Let’s admit this. Philodendrons make the best and ideal house plants for everyone who is looking to add some greenery to their home. They are very easy to grow and can thrive in a wide range of conditions, making them the perfect choice for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts alike.
But with so many different philodendron species out there, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. That’s why today we’re taking a closer look at one particular philodendron that is becoming increasingly popular – Philodendron Baudoense.
Philodendron Baudoense is only found in Colombia, where it is exclusive to the western Cordillera Occidental slopes in the departments of Chocó and Valle. It grows as an epiphyte on trees in humid primary forests at elevations of between 200 and 1,200 meters.
This Philodendron has beautiful, large, glossy green leaves that can grow up to 60 cm long and 20 cm wide. The leaves are deeply lobed with smooth edges, giving them a distinctly serrated look.
If you are already mesmerized by its look and want to add it to your greens collection, then read this guide to know more about this stunning aroid.
About Philodendron Baudoense
Philodendron Baudoense is a species of philodendron that is native to Colombia. It is an epiphytic plant, meaning that it grows on other plants or trees instead of in the ground.
This Philodendron is found exclusively on the western Cordillera Occidental slopes in the departments of Chocó and Valle, in humid primary forests at elevations of between 200 and 1,200 meters.
This plant is relatively new to the plant world and is not yet widely available. However, it is becoming increasingly popular due to its large, glossy green leaves that are deeply lobed and have smooth edges.
Common Name And Synonyms
Scientifically known as Philondendron Baudoense Croatia, this aroid is commonly known as Philodendron Baudoense or Baudoense Amazonas. It is also sometimes referred to as the Cordillera Occidental Philodendron.
Habitat:
As we mentioned before, Philodendron Baudoense is native to Colombia where it is found exclusively on the western Cordillera Occidental slopes in the departments of Chocó and Valle.
The Cordillera Occidental is a mountain range that runs along the west coast of Colombia. The climate in this region is tropical and humid, with temperatures averaging between 18-25 degrees Celsius.
So if you want to recreate the natural habitat of this Philodendron, make sure to provide it with a warm and humid environment.
Features of The Philodendron Baudoense
Height and Growth:
This Philodendron can grow up to 2-3 meters in height. However, when grown indoors, it is more likely to reach a height of 1-2 meters.
Foliage and Flowers:
Philodendron Baudoense is most prized for its large, glossy green leaves. The leaves are deeply lobed and have smooth edges, giving them a distinctly serrated look.
They can grow up to 60 cm long and 20 cm wide, making them some of the largest leaves you’ll find on a Philodendron. Unfortunately, this plant does not produce flowers.
Evergreen and Durable:
It is an evergreen plant, meaning that its leaves will stay green all year round. This plant is also very durable and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, making it the perfect choice for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts.
So if you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that is sure to make a statement, then look no further than Philodendron Baudoense.
Toxicity:
Like all Philodendrons, this plant is poisonous if ingested. The leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat. It is preferable to keep this plant out of the reach of pets and young children.
Dormancy:
Philodendron Baudoense does not have a true dormancy period. However, it will go through a semi-dormant state during the winter months when the days are shorter and the nights are longer.
The plant will cease growing at this time, and its leaves may start to turn a little yellow. This is typical and shouldn’t raise any red flags. Once the days begin to lengthen once more in the spring, the plant will start to grow again.
So if you live in an area with cold winters, make sure to provide your plant with a warm and humid environment during this time.
Drought Tolerance:
This Philodendron is very tolerant of drought and can go long periods of time without water. However, it is important to not let the plant completely dry out as this can cause the leaves to drop.
If you live in an area with low humidity, it is best to water your Philodendron Baudoense once a week to prevent the leaves from drying out.
Uses:
It is most commonly used as a houseplant or in office buildings. However, it can also be grown outdoors in warm and humid climates.
This plant makes the perfect addition to any indoor or outdoor space. Its large leaves are sure to make a statement and add a touch of greenery to any room or garden.
So if you’re looking for a plant that is both eye-catching and easy to care for, then look no further than Philodendron Baudoense.
How To Care For Philodendron Baudoense?
Watering Requirements
Philodendron Baudoense is a tropical plant and prefers to be kept moist at all times. However, it is important to not over-water as this can cause the roots to rot.
Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. If you live in an area with high humidity, you may not need to water your plant as often.
Here are a few tips for watering:
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- If you live in an area with high humidity, you may not need to water as often.
- Do not over-water as this can cause the roots to rot.
- Use room-temperature water.
- Let the soil dry out completely between watering.
Light Requirements
Although Philodendron Baudoense may survive low light levels, it likes direct, strong light. Place your plant in a location that will receive some morning or afternoon sun if you reside in a low-humidity environment. You can put your plant in a space with filtered sunlight if you live in a region with a lot of humidity.
Pro-Tips To Maintain Light:
- Place your plant in a spot where it will get some morning or afternoon sun.
- If you live in an area with high humidity, then you can place your plant in a spot that gets filtered sunlight.
- Keep your Philodendron for almost 5-6 hours in bright, indirect sunlight.
Temperature Requirement
It prefers warm temperatures and will not tolerate cold drafts or frost. If you live in an area with cold winters, it is best to bring your plant indoors or place it in a spot where it will not be exposed to any cold air.
It is also important to note that this plant does not like sudden changes in temperature. So if you need to move your plant from one location to another, make sure to do so gradually to avoid stressing the plant.
Here are a few tips to help maintain the perfect temperature:
- Bring your plant indoors or place it in a spot where it will not be exposed to any cold air if you live in an area with cold winters.
