The Philodendron crassinervium is an evergreen species belonging to the family Araceae. This species is native and even endemic to southeast Brazil. It is perennial and is commonly referred to as Arum lanceolatum or Philodendron lanceolatum.
The Philodendron crassinervium does not typically resemble other species of Philodendrons. It is a tropical plant that thrives well in areas having high humidity levels.
However, luckily similar to all Philodendrons, this species is also very easy to look after and it also does not have any special requirements. It is a tropical plant that thrives well in areas having high humidity levels.
To get to know more about this beautiful species of the Araceae family, read this article.
Philodendron Crassinervium Classification
Family: Araceae
Genus: Philodendron
History
The Philodendron crassinervium (also known as Arum lanceolatum) belongs to the genus Philodendron, which comes from the family Araceae. This species was described in 1837 by an English botanist named John Lindley.
It is relatively abundant in its natural habitat and is found exclusively endemic in the southeastern part of Brazil. P. crassinervium is commonly kept as a houseplant because of its aesthetic appearance and low maintenance.
Features of the Philodendron Crassinervium Plant
Structure
As the name suggests, Philodendron crassinervium (came from Latin words Crassus meaning plump and Nervium meaning nerve) has lance-shaped leaves having an elongated midvein.
This species is epipetric and possess aerial roots. The roots appear red in the beginning but as they mature, they turn into brown color.
Size
The Philodendron crassinervium are common species of Philodendrons that are kept as indoor plants due to their beautiful structure.
Generally, this Philodendron grows at a slow pace. These tropical plants tend to reach up to 12 to 18 inches in height. Whereas, the leaves grow about 6 to 10 inches.
Leaves
This species is named after its unique leaves. These tropical plants have elongated, lance-shaped leaves having a large midvein in the middle of each leaf. They are dark green.
Flowers
It produces a spadix that grows up to 20 to 25 cm in length. The spathe covers the spadix. The spathe is white and transits into a deeper shade of red from the bottom (where the spadix arises).
Toxicity
These perennials possess high amounts of calcium oxalate crystals. If you have children or pets, then keep an eye out as these crystals are quite dangerous if consumed.
If these crystals are ingested, they might induce some unusual symptoms. For instance diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and swelling of the throat, mouth, and tongue. In severe cases, skin irritations can also be induced upon contact with these toxic crystals.
Dormancy
This species of Philodendrons surprisingly do not go through a dormant period during the winter season. As a result, these beautiful plants can be grown all around the year.
Philodendron Crassinervium Care
Similar to most Philodendrons, this plant also thrives well in moist soil and indirect but bright sunlight. However, the plant also requires to be watered almost regularly.
Make sure not to overwater your plant to avoid any fungal infections or rot issues. This tropical plant prefers to grow in a humid environment. If the above-mentioned requirements are provided abundantly, then no doubt your plant will flourish.
A detailed list of suggestions is given below to make it easy for you to properly look after your Philodendron crassinervium.
Quick Care Guide
- Water: Provide a moderate amount of water. Make sure to let the soil dry between every watering.
- Sunlight: Try to place your plant in an area having bright yet indirect sunlight.
- Soil: Prefers to grow in well-draining soil. Ideally a chunky combination of pumice and potting mix.
- pH: pH of the soil must be neutral to acidic 5.5 to 5.6.
- Temperature: Ideally these tropical plants thrive well in room temperatures between 16° C to 30° C.
- Humidity: Around 60 percent.
- Fertilizer: A water-soluble fertilizer must be given once a month in their growing period.
- Repotting: After every 2 years.
- Pruning: Whenever necessary.
Water Requirement
Sufficient watering is vital for plants. If too much water is given to a plant it might cause certain fungal infections as well as root rot. However, if too little water is provided then as a result, the plants might start to become undernourished and brown.
For Philodendron crassinervium to grow ideally, the soil must be kept relatively dry. To examine the moisture in the soil, simply insert your finger into the pot. If the above 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry, then it is time for you to water your plant.
Sunlight Requirement
Like every other Philodendron, this species also requires bright but indirect sunlight to flourish. A minimum of 6 to 8 hours of sunlight must be provided to these tropical plants.
One thing that must be kept in mind is that if it is exposed to direct sunlight for a longer period, then it might become sunburned. While on the contrary, if not enough sunlight is provided, the plant may start to become pale day by day.
Soil Requirement
This perennial thrives well in regular potting soil. It prefers to grow in relatively dry soil. You can use perlite, orchid bark, and peat to make your soil mix.
