Are you fond of rare but beautiful plants? Who doesn’t like to have a rare-to-find house plant in their drawing rooms and brag about it with their friends, right? Here’s your chance to get your hand on this unique and striking aroid – Philodendron Bonifaziae.
To date, only Mexico is home to such endangered Philodendron bonifaziae species. Slowly but surely, it has been finding its way to cultivation since its 1981 discovery in the state of Veracruz.
The dark green leaves of this Philodendron have a wavy edge, making it an attractive plant. Furthermore, the leaves are slightly bigger than those of typical Philodendrons.
The height of the evergreen Philodendron bonifaziae ranges from around 24 inches to 36 inches (60 centimeters to 90 centimeters).
The 12″-14″ (30-35 cm) long leaves can be approximately half as wide, and they are glossy dark green with a wavy edge. In the spring, this shrub blossoms with delicate white blooms that offer a beautiful sight to the eyes.
Keep reading to find out how you can keep this rare beauty in your home.
Philodendron Bonifaziae Classification
- Order – Alismatales
- Family – Araceae
- Gender – Philodendron Schott
- Species – Philodendron bonifaziae Croatian
About
Philodendron bonifaziae is a species in the family Araceae, native to Mexico. It was first described by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott in 1868.
This plant is native to Mexico and can be found in the state of Veracruz. It was discovered in 1981 and has been slowly making its way into cultivation since then.
It is an evergreen plant that can grow up to 36 inches (90 centimeters) tall. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and have a wavy edge.
They can grow up to 12-14 inches (30-35 centimeters) long and half as wide. In the spring, It blooms with delicate white flowers.
Common Names
The common names for Philodendron bonifaziae include Mexican evergreen, Wavy leaf philodendron, and Wave leaf philodendron.
Features of the Philodendron Bonifaziae Plant
Height and Growth
This Philodendron can grow up to 36 inches (90 centimeters) tall. The evergreen shrub has a fast growth rate and will quickly fill in any space in your home.
Leaves
The leaves of the bonifaziae are dark green, glossy, and have a wavy edge. They can grow up to 12-14 inches (30-35 centimeters) long and half as wide.
Growth Habit
The Philodendron bonifaziae is a climbing plant that quickly grows up with any support you provide it. Be sure to give it something to climb on, such as a trellis or pole, so that it can reach its full potential.
Flowers & Foliage
The Philodendron bonifaziae is an evergreen with dark green, glossy leaves. The leaves have a wavy edge and can grow up to 12-14 inches (30-35 centimeters) long.
In the spring, the plant blooms with delicate white flowers. Its flowers are small and bloom in clusters. They are incredibly fragrant and will fill your home with a sweet coconutty aroma.
Evergreen and Durable
Being an evergreen plant, the Philodendron bonifaziae keeps its leaves all year long. The leaves are tough and durable, making this plant a great choice for homes with pets or children.
Low Maintenance
The Philodendron bonifaziae is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It is drought tolerant and can go long periods without water.
Toxicity
The Philodendron bonifaziae is a toxic plant and should be kept away from pets and children. Calcium oxalate crystals found in the plant’s leaves and flowers can irritate the skin, mouth, and throat. If ingested, It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.
Dormancy
This plant hibernates throughout the colder months. The plant does not require as much maintenance in the form of water or fertilizer at this stage. During its dormant stage, you should not overwater this plant.
Drought Tolerance
This plant is drought tolerant and can go long periods without water. The best way to water this plant is to allow the soil to dry out completely in between watering.
Uses – Ornamental Plant
It is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that makes a great addition to any home. The evergreen leaves are tough and durable, making this plant a great choice for homes with pets or children.
The bonifaziae is also drought tolerant and can go long periods without water. This is a perfect ornamental plant for anyone who wants to add a touch of greenery to their home without having to worry about watering it frequently.
