogen, high-phosphorus, and high-potassium fertilizer. For optimal results, use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of no more than 10 percent to no more than 20 percent of each element. Always use the recommended application rates and schedules as specified by the manufacturer.
Soil Requirements
This plant does best in well-draining, sandy soils. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, you can add sand or perlite to improve drainage. The plant should be potted in a container with drainage holes to prevent the roots from sitting in water.
DIY Potting Mix For Ernestii:
- 1 part peat moss
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part coarse sand
Philodendron plants do best in a potting mix that is well-draining and contains plenty of organic matter. A DIY potting mix can be made by mixing equal parts peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand.
Planting Requirements
Philodendron ernestii plants can be planted in pots or on the ground. If you live in an area where the temperatures dip below freezing, it is best to plant your Ernestii in a pot so you can bring it indoors during the winter months.
When planting in a pot, Use a well-draining potting mix and a container with drainage holes. Put the plant in the pot, then carefully push down the potting mix around it. Give the plant plenty of water.
If you want to plant it in the ground, you should do it in a spot that gets partial to full sun and has soil that drains well. Add organic matter like compost or peat moss to the soil to increase permeability and water retention.
To ensure the plant is planted at the same depth it was at in its last container, a hole should be dug twice as wide as the plant’s root ball. Don’t forget to give the plant a good soaking of water.
Placing Requirements
These plants do best in partial to full sun, but they can also tolerate shady areas. If you live in an area with very hot summers, it is best to grow your plant in a spot that receives some afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from burning.
Pruning And Grooming Requirements
Philodendron ernestii plants do not require much pruning or grooming. You can trim off any yellow or brown leaves as they occur. If the plant becomes too large, you can cut it back to the desired size.
How to Propagate Philodendron Ernestii
Philodendron ernestii plants can be propagated by division or by stem cuttings.
When propagating a plant by division, it is necessary to remove it from its pot and cut it up into smaller pieces, ensuring sure that each new plant has its own set of roots and at least one leaf. Move the cuttings to individual pots containing new potting soil.
Cut a 6-inch portion of stem from the plant and make sure each cutting has at least one leaf if you wish to reproduce it this way. The rooting hormone should be applied to the stem’s cut end before it is planted in new potting soil. Make sure the soil is always nice and damp and warm till the cutting has taken.
Pests And Diseases
Although mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites aren’t likely to cause too much damage to your Philodendron ernestii plants, they do exist. Insecticidal soap and neem oil are effective against these pests.
If your plant is affected by a disease, you should remove the affected parts of the plant and destroy them. You should also sterilize your pruning tools before using them on other plants.
Best Places To Keep Philodendron Ernestii
Indoors:
You can’t go wrong with a Philodendron ernestii plant for your home. They require little attention and thrive in a variety of lighting situations, making them perfect for darkened environments.
Outdoors:
It can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. If you live in a cooler climate, you can grow your plant in a pot and bring it indoors during the winter months.
In The Garden:
Plants of the species Philodendron ernestii are wonderful complements to landscaping. They require little attention and thrive in a broad variety of lighting environments. They are well-suited to locations that don’t receive a great quantity of sunshine, as they can survive in partial shade.
Potted Plant:
It is a plant that thrives in containers. Pick out a container that’s at least 12 inches across and has holes on the bottom for water to drain. Plant it at the same depth as it was in its last pot, then fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix. To properly water the plant.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Philodendron ernestii plants are relatively easy to care for, but they can sometimes experience problems. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Leaves Turning Yellow:
This is usually a sign of too much water. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering your plant again. You may also need to increase the amount of drainage in your pot.
Leaves Turning Brown:
This is usually a sign of too little water. Water your plant thoroughly and make sure the pot has good drainage. You may also need to mist the leaves with water to raise the humidity around the plant.
Abnormal Leaves:
This can be a sign of pest infestation or disease. Remove any unusual leaves from the plant and destroy them. You should also sterilize your pruning tools before using them on other plants.
Root Rot:
This is a common problem with philodendron ernestii plants. It is caused by too much water and can be fatal to the plant. Take the plant out of the pot and look at the roots if you suspect it has root rot. If the roots are mushy or brown, your plant likely has root rot and needs to be thrown out.
Tips For Growing Healthy Plants
Here are some tips for growing healthy philodendron ernestii plants:
- Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and has drainage holes.
- Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix.
- Plant the philodendron ernestii at the same depth it was growing in its previous pot.
- Water the plant thoroughly.
- Between waterings, let the soil totally dry out.
- Mist the leaves with water to raise the humidity around the plant.
- Fertilize the plant once every 2 weeks during the growing season.
- Cut back on fertilization during the winter months.
- Pinch back the tips of the leaves to encourage growth.
- Repot your plant every two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philodendron Ernestii Rare?
Yes, Philodendron Ernestii is quite rare. It is native to Brazil and is not often seen in cultivation.
How Big Does Philodendron Ernestii Grow?
Philodendron ernestii can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide when grown locally. In their natural habitat, they can reach up to 6 feet when provided with ideal conditions.
Do philodendrons like acidic soil?
Most philodendrons prefer soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
How to deal with root rot in Ernestii?
If you think your plant has root rot, remove it from its pot and inspect the roots. If they are mushy or brown, your plant has root rot and needs to be destroyed. You can avoid root rot by making sure the pot has good drainage and allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Summary
Philodendron ernestii is a beautiful plant that is relatively easy to care for. With proper care, it will thrive and provide you with many years of enjoyment.
