Are you fond of long climbing vines? Are you planning to use some inside your home? Then look no further than tropical Philodendron Asperatum. This astounding beauty is sure to oomph up the beauty of your living area and also provide you with that unique tropical feel just by sitting in your home. Check out this article to know more about this plant, how to take care of it, and also get some tips on propagation.
Philodendron Asperatum Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Liliopsida
- Order: Alismatales
- Family: Araceae
- Subfamily: Aroideae
- Tribe: Philodendronateae
- Genus: Philodendron Swartz, 1788
About
Philodendron Asperatum is a tropical plant that hails from Brazil. It is mostly found in Columbia, Ecuador, and Peru. This plant belongs to the family Araceae and the subgenus Meconostigma. There are about 489 species of Philodendron that have been discovered to date and this is one of them.
This plant is an epiphyte which means that in its natural habitat, it grows on other plants or trees. It has heart-shaped leaves which can be as big as 12 inches. The leaves are dark green in color and covered in tiny white fuzz.
This plant is a climber and can grow really long if provided with something to climb on. It can reach a height of 3 feet and more.
Habitat
Philodendron Asperatum is found in tropical regions and hence requires warm temperatures to grow. It prefers shady areas and does not tolerate direct sunlight. This plant can be grown both indoors as well as outdoors. If you are growing it indoors, make sure that the place you choose is not too hot or too cold for the plant.
Common Name And Synonyms
This plant is commonly known as Asperatum Philodendron. However, it is often confused with other Philos of its shape and size like Philodendron mamei, Philodendron sodiroi aff, Philodendron rugosum, etc.
Appearance
As mentioned earlier, this plant is an epiphyte that grows on other plants in its natural habitat. It has long and heart-shaped leaves which can grow up to 12 inches in size. The leaves are dark green in color and are covered with tiny white fuzz. The plant also produces white flowers that bloom in the summer.
Philodendron Asperatum – Features
Height and Growth
This plant is a climber and can reach a height of 3 feet and more if provided with something to climb on. It has a fast growth rate and can grow up to 2 feet in a single year.
Flowers
The Asperatum Philodendron produces white flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are not very showy and are often hidden by foliage.
Foliage
The dark green leaves of this beautiful plant are a distinctive feature of Asperatum. Fuzz-covered, large, glossy leaves have deep lobes that make this plant an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor landscaping. The petioles of this plant are red to light green in color and can grow up to 8 inches in length.
Growth Habit
This plant is a climber, and if it is given something to climb on, it has the potential to become quite lengthy. It has the potential to grow to a height of at least one meter.
Evergreen and Durable
The Asperatum Philodendron is an evergreen plant, which means that it will retain its leaves throughout the year. This plant is also quite durable and can withstand a certain amount of neglect.
Low Maintenance
This plant doesn’t need a lot of attention and is reasonably low maintenance. It is an ideal plant for those who do not have the time to care for plants on a regular basis.
Toxicity
It is a toxic plant and should be kept away from children and pets. If ingested, it can cause stomach upset and vomiting. In severe cases, it can even lead to death.
Dormancy
This plant goes through a period of dormancy in the winter months. During this time, the plant will shed its leaves and stop growing. It is important to allow the plant to go through this process so that it can rest and rejuvenate itself.
Uses
The Asperatum Philodendron can be used for both indoor and outdoor landscaping. It is an excellent plant for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their home. This plant can also be used in office buildings and other commercial settings.
Drought Tolerance
This plant is quite drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of dryness. However, it is important to make sure that the plant does not receive too much water as this can cause the roots to rot.
Air Purification
This beautiful plant is also known to be an excellent air purifier. It can remove toxins from the air and improve the quality of indoor air.
Philodendron Asperatum – Complete Care Guide
Watering Requirements
The Asperatum Philodendron is a tropical plant and requires regular watering. During the growing season, the plant should be watered on a weekly basis.
However, during the winter months, the plant will go through a period of dormancy and will not need to be watered as often. It is important to make sure that the plant does not receive too much water as this can cause the roots to rot.
Tips To Maintain Water Levels In Asperatum Philodendron:
- Water the plant when the topsoil is dry to the touch.
- Use lukewarm water for watering the plant.
- Do not allow the plant to sit in water for too long.
- Drain any excess water from the pot after watering.
Light Requirements
Although it thrives best in indirect, strong light, it can survive in dimly lit environments. If you are cultivating your plant inside, you should position it so that it is near a window so that it can take advantage of the abundant sunshine that is available throughout the day. Avoid exposing the leaves to direct sunlight as this can cause them to get charred.
Ideal Tips To Maintain Lighting Conditions:
- Position your plant near a window that receives plenty of sunlight during the day.
