Philodendron is a popular genus of flowering plants with immense diversity. Pastazanum is a popular evergreen, perennial Aroid, popularly grown for its foliage. The medium to deep-green, white-veined, semi-glossy, heart-shaped leaves can grow as big as 2 feet in length and diameter. These leaves stand on upright erect cylindrical stems, longer than the petioles. The large green leaves of this Philo are attractive enough to decorate any indoor corner or your garden.
Moreover, these Columbian natives are low-maintenance and easy to grow. Thus, beginners and lazy folks can also enjoy this gift of nature. Let us learn more about the beautiful Philodendron pastazanum plant.
Pastazanum Classification
Family: Araceae.
Genus: Philodendron.
Species: P. pastazanum.
Genus Philodendron
C. Plumier officially introduced this genus in the 16th century. This is the second-largest genus of the popular Aroid family mainly comprising of flowering plants. The latest checklist of selective plant families states around 489 different plant species. Rain forests of America and its Central and Southern regions are the homeland for the majority of philodendrons.
These plants are extensively hybridized and cultivated to form a large number of new plants. Moreover, they make popular houseplants. This genus is mainly divided into two categories:
- Climbing Philodendrons.
- Non-climbing Philodendrons.
Climbing philodendrons produce aerial roots along the stem and grow epiphytically in wild. While in the domestic environment, they grow around extra support or totem.
On the other hand, Non-climbers grow along the ground and form rich and immensely grown plants. The leaves are usually large and deeply lobed. These plants prefer wide spaces.
Pastazanum Plant Features
- The average height of a mature plant is around 3 to 5 feet. Moreover, it spreads around 4 to 6 feet wide. These plants spread according to the space available. Thus, they get pretty immense in the wild.
- The plant is a creeper but not like common Philo vines. It has a rhizome, which grows horizontally along with the soil and produces foliage. The rhizome usually gets prominent and partially emerges out from the soil, after the plant gets about 1 meter tall.
- The growth rate is medium.
- The inflorescence comprises a large reddish leaf modified into a single petal flower. This leaf is 4 to 6 inches in length and grows on top of a long stem similar to the leaf-bearing stem.
Toxicity of The Plant
Toxicity is a popular trait of the philodendrons. They have a high amount of calcium oxalate crystals in all parts. Close contact and ingestion can cause allergic reactions and ulceration in the mouth. Thus, we always advise you to keep your kids and pets away from these plants.
P. pastazanum Vs. P. ‘Mc.Dowel’
The Philodendron pastazanum has a close resemblance with the plant cultivar, Philodendron ‘Mc. Dowel’. However, the differentiating feature between the pastaboi and the Mc. The dowel is the pointier leaf tips of the later one.
P. Pastazanum Vs. P. Gloriosum
The features of this large-leafed plant differentiating it from the sister species, Gloriosum are as under:
- It has a v-shaped sinus.
- As the leaf matures, the branch-veins lose their prominent white color. Alternatively, the Gloriosum leaves retain the white veins throughout their life.
Pastazanum Care
How to take care of my Pastazanum Plant? This is an easy to care plant. We usually recommend it for beginners and easygoing peeps. Let us get the answer about the care and requirements of this plant;
Water Requirements
Unlike many other Philos, the Pastazanum Philodendron doesn’t need much water. Water when the upper 2 inches of the soil get dry. Twice a week in summer and once a week in winter is an estimate about the suitable routine. However, you need to adjust according to the weather conditions.
Overwatering is always harmful to all the Philos. Any standing water at the base may result in root rot and other plant issues.
Sunlight Requirements
Medium to bright indirect sunlight is suitable for the plant. The plant shows healthy foliage in well-lit places without any sunlight directly touching the plant. If you see that the P. Pastazanum leaves are turning yellow, it is an indication that the plant is receiving more than the required level of light. On the other hand, leggy stems and a lesser number of leaves show that the plant is not getting enough light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for common philodendrons is between 16 to 24 °C. (60 to 75 °F). The Philodendron pastazanum plants are not wintered hardy. They can’t bear temperatures below 13 °C (55 °F). Moreover, frost is a big no-no for these plants.
Humidity Requirements
These plants are adaptable to a range of humidity levels. Thus, you don’t need to be extra careful about the moisture level. The big green leaves will be just fine with the humidity of the natural environment.
Soil Requirements
These plants need rich, most, and free-draining soil. If you are considering packed options, common aroid mixes will do well. Ideal PH levels are acidic to neutral with PH 5 to 7.
Fertilizer Requirement
The large leaves will love some added nutrition. You can use a suitably balanced fertilizer once a month in the growing season (March to August). Moreover, stop fertilizing on the colder days.
Pastazanum Propagation
Popular methods of propagation are:
- Seeds.
- Stem cuttings.
- From Clumps.
You can collect the seeds from the berries. The berries have a typical hormone that inhibits the germination of seeds.
Propagation from clumps
These Pastazanum plants form clumps on maturity. Clumps are congested growth of numerous baby plants at the base of a mature mother plant. You can simply cut some plantlets from the clumps and plant them in moist rich soil. Just keep the plantlets in medium indirect light. Water mildly when the upper soil gets about 70% dry. Roots will start developing in about three to four weeks.
Growth Timeline
Let us have a look at an estimated growth timeline to get an idea about the growth pattern;
- Day 1 –Day 60:
In the initial days, you need to keep the plantlets in medium indirect light. Water the plant mildly, once the soil starts getting dry. Fertilizer is not required until at least 6 months of initial planting. Roots will start forming by the end of the first month. Furthermore, the shoot will come out slowly in the form of a tiny leaflet. This curled leaflet will grow and slowly open in about 15 days. - Day 60 – Day 120:
By the end of the second month, you can reduce the watering. Just water once the soil gets dry. This easy-to-grow plant doesn’t need attention by now.
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Summary
Philodendron pastazanum is an evergreen creeping Aroid, grown for its foliage. The large dark-green, heart-shaped leaves can turn as big as 2 feet in length. The leaves have prominent veins across the surface. These are low-maintenance plants, suitable for everyone including beginners.
This plant has a close resemblance with many popular plants including the Mc. Dowel and the Philodendron gloriosum. Finally, keep an eye on your kids and pets! Keep them strictly away from the toxic Pastazanum Philodendron.