- Do not place your plant near any sources of heat, such as a radiator or fireplace.
- Make sure to gradually acclimate your plant to any new temperature changes.
Soil Requirements
Sandy, well-draining soils are preferred by Philodendron Baudoense. However, it will also tolerate most types of soil as long as it is not waterlogged.
If you live in an area with high humidity, it is best to use a potting mix that contains peat moss or coco coir. This will help to keep the soil from becoming too soggy.
Here are a couple of tips to remember when it comes to the soil:
- Use well-draining, sandy soils.
- If you live in an area with high humidity, use a potting mix that contains peat moss or coco coir.
- Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged.
Fertilizer Requirements
Fast-growing plants like Philodendron Baudoense benefit from regular fertilization. However, it is important to not over-fertilize as this can cause the leaves to become burned.
Fertilizing your plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer is recommended. If you live in an area with high humidity, you can fertilize your plant more often.
Just remember to always dilute the fertilizer to half-strength before applying it to your plant.
A Few Tips For Fertilizing:
- Fertilize your plant once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
- If you live in an area with high humidity, you can fertilize your plant more often.
- Always dilute the fertilizer to half-strength before applying it to your plant.
- Do not over-fertilize as this can cause the leaves to become burned.
Grooming and Pruning
The plant does not require much pruning. However, you can trim off any dead or dying leaves as needed. It is also a good idea to trim back any long vines to keep your plant looking neat and tidy.
Here are a few tips for pruning:
- Trim off any dead or dying leaves as needed.
- Trim back any long vines to keep your plant looking neat and tidy.
- Do not over-prune as this can cause stress to the plant.
Humidity Requirements
High humidity levels are preferred by Philodendron Baudoense. However, it will also tolerate lower humidity levels as long as the air is not too dry.
If you live in an area with low humidity, there are a few things you can do to increase the humidity around your plant.
Here are a few tips for increasing the humidity around your Plant:
- Place a humidifier near your plant.
- Group your plants together.
- Set your plant on a tray of pebbles and water.
Repotting Requirements
Fast-growing plants like Philodendron Baudoense require repotting every year or two. Use a pot that is just one size larger than the existing pot during repotting. This will help to prevent the roots from becoming too pot-bound. It is also a good idea to add some fresh potting mix to the new pot.
Here are a few tips for repotting:
- Repot every year or two
- Use a pot that is only one size larger than the current pot
- Add some fresh potting mix to the new pot
- Do not over-pot as this can cause the roots to become too pot-bound
Placing Requirements
Philodendron Baudoense should be placed in an area that receives bright, indirect light. If you live in an area with cold winters, it is best to place your plant near a south-facing window. Do not place your plant near any sources of heat, such as a radiator or fireplace.
Here are a few tips for placing:
- Place in an area that receives bright, indirect light.
- If you live in an area with cold winters, place it near a south-facing window.
- Do not place near any sources of heat, such as a radiator or fireplace.
How To Propagate Philodendron Baudoense?
Philodendron Baudoense can be propagated by division or stem cuttings. Read below how to properly propagate your aroid through these two methods:
Division:
- Fill a pot with well-draining, sandy soil.
- Moisten the soil and make sure it is not too wet.
- Remove your plant’s present pot with care.
- Divide the plant into two or three portions after gently loosening the roots.
- Plant each section in its own pot.
- Make sure the soil is moist but not wet by watering it.
- Put the pots somewhere warm and humid.
- Maintain moist but not soggy soil.
- The plant should root within 4 to 6 weeks.
Stem Cutting:
- Fill a pot with well-draining, sandy soil.
- Moisten the soil and make sure it is not too wet.
- Take a cutting of a stem that is at least 4 inches long and has several leaves.
- From the stem cutting, remove the lowest leaves.
- Insert the stem’s tip into the rooting hormone.
- Insert the stem cutting into the soil-filled pot.
- Make sure the soil is moist but not wet by watering it.
- Put the pot in a warm, humid place.
- Maintain moist but not soggy soil.
- Within 4 to 6 weeks, the stem cutting ought to begin to root.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Leaf Drop:
If your plant is losing leaves, it could be due to several reasons. The most common reason is that the plant is not getting enough water. Make sure to water your plant regularly and keep the soil moist but not wet.
Other possible causes of leaf drop include too much or too little light, too much or too little fertilizer, and pests. If you cannot figure out the cause of the problem, it is best to consult with a local nursery or plant specialist.
Yellowing Leaves:
If your plant’s leaves are turning yellow, it could be due to several reasons. The most common reason is that the plant is not getting enough water. Make sure to water your plant regularly and keep the soil moist but not wet.
Other possible causes of yellowing leaves include too much or too little light, too much or too little fertilizer, and pests. If you cannot figure out the cause of the problem, it is best to consult with a local nursery or plant specialist.
Pests and Diseases:
Philodendron Baudoense is susceptible to several pests, including mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids. These pests have the potential to harm a plant’s leaves and stems.
If you suspect that your plant has pests, it is best to consult with a local nursery or plant specialist. They will be able to identify the problem and recommend the best course of treatment.
It is also susceptible to several diseases, including root rot, stem rot, and leaf spot. These diseases can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the plant.
If you suspect that your plant has a disease, it is best to consult with a local nursery or plant specialist. They will be able to identify the problem and recommend the best course of treatment.
Final Notes
Philodendron Baudoense is a beautiful and exotic plant that originates from Colombia. This tropical plant is easy to care for and is perfect for those who are new to plant ownership. With its glossy green leaves and vining habit, Philodendron Baudoense is sure to make a statement in any home or office.