Air Purification
The Philodendron is great for purifying the air in your home. The plant filters out harmful toxins and pollutants, such as formaldehyde, from the air.
Philodendron Bonifaziae Care
As we discussed before, Bonifaziae is a rare yet ideal plant for seasonal plantsmen or newbies as it doesn’t require much care or maintenance. Pot it once, and it will give you years of perennial beauty. However, there are a few things you may need to follow to keep your Bonifaziae thriving.
Water Requirements
This Bonifaziae can go a long time without water. It is drought tolerant and can survive in dry conditions. However, it will thrive in moist soil.
The best way to water this plant is to allow the soil to dry out completely in between watering. Also, make sure to water it once a week and don’t overwater as it doesn’t like to sit in water for a long time and end up with root rot.
Pro-Tips For Water Philodendron:
- Use lukewarm water.
- Avoid direct sunlight when watering as it can burn the leaves.
- Try to use distilled water or rainwater if possible.
- Don’t forget to empty the drainage tray after every watering session.
Fertilizer Requirements
The Philodendron Bonifaziae is a low-maintenance plant and doesn’t require much fertilizer. However, you can feed it once a month during the growing season with a general-purpose fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing this plant during its dormant stage as it doesn’t need it.
Pro-Tips For Fertilizing Philodendron:
- Use a general-purpose fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.
- Avoid using a slow-release fertilizer as it can burn the roots.
- Try to fertilize in the early morning or evening to avoid burning the leaves.
- Don’t forget to wash your hands after handling the fertilizer as it can be harmful if ingested.
Light Requirements
The Philodendron Bonifaziae thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate low light conditions but won’t grow as quickly. The best place to keep this plant is near a window where it can get some indirect sunlight.
Pro-Tips For Ideal Lighting Conditions
- Avoid direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves.
- If you reside somewhere colder, put this plant close to a window that faces south.
- You can also use artificial lighting such as grow lights to provide the plant with the light it needs.
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-draining, loamy soil. You can also use a potting mix that is specifically designed for Philodendrons.
Pro-Tips For Maintaining Ideal Soil:
- Avoid using a potting mix that is too dense as it can cause the roots to rot.
- Make sure the pot has drainage holes to allow the water to drain out.
- You can also add some perlite or vermiculite to the potting mix to improve drainage.
Temperature Requirements
This plant likes to live in warm climates and prefers temperatures between 60-85 °F. It can tolerate colder temperatures but won’t grow as quickly.
Pro-Tips To Keep The Temperature Right
- Avoid placing this plant in drafts or near heating/cooling vents.
- If you live in a colder climate, you can place this plant near a south-facing window.
- You can also use a humidifier to help keep the air around this plant moist.
Humidity Requirements
This philodendron thrives in damp conditions. If you reside in a dry region, you can still cultivate this plant by keeping it in a terrarium or greenhouse.
Plants can be placed near one another, a humidity tray or pebble tray can be used, or a humidifier can be used to raise the relative humidity in the room.
Pro-Tips For Maintaining The Right Humidity
- Use a humidifier to raise the humidity in the room.
- Place the plant on a humidity tray or pebble tray.
- Group plants together to create a mini greenhouse effect.
Grooming & Pruning Requirements
Philodendron Bonifaziae doesn’t require much grooming or pruning. However, you can remove any dead leaves or stems as needed. You can also trim back the plant to keep it looking neat.
Pro-Tips For Grooming & Pruning
- Use sterile, sharp shears to avoid damaging the plant.
- Cut at an angle to help promote new growth.
- Avoid pruning during the dormant season.
Placing Requirements
This plant can be placed in any room of the house. However, it is best to place it in a spot where it can get some indirect sunlight.
Pro-Tips For Placing Your Plant
- Avoid placing this plant in direct sunlight.
- Place the plant near a window where it can get some indirect sunlight.
- You can also use artificial lighting such as grow lights to provide the plant with the light it needs.
