Philodendron super atom belonging to the Araceae family is famous for its hardness and stability. This rare subtropical plant is a perfect choice for beginners as it is a low-maintenance plant. The compact dwarf plant not larger than 20×30 cm enables you to place it at any corner of your house or office.
The magnificent beauty of this plant is because of its lobe-shaped lush green leaves that start curling upon maturity. The thick wavy texture due to its leaves curling makes it best for folks fond of tropical plants.
To know more about this rare philodendron, keep reading.
Classification of Philodendron Super Atom
Family: Araceae
Sub-family: Aroideae
Genus: Philodendron
Origin and distribution
These plants are native to wild green areas of South America and particularly this type of Philodendron originates from the rainforests of Brazil and Paraguay. This is a compact variety of philodendrons; therefore, it will persist as a low shrub. These shrubs grow near branches and trunks and cling on with aerial roots.
Features of Philodendron Super Atom Plant
Foliage
The beauty of the leaves is primarily because of their lobe-shaped, bright, lush, glossy, and verdant leaves. These leaves erecting upward from the glossy stem become wavy upon maturity. And the waviness of these leaves not only gives a unique texture to the whole plant but also blesses it with splendid beauty.
Size
The super atom philodendron is compact. The total size of this dwarf plant upon maturity is 30 cm in height and 20 cm in width. However, once the plant is matured, it maintains its volume and freshness for many seasons.
Evergreen
The plant belongs to the evergreen community and it continues to produce lush green compact leaves throughout the year.
Flowers
The perennial shrub does not produce any flowers and its beauty is primarily because of its compact bright green leaves.
Growth
The Philodendron super atom is smaller as compared to other plants and possesses a slow growth rate. However, you can increase the growth rate of your plant by providing adequate light throughout the year. Another way to make your plant look bigger is either fanning the leaves or creating spaces among stems.
Durability
These plants are durable and can survive for years after achieving maturity.
Maintenance
The philodendron super atom is a low-maintenance and easily handleable plant. However, it does not mean that you should entirely ignore your plant.
Providing adequate growing conditions is the fundamental right of your plant and you should never nullify it.
Dormancy
The perennial shrubs usually go into the dormant stage during the winter season. This is the reason that during the winter season, you may observe that your super atom seems smaller. Therefore, it is suggested not to disturb the plant during this season.
Temperature tolerance
Though it is a temperature tolerant plant and loves a warm and humid environment, however, excessive heat can clutter with moisture absorption. Likely, you must avoid temperatures lower than 12°C-13°C. Moreover, never place your plant in front of the radiator, air conditioner, or fireplace.
Humidity tolerance
This subtropical plant is fond of the humid and warm environment; therefore, it is considered a humidity tolerance plant.
Disease tolerance
The evergreen dwarf plant is neither resistant to pests nor diseases, therefore you should avoid overwatering and overfeeding your plant.
Air purifier
The subtropical shrubs possess friendly nature and clean the surrounding air from various toxins. NASA has even classified them as air purifiers for improving air quality.
Toxicity
The perennial plant is toxic to both pets and children. The accidental ingestion of its leaves is harmful to both pets and children. Therefore, you should keep your super atom philodendron away from both.
Philodendron Super Atom Care
Light Requirements
Like other philodendrons, the Philodendron super atom loves indirect sunlight. For relishing the full beauty of this lovely tropical plant, you must place it within any corner of your house receiving indirect light.
As in the other case, the bright direct light will burn the leaves of your plant. These plants are also fond of shady areas and you will observe bright deep green leaves on plants dwelling in shady areas.
Temperature Requirements
Ideally, the subtropical plant expresses its full beauty and blooms its magnificence within normal room temperature ranging between 21°C to 26°C. Nevertheless, both too high or too low temperatures can scourge the brightness and freshness of leaves.
Humidity Requirements
The bright green lush curly leaves are observed within the humidity range of 60% to 65% with the minimum humidity level of 50%. You can regulate the humidity levels for your plant through a humidifier or by placing your atom among other plants. Misting your plant is another way through which you can maintain the required humidity levels for your dwarf super atom.
Soil Requirements
The best soil for flourishing your Philodendron super atom is alkaline soil having more than 7 pH. It is also necessary that soil can hold enough moisture and is also capable of draining without losing water. Adding nutrient-rich soil will also help your atom to flourish splendidly.
Water Requirements
This plant is not thirsty at all like other houseplants. You can water this plant freely anytime during the summer and spring season once a week. However, you must not let the topsoil dry and water it once it gets dry especially during the summer and spring season as it is the growing season. However, you must avoid overwatering the plant.
Fertilizer Requirements
The philodendron super atom is not a foody plant and sporadically feeding your plant thrive it beautifully. You must fertilize your plant once a month during the summer and spring seasons. Whereas, during the winter season, you only need to feed your plant seldomly.
Pruning Requirements
Pruning is always beneficial to the plant; however, the good news is that your philodendron super atom does not require pruning. The pruning must be done only in the case when it’s required. You can improve the shape of your plant by cutting the leaves from their backside.
Repotting Requirements
The philodendron super atom does not require repotting at often. Repotting your plant is only required if you observe that root of your plant is poking up or out of drainage holes. While repotting, you must place it in a pot that is only a few inches larger as the too-large pot can cause root rot.
Philodendron Super Atom Propagation
Propagating the philodendron super atom is very easy and anyone can learn it by following these steps:
- Damp the soil adequately many days before taking the cutting to guarantee that plant engrosses suitable nutrients.
- Take a sterilized knife and choose a stem having numerous nodules
- Put the cutting either in a container of moistened soil or a container of water
- Provide indirect sunlight and relish the beauty of the plant.
- The plant must be moved to a permanent pot upon observing the roots of a few inches
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Common problems
This easy-growing plant also faces some problems and you must beware of them to ensure the healthy growth of your tropical plant.
Dropping leaves
The provision of too much cold, dry, or direct light can lead to leaf drop. The problem generally starts with the yellowing or browning of leaves. If these signs are not taken seriously then it may lead to leaf drop.
Root rot
Root rot is one of the most vulnerable problems of philodendron super atom. This issue generally occurs due to over-watering or lack of adequate drainage capacity within the soil. The best way to avoid this problem is to check the roots of your plant. The roots if mushy or possess a rotten smell then you must take them out and wash them properly to avoid root rotting.
Leaf yellowing
Yellowing of leaves is another common problem and occurs either due to over-watering or the absence of adequate soil.
Brown spots
The brown spots are usually observed across leaves due to fungal infections. And the plant may become increasingly susceptible to fungi due to excessive water or light.
Spider mites
Spider mites are generally observed either across the leaves or near your plant’s axis. These mites cause yellow or brown holes within the leaves of your plant.
The easiest way to tackle them is to either wash the plant with water or dish soap mixture. In case, the mites persist, then insecticides are the best option to tackle them.
Final thoughts
This perennial shrub is a perfect choice for beginners as they are low-maintenance plants and can be easily managed. Apart from this, they also possess friendly nature and act as air purifiers.
Caring for this subtropical plant is very easy as you only have to avoid direct sunlight and over-watering. Also, you should be beware of their toxicity and keep your pets and children away from it.
