Philodendron is a vast genus of plants popular for their foliage. Philodendron esmeraldense is another rare evergreen Philodendron, native to Ecuador. This was introduced by the botanist Dr.T Croat around 2008. The large dark green leaves with glossy surfaces form an elongated heart with deep and prominent veins. You will be amazed to know that an average mature leaf is about 50 cm long with a width ranging from 4 to 8 cm. The juvenile leaves have burgundy hues in the undersides.
The plant is adaptable to both indoor and outdoor growth. Moreover, the climber is perfect to beautify and indirectly lighted the area of your garden or to make a pot or hanging basket. Let us learn more about the low-maintenance and resilient Philodendron esmeraldense plant.
Philodendron Esmeraldense Classification
Family: Araceae.
Genus: Philodendron.
Species: P. esmeraldense.
Philodendron Esmeraldense Growth Habit
- A common plant can reach up to 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4m) in height.
- The plant is a vine with a climbing growth habit. Thus, in the wild, you will find these plants growing along with trees. However, in domestic growth, they like to grow around totems or supports in their pots.
- Just like other philodendrons, this is a fast-growing plant.
Philodendron Esmeraldense Inflorescence
You will rarely see an Esmeraldense in bloom. The plant blooms on reaching its mature stage.
- The inflorescence consisting of a spathe and spadix is commonly confused with flowers by most collectors. But in reality, the spathe is a modified leaf blade and not a flower.
- In P.esmeraldense, it stands erect and tall with a height of 62 to 113 cm (25 to 45 inches).
- The spadix supports tiny flowers in the middle of the inflorescence. These flowers may be male or female.
- The plants are dependent upon pollinating insects like butterflies and beetles.
Toxicity
Toxicity is a common characteristic of the philodendron plants. Thus, to avoid any unfavorable consequences, keep your babies and pets away from these houseplants.
Philodendron Esmeraldense Care
This is an easy and low-maintenance plant. The basic requirements are as under;
Water Requirements
You have to keep the soil or the substrate slightly moist.
In summer, provide water in moderate quantity about thrice a week.
However, in winter, once a week will be enough.
You can check that the soil should be about 90% dry before you water again. Avoid over-watering or soaking the soil, as it will lead to plant issues like fungus, root rot, and droopy leaves.
Sunlight Requirements
Philodendrons are adapted to bright indirect light. Avoid keeping the plants in long exposures of direct sunlight at peak sun hours, as this will burn the delicate philodendron leaves.
If the leaf edges of leaves are turning brown, it is a possible indication that the plant needs relief from the fierce sun.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature range for Philodendron plants is between 55 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Winter is not much welcomed by these plants. In addition, experts recommend moving the plants to some warm indoor spot as soon as the fall arrives.
Humidity Requirements
These plants need at least 70 to 80% humidity in their atmosphere.
If you notice that the atmosphere is dry, follow the measures to increase moisture by artificial measures.
Soil Requirements
The plants love moist, well-drained, and organically rich soil. Sphagnum moss is also pretty suitable and most of the online nurseries send the plant in it.
Fertilizer Requirements
Fertilizer is essential for the proper growth of P. esmeraldense plant. Lack of essential nutrients makes the plant look underdeveloped and unhealthy.
You can use a suitable houseplant fertilizer and use it according to the instructions on the pack. Fertilize every month in the growing season. However, the plants don’t need extra nutrition on cold days. Fertilizing the plant once in three months will be enough fall and winter days.
On the other hand, if you select a slow-release fertilizer, thrice a year would do the job.
Pot Requirements
The pot should have drainage holes to provide proper drainage to the soil. In addition, don’t forget to add a totem or pole for support to the Esmeraldense vine.
Pruning Requirements
If you see that the plant is expanding rapidly and giving an untidy look. Just remove a few leaves preferably from the lower side to maintain the outlook of the plant.
Growth Zones
For outdoor growth, the plant is adaptable to USDA growth zone 9b to 11. Moreover, zone 4 to 11 are suitable for the patio.
Propagation of The Philodendron Esmeraldense Plant
Philodendron is a vast genus of plants popular for their foliage. The esmeraldense is another rare evergreen Philodendron, native to Ecuador. This was introduced by the botanist Dr.T Croat around 2008. The large dark green leaves with glossy surfaces form an elongated heart with deep and prominent veins. You will be amazed to know that an average mature leaf is about 6 to 15 cm long with a width ranging from 4 to 8 cm. The juvenile leaves have burgundy hues in the undersides.
The plant is adaptable to both indoor and outdoor growth. Moreover, the climber is perfect to beautify and indirectly lighted the area of your garden or to make a pot or hanging basket. Let us learn more about the low-maintenance and resilient Philodendron esmeraldense plant.
Philodendron esmeraldense Propagation
Just like other Philodendrons, even the beginner growers can also propagate these easy to propagate plants.
You can use the following methods;
- Herbaceous stem cuttings.
- Air-layering.
Layering is usually suitable for expert growers.
Take 5 to 7 inches cutting from a healthy plant and remove the leaves from the lower side. Now plant the stem cutting 3 inches deep in moist rich soil or sphagnum moss. Make sure you keep at least three nodes in the soil for the roots to emerge out.
To avoid the toxic effects of the philodendron, always use gloves before handling the plants.
Summary
P.esmeraldense is a rare, broadleaf evergreen philodendron with leaves getting as big as around 15 cm in length. The heart-shaped leaves are dark green in color with a glossy surface and prominent venation. The juvenile leaves have a burgundy tint, especially on the underside. The low-maintenance and easy to propagate plant is well-adapted to both indoor and outdoor environments. To avoid toxicity, it is important to keep kids and pets away from the Philodendron esmeraldense plant.
Just like other Philodendrons, even the beginner growers can also propagate these easy to propagate plants.
You can use the following methods;
- Herbaceous stem cuttings.
- Air-layering.
Layering is usually suitable for expert growers.
Take 5 to 7 inches cutting from a healthy plant and remove the leaves from the lower side. Now plant the stem cutting 3 inches deep in moist rich soil or sphagnum moss. Make sure you keep at least three nodes in the soil for the roots to emerge out.
To avoid the toxic effects of the philodendron, always use gloves before handling the plants.
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Summary
P.esmeraldense is a rare, broadleaf evergreen philodendron with leaves getting as big as around 50 cm in length. The heart-shaped leaves are dark green in color with a glossy surface and prominent venation. The juvenile leaves have a burgundy tint, especially on the underside. The low-maintenance and easy to propagate plant is well-adapted to both indoor and outdoor environments. To avoid toxicity, it is important to keep kids and pets away from the Philodendron esmeraldense plant.