- Avoid exposing the leaves to direct sunlight as this can cause them to get damaged.
- If you are growing your plant indoors, you should use artificial lighting to provide the plant with the light it needs to grow.
- Ideal places are window sill, west open balcony, and shaded foyer.
Temperature Requirements
The Asperatum Philodendron thrives in warm climates and does not do well in cold weather. It is important to make sure that the plant is not exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops too low, the plant will go into shock and may die.
Ideal Tips To Maintain Temperature Conditions:
- Keep the plant away from drafty windows and doors.
- If you are growing your plant indoors, you should use a space heater to maintain the ideal temperature for the plant.
- Do not expose the plant to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity Requirements
It is natural to the Amazon jungle, therefore it should not be too surprising that this plant thrives under high levels of humidity. In point of fact, it requires moist surroundings in order to thrive and can be negatively affected by dry ones.
In order to prevent your plant from becoming ill as a result of the dry climate in which you live, you will need to pay extra attention to its needs.
The simplest way to accomplish this is to regularly mist the leaves or to place the pot on a tray that is filled with pebbles and water. Make sure the container has adequate drainage, in either case, to prevent the roots from rotting.
Tips to Maintain Humidity:
- Use a humidifier to maintain the ideal level of humidity for the plant.
- Place the pot on a tray that is filled with pebbles and water.
- Mist the leaves of the plant regularly.
Fertilizing Requirements
During the time that the Asperatum Philodendron is actively growing, it needs to be fertilized once every month. On the other hand, the plant will go through a period of dormancy throughout the winter months, at which time it will not need to be fertilized as frequently. It is essential to utilize a fertilizer that has been developed solely for the purpose of caring for philodendrons.
Ideal Fertilizers for Asperatum:
- Use a fertilizer that has been developed specifically for philodendrons.
- Fertilize the plant once every month during its active growth period.
- Cut back on fertilizing during the plant’s dormant period.
Soil Requirements
The Asperatum Philodendron thrives in well-draining, sandy soil. If the soil is too dense, the roots will start to rot. You can add perlite or vermiculite to the soil to improve drainage.
Ideal Soil Mix:
- 1 part peat moss
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part vermiculite
Potting and Repotting
The Asperatum Philodendron should be potted in a pot that is slightly larger than the one it is currently in. The plant should be repotted every two years. When repotting the plant, you should use a fresh potting mix.
How To Repot Philodendron Asperatum?
Because of how quickly it is growing, the plant will quickly overrun its container. Choose a container that is just a smidgen larger than the one you’ll be replacing within this project. After you have repotted the plant, you should use a potting mix that does not contain soil and water it thoroughly.
If you’ve noticed your plant looking leggy, it’s probably because it’s not getting enough light. It should be shown in a more prominent location, and greater attention should be paid to it. Your plant will thrive if you provide it with the care and attention it requires.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for this plant, but if you want to, you can prune it in the springtime.
How To Propagate Philodendron Asperatum?
Propagating Via Stem Cutting:
One of the most common ways to propagate this plant is via stem cuttings. To do this, you will need to take a cutting that is at least six inches long. The cutting should be taken from a healthy part of the plant. Make sure that there are at least two leaves on the cutting.
After taking the cutting, you should place it in a pot that has been filled with well-draining soil. Water the soil lightly and then place the pot in a warm, humid location. The cutting will start to grow roots within two weeks.
Propagating Via Leaf Cuttings:
Another way to propagate this plant is via leaf cuttings. To do this, you will need to take a cutting that is at least four inches long. The cutting should be taken from a healthy part of the plant.
After taking the cutting, you should place it in a pot that has been filled with well-draining soil. Water the soil lightly and then place the pot in a warm, humid location. The cutting will start to grow roots within two weeks.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
The following are some of the most frequently experienced difficulties when cultivating Philodendron Asperatum:
Yellow Leaves
Overwatering is the most common cause of yellow leaves. To avoid killing the plant, avoid overwatering it. A water-soluble fertilizer could be applied to the soil in an effort to solve the issue.
Brown leaves
This is usually caused by too little water. Make sure that you are watering the plant regularly.
Leggy Plant
Too little light is the most common cause of a leggy plant. Be sure the plant will get plenty of light by where you put it. Too little light is the most common cause of a leggy plant. Be sure the plant will get plenty of light by where you put it. An application of water-soluble fertilizer to the soil may help if the issue persists.
Conclusion
The Asperatum Philodendron is a beautiful, unique plant that makes a great addition to any home. With its large leaves and trailing stems, it is sure to add some personality to any room. It is important to note that this plant is poisonous if ingested, so be sure to keep it out of reach of children and pets. With proper care, this plant can thrive for many years.