Repotting Requirements
This plant doesn’t need to be repotted very often. You can re-pot it every two to three years or as needed. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that has drainage holes.
How To repot Philodendron?
- Remove the plant from its current pot with care.
- Carefully loosen the roots and shake off any excess dirt.
- Place the plant in its new pot and fill in with the potting mix.
- Water the plant well and place it in its desired location.
Philodendron Bonifaziae Propagation
Stem cuttings or division are the two methods through which this plant can be propagated.
Simply take the plant out of the pot and divide the roots into two or more portions to propagate via division. Each part should be replanted in a pot with moist soil. Until new growth grows, give the soil plenty of water and keep it moist.
Take a 6 to 8-inch clip from a healthy plant and trim off the lowest leaves to propagate through stem cuttings. Plant the cutting in damp soil after dipping it in rooting hormone. Until new growth grows, give the soil plenty of water and keep it moist.
Pests & Diseases
This plant has a fair amount of pest and disease resistance. Mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids, however, can also be a concern. If you notice any of these pests on your plant, you can remove them by wiping them off with a damp cloth or using insecticidal soap.
If your plant starts to yellow or the leaves start to brown, this could be a sign of too much sun or drought stress. Move the plant to a shadier spot and make sure you’re watering it regularly.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Yellow leaves:
This can be a sign of too much or too little water. Check the soil to see if it is dry or soggy and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Brown leaves:
This can be a sign of too much direct sunlight, temperature stress, or drought stress. Move the plant to a shadier spot and make sure it is receiving enough water.
Leggy growth:
This plant prefers to be pot-bound, so only repot it when necessary. If the plant is too big for its pot, you can trim back the roots and stems to encourage new growth.
Root Rot:
This can be caused by too much water or poor drainage. Check the soil to see if it is dry or soggy and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. If the plant is pot-bound, you can re-pot it in a pot with drainage holes to help improve drainage.
Signs Of Overwatering And Underwatering?
Wilting leaves:
This is a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. Make sure you’re watering it regularly and deeply.
Yellowing leaves:
This can be a sign of too much or too little water. Check the soil to see if it is dry or soggy and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Brown leaves:
This can be a sign of too much sun or drought stress. Move the plant to a shadier spot and make sure it is receiving enough water.
Mushy stems:
This is a sign of too much water. Make sure the pot has drainage holes and that you’re not over-watering the plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philodendron bonifaziae poisonous?
No, this plant is not poisonous. However, it is always a good idea to keep plants out of reach of small children and pets who may try to eat them.
What are the ideal conditions for Philodendron bonifaziae?
This plant prefers indirect sunlight and moist, well-drained soil. It is important to not let the soil dry out completely or the leaves will start to brown.
How often should I water Philodendron bonifaziae?
Water this plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Water deeply and allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
My plant is wilting, what should I do?
If your plant is wilting, it is likely not getting enough water. Make sure you’re watering it regularly and deeply. If the soil is too dry, you can also mist the leaves with water to help them recover.
I think my plant has root rot, what should I do?
If you think your plant has root rot, the first thing to do is check the soil. If it is soggy or waterlogged, this is a sure sign of root rot.
The best course of action is to replant the plant in fresh, well-draining soil. You can also try to save the plant by removing it from the pot and trimming off any rotten roots.
Do Philodendron bonifaziae need to be fertilized?
Yes, this plant benefits from being fertilized every few weeks during the growing season. Use a water-soluble fertilizer and diluted it to half-strength before applying.
When should I repot Philodendron bonifaziae?
This plant prefers to be pot-bound, so only repot it when necessary. A good rule of thumb is to repot every two years or when the roots start to become crowded
Summary
Philodendron bonifaziae is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for plant that makes a great addition to any indoor space. With its deep green leaves and vining habit, it can quickly fill up a bare spot in your home. Just be sure to give it indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist (but not soggy) and you’ll have a happy, healthy plant.