Make sure to add gritty and chunky materials to the soil. These materials will improve aeration. Proper drainage can help to eliminate the risks of root rot, fungal infections, and other diseases.
pH:
In terms of pH, this tropical beauty grows well in neutral to acidic soil (5.5 to 6.5). However, if the pH of the soil that you are using is too high, then you can reduce it by using additives containing aluminum sulfate or sulfur in them.
On the contrary, if the pH of the soil is too low, you can elevate it with baking soda, calcitic lime, wood ash, or dolomitic lime. For best results, always measure the pH of the soil to see if any adjustments are required or not.
Temperature Requirement
Similar to other Philodendrons, the Philodendron crassinervium also prefers to grow in a warm environment. The ideal temperature to grow these tropical plants ranges from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Make sure to keep your plant away from any sources of heat such as hand dryers, vents, furnaces, etc. This is because almost every plant, especially indoor plants is relatively sensitive to drastic changes in temperature.
Humidity Requirement
The Philodendron crassinervium prefers to grow in an area having high levels of humidity. Ideally, an area having approximately 60 percent humidity is excellent to grow this tropical species.
Although, if you live in an area having low levels of humidity then there are several ways through which you can elevate the humidity near your plant. Some of the basic methods through which you can increase the humidity levels near your plant are discussed below.
- You can provide a humidity mat. It is a cost-effective solution to increase humidity levels.
- Get a humidifier, or mist frequently. This is the most reliable solution to elevate the levels of humidity near your plant.
- Furthermore, you can also make a bunch of plants together to raise the humidity levels. This method will only increase a little bit of humidity, also keep in mind that the plants are having good air circulation.
Fertilizer Requirement
The growing season of Philodendron crassinervium is during the spring and summer seasons. However, these plants do not go through a dormant period and are evergreen species. But their overall growth rate becomes comparatively low during the winter season.
Therefore, it is advised to only fertilize your plant once a month during their growing seasons, by using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Repotting Requirement
If the roots of your plant start to peek out of the drainage holes, it is time for you to re-pot it. However, the overall growth pace of Philodendron crassinervium is comparatively slower as compared to the other species of Philodendron.
You can repot your plant after every 2 years. And to provide a nutrient boost to your plant you can also add a commercial potting mix while repotting your plant, to replace the old soil.
Pruning Requirement
Pruning can elevate the overall appearance of your plant and also encourages them to grow healthy. Whenever you notice your plant having dull stems or leaves, do not think twice before pruning them. Make sure to always use a sharp pair of scissors or knives to prune your plant.
Growth Zones
The Philodendron crassinervium flourishes well in zones 10 to 12.
Philodendron Crassinervium Propagation
You can propagate your Philodendron crassinervium through stem cuttings as well as through the water. However, seeds are also available but it can be quite challenging to find them. The best time to propagate your Arum lanceolatum is from the end of spring to the start of the summer.
Propagation Through Stem Cutting:
To perform propagation by stem cutting, follow the below-given instructions carefully.
- Cut a healthy stem using a sharp pair of scissors or knives.
- Plant your cutting into sterile soil directly.
- Keep the soil moist and place it in an area having a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- To ensure proper humidity and boost rooting, cover your cutting with a plastic bag.
- Periodically rotate the pot to encourage even growth.
Propagation Through Water:
Another simple method to propagate your Philodendron crassinervium is through water. To achieve the best possible results, follow the below-given instructions carefully.
- Cut a healthy section of stem and remove leaves from the bottom of your cutting.
- Then place your graft in a glass of water for a couple of days.
- Place the pot, containing your graft in an area having access to indirect and bright sunlight. You can also use a humidifier to maintain the humidity levels near your graft
- Make sure to replace the water after every 2 to 3 days.
- The roots will start to emerge, when they become long enough, then plant your graft in well-draining soil.
Final Thoughts
The Philodendron crassinervium, also referred to as Arum lanceolatum is a beautiful species of Philodendron having long, lance-shaped leaves.
This plant is rare and does not typically resemble its family members. However, despite the difference in physical structures, the basic needs of this species are the same as the other Philodendrons.
It is an evergreen perennial species that, unlike other Philodendrons, do not go through a dormant period. These tropical plants grow at a relatively slower pace but turn out to be extremely eye-catching.
If you wish to decorate your house with a beautiful evergreen plant having minimum requirements, then you should get a Philodendron crassinervium.
