Philodendron Firebird is a hybrid vining plant with orange, yellow, and cream leaves that make it the center of attraction. Being a low-maintenance plant, it needs little care. However, you have to be patient while growing the plant because it grows slowly. The plant grows in damp places like humid tropical rainforests. You can also make it part of your home or office.
Philodendron Firebird Classification
Family: Araceae
Subfamily: Aroideae
Genus: Philodendron
Origin: Philodendron Firebird was discovered in the Caribbean, Venezuela, and Columbia.
Genus Philodendron
There are more than 450 species of the genus Philodendron having fabulous leaves in different shapes and colors. Philodendrons are of two types; vining plants and non-climbing plants.
Features of Philodendron Firebird Plant
When the leaves grow, they are red but as they mature they become green. You can also see the leaves orange, yellow, and cream making the leaves like flames. That’s why the plant got its name Firebird.
Flowering
As the plant matures, it starts blooming flowers. But it is only possible if it grows outdoor because indoor plants don’t bloom flowers.
Size
It can grow up to 40 cm.
Growth
The growth of this plant is slow. The leaves are numerous and produce very close making the plant bushier. There is only a half-inch distance between the nodes.
Drought tolerance
The plant needs water once a week. However, it can survive in drought or harsh conditions. That’s why it requires low maintenance.
Maintenance
This is an easy-to-grow plant and needs less attention. You can maintain it with basic care such as fertilizing it properly and watering once a week.
Toxicity
Philodendron Firebird is toxic to pets and humans. If you are growing it in your house, you should take full care of your pets and kids. Keep the plant out of their reach otherwise, they can face severe conditions.
Dormancy
The plant can’t bear the intense cold season and can be dormant. The growth of the plant stops in this condition.
Philodendron Firebird Care
You don’t need to spend much time on the plant to keep it healthy. It needs basic care like other houseplants. You just have to remember a few things regarding its care and as a result, you will find a wonderful plant in good condition. Below are some important points you must know if you wish to grow this plant.
Quick Care Guide
Water: Once a week.
Sunlight: Bright but indirect sunlight.
Soil type: Slightly moist and well-draining soil.
Temperature: 75-85° during the day, 65-70° at night.
Fertilizer: Liquid foliar fertilizer.
Humidity: 60-70%.
Pruning: Once a year.
Water Requirements
Be careful about watering the Philodendron Firebird plant otherwise, it can be damaged. The plant suits damp soil but it doesn’t mean to water it very often. Watering it once weak is enough. During the growing season in spring and summer, you can make watering twice a week.
Sunlight Requirements
The plant can’t tolerate direct sunlight so, it is better to keep it under the shade to get indirect sunlight. On the other hand, insufficient sunlight is also not recommended.
It impacts the foliage growth and makes the stem long containing limited leaves. So, appropriate sunlight will help your plant to grow in a better way.
Soil Requirements
The soil should be moist but remember it should not be soggy. Keeping the soil slightly damp, will help the plant to grow fully. In addition, the soil must be organic which can fulfill the needs of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can’t tolerate high temperatures. The moderate temperature for Philodendron Firebird is 75-85° at day time and 65-70° at night.
The plant becomes vulnerable in intense seasons like summers and winter. So, it is mandatory to maintain the temperature.
Fertilizer Requirements
Fertilizer is essential for plants because it contains multiple nutrients that are important for better growth. It is better to provide your plant with a liquid foliar fertilizer that is rich in macronutrients.
These macronutrients are beneficial for the plant and increase its growth speed. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season. While in other months, it is enough to fertilize after 6 to 8 months.
Pruning Requirements
Pruning gives the plant a neat and fresh look. Before the growing season starts, remove the dead leaves so that new leaves can have space to produce. Plus, pruning the tips of the plant also increases the growth rate. Normally, it grows faster in spring and summer so, it is better to trim the plant before the start of this season.
Humidity requirements
Philodendron Firebird is a tropical plant so, it requires more humidity which is 60-70%. It is also up to the season and the climate you are living in. Low or high levels of humidity cause harm to the plant. So, it is important to maintain the appropriate humidity.
Philodendron Firebird Propagation
To make the propagation successful, it is better to do it in spring or summer because these are growing seasons. if you are going to propagate the plant, you can follow the steps mentioned below:
- Take a sharp knife and sterilize it with the burning flame or by rubbing alcohol.
- Choose a healthy mother plant and cut a stem.
- Take the cutting from the node.
- While taking the cutting, make sure to keep the plant in its original shape.
- Now, plant it in sphagnum moss or water.
- In less than a month, you can see its roots
- Wait until the roots form then shift the cutting into the pot where you want to grow it.
- Providing the best conditions and taking good care will ensure an increase in growth speed.
Problems and The Solutions
Like other plants, Philodendron Firebirds also face some common problems but there is nothing to worry about. You can save your plant from any harm by practicing precautions and good care. Below are the problems and the solutions we are going to discuss.
Diseases
The plant may suffer from different types of diseases. For example, if you overwater the plant, there can be green patches on the foliage.
If you see yellow spots on the leaves, it can be a sign of magnesium deficiency. Additionally, the plant can damage in severe low temperatures. You can avoid all these issues by taking proper care of your plant.
Pests
Your plant can be vulnerable to mites and insects that might destroy the plant in no time. So, you should try precautions by applying alcohol or neem oil on the foliage. If pests have attacked your plant, then remove all the infected parts immediately to save the rest of the plant.
Summary
Philodendron Firebird is a tropical hybrid plant that produces flame-like glossy leaves. Its eye-catching look grabs the attention of everyone.
The plant is slow-growing and requires low maintenance. You can grow it in your house or office and enhance its beauty. By taking full care and following precautions, you can easily save it from diseases and pests.
