An exotic plant, Philodendron Genevievianum, is one of the rarest species of genus Philodendron. Known for its tropical qualities and easy care regime, this plant might be your next favorite to grow indoors. Let’s get straight into the details to find how extraordinary this plant is.
Philodendron Genevievianum Classification
Family: Araceae
Subfamily: Aroideae
Genus: Philodendron
Genus:
Philodendron is a broad genus of flowering plants, which consists of more than 500 species. The Araceae family includes all Philodendrons. The Monstera and Pothos plants are hence close relatives of the Philodendron genus.
It has diverse distribution, concentrated in Tropical Americas. Generally, they are considered wonderful climbers in a tropical rainforest setting. Their foliage is usually green but copper-red or purple colors also exist.
Origin and Distribution
First found in South America, Philodendron Genevievianum is more specifically native to Ecuador. Usually, they require wild rainforest as their natural habitat, to grow and thrive.
This environment provides them with humidity and shade, under the rainforest canopy, which are key factors in their growth as climbers. This is what makes this species so rare and safe to say, quite expensive.
Features of the Philodendron Genevievianum Plant
Foliage
With pleated foliage, their leaves are stunning green in color and silky soft to touch. As of size, species Genevievium has long and broad leaves, with a narrow appearance.
Their petioles are also very unique due to their white fuzzy look. These fascinating features make them so sought after for ornamental purposes.
Flowering
Philodendron Genevievianum usually does not bloom when young. The only adult plant can produce flowers and that too in its natural habitat, which is the rainforest. So you should not expect your plant to flower if you want to grow it indoors.
Growth Habit
A very distinctive feature of this species, which sets it apart from other favorite houseplants is its ability to climb. Other houseplants usually don’t grow as tall as these Philodendrons. In indoor spaces, this plant is given support by moss poles or trellises.
Size
This species comes under the class of medium-sized plants. They usually grow as vines, with long leaves hanging on their sides. Their size also depends on the area available for growth and in the case of vines they require stout support to grow on.
How to Take Care of Your Philodendron Genevievianum
Philodendron Genevievianum is considered a low maintenance plant; if we consider its fewer requirements, as compared to other houseplants. If not now, this plant will soon be one of your favorites, considering its easy-to-go nature. Scroll down to find out why we are saying so.
Quick tips and guide:
Watering: Twice a week during spring and summer.
Soil Type: Moist and well-drained soil.
Temperature: Between 15 to 20 Degrees Celsius.
Sunlight: Bright indirect sunlight; shady area.
Humidity: Around 70%.
Pruning and cutting: Once a year before the growing season.
Fertilizer: Once a month.
Place Requirement
Philodendron Genevievianum requires a bright area, with indirect sunlight, moist soil, and a warm humid environment, imitating the rainforest habitat of this species.
Water Requirement
Being a tropical plant, Philodendron Genevievianum requires an appropriate amount of water. It is better to keep the soil moist, but excess water may lead to waterlogging and eventually to root rot.
Hence, the climate is the main factor that determines the need for water by the plant. During the summer season and dry weather, it is recommended to water the plant twice weekly. In winters, it can be reduced to once a week.
Soil Requirement
This species of Philodendron grows vines, and so it needs arid soil mix with good aeration. Moist but not wet soil is considered best for growth.
It is also better for the plant to add some organic material to the soil, such as orchid bark or charcoal. To add support to vines you can also add a totem in soil.
Sunlight Requirement
According to the natural habitat of Philodendron Genevievianum, its growth requires shade which was provided by the rainforest canopy.
So, if you want to grow your plant indoors, give it indirect exposure to sunlight, under shade. Direct sunlight may burn the plant so you should avoid it.
Humidity Requirement
Philodendron Genevievianum is acclimatized to a moist and humid environment, being a rainforest vine. Hence, an indoor environment is quite suitable for them to grow viably.
If you live in a dry area, there are many ways to increase humidity as required by the plant. The easiest way is to mist your plant once in a while to create a moisture layer that prevents water loss.
Invest in a humidifier that can create the perfect domain for your plant. Otherwise, you can also put water with some pebbles in it to increase moisture in the room where the plant is placed.
Temperature Requirement
A warm temperature is your Philodendron’s best friend. So, your average room temperature will work great for the plant. During the daytime, temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit makes an adaptable room for the plant. Also, the plant can survive a low night temperature.
Pruning Requirement
Your Philodendron Genevievianum should be pruned right before its growing season. It will give your plant a new look and increase its growth rate. Also, the infection rate might decrease as diseased and dry leaves would be removed before growth season, by this practice.
Fertilizer Requirement
A good mixture of soil with a hint of organic fertilizers will do the job of a good fertilizing agent for your plant. Young plants require to be fertilized every month and afterward the growth rate of the plant will determine the concentration and amount required.
Philodendron Genevievianum Propagation
The process of propagation will also play a role in the growth of the original Philodendron. Now, this is a very easy task. Simply take a cutting of any outgrowth the original plant has and plant it in a new pot.
Within the course of a few weeks, you will notice new roots developing. The original plant is likely to give off new shoots from where the cutting was taken.
In this way, the growth rate of the original plant will increase and new small Philodendrons can also be produced.
Summary
Philodendron Genevievianum is a beautiful tropical species that despite being rather expensive, is one of the most head-turning Philodendrons.
As this species is very easy to take care of, it belongs to every collector’s garden. Nonetheless, after reading this article we are quite sure of what plant you are buying next.
