The Philodendron Holtonianum is an attractive houseplant that requires little maintenance. If you want to bring some greenery into your home but don’t have a lot of time to care for it, this plant is for you.
Native to eastern Ecuador, The adult leaves of Philodendron Holtonianum are very thinly coriaceous, making them feel like delicate leather. This is one of the many factors that give the plant its unique appearance.
The Holtonianum is a stunning specimen of flora, and it’s easy to see why it’s prized by horticulturists. If you want to know how to keep this lovely perennial alive and well in your home, then this article is for you.
Philodendron Holtonianum Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Philodendron Schott
Common Name And Synonyms
The Philodendron Holtonianum is also commonly known as the ‘Leatherleaf Philodendron’. It is also often mistaken for its similar-looking aroid Philodendron Paloraense.
Habitat:
It is native to eastern Ecuador and can be found growing in humid, tropical rainforests.
Features of The Philodendron Holtonianum Plant
Height And Growth:
The Philodendron Holtonianum is a fast-growing plant. It can reach heights of up to 10 feet (4 to 5 meters) in its natural habitat. When grown as a houseplant, it is more likely to reach a height of between 2 and 4 feet (0.6 – 1.2 meters).
Leaves And Foliage:
The plant has dark green, leathery leaves. They are thin and delicate, with a smooth surface. The leaves are elongated in shape and can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and 6 inches (15 cm) wide.
The roots of this three-fingered philodendron are rather large and spread out. The nodes of the leaves on a free-growing plant are 12–18 inches apart, while those on a totem or tree are just 6–8 inches apart.
Simply stated, this philodendron is of the rarest variety. These tropical climbing plants are unique and have strong, well-established root systems.
Evergreen And Durable:
It is an evergreen plant. This means that it will retain its leaves all year round, regardless of the season. The leaves are also very durable and can withstand a fair amount of wear and tear.
Low Maintenance:
The Philodendron Holtonianum is a low-maintenance plant. It does not require a lot of care or attention to thrive. As long as it is given the basics – such as water, light, and some occasional fertilizer – it will do well.
Uses:
This Philodendron can be used as a houseplant, or it can be grown outdoors in tropical climates. It is often used as ground cover or as a climbing plant.
Toxicity:
This plant is poisonous to humans and animals if ingested. The leaves and stems contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and burn in the mouth and throat. If ingested, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately.
Dormancy:
The Philodendron Holtonianum goes dormant during the winter months. This means that it will stop growing and will shed its leaves.
It is important to allow the plant to go through this process, as it helps to rest the roots and prepare them for the next growing season.
Drought Tolerance:
The Philodendron Holtonianum is drought tolerant. This means that it can withstand periods of dryness without suffering any damage. However, it is still important to water the plant regularly, as it will not thrive in conditions that are too dry.
Philodendron Holtonianum Care
Quick Care Guide:
| Water | Moderate, when the soil feels dry |
| Light | Bright, filtered light |
| Humidity | Moderate |
| Fertilizer | Balance water-soluble fertilizer |
| Repotting | Every 2-3 years |
| Soil | A moist, well-draining soil |
| Grooming & Pruning | Only when needed |
| Placing | Warm and moist place |
Water Requirement
The Philodendron Holtonianum requires a moderate amount of water. It should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the conditions.
The soil should be allowed to dry out in between watering. Overwatering can lead to problems such as root rot. It is recommended to use a moisture meter to gauge the moisture level of the soil.
Pro Tips For Watering:
- Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Always check the moisture level of the soil before watering.
- Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause them to rot.
- Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to problems such as root rot.
Light Requirements
The Philodendron Holtonianum prefers bright, indirect light. It will also tolerate low light conditions, but it will not thrive in dark places.
If the leaves begin to turn yellow, this is a sign that the plant is not getting enough light. It can survive in shady areas, but it will not flower or produce new growth.
Temperature Requirements – Warm Temperature
The plant prefers warm temperatures. It will do well in a room that is between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (20 – 30 degrees Celsius).
If the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), the plant will go into dormancy. Heat waves can cause the leaves to drop, so it is important to protect the plant from extreme temperatures.
How To Manage Proper Lighting Conditions:
- The Philodendron Holtonianum prefers bright, indirect light.
- If the leaves begin to turn yellow, this is a sign that the plant is not getting enough light.
- It can survive in shady areas, but it will not flower or produce new growth.
Humidity Needs – Moderate
It prefers moderate humidity and will do well in a room that has an average humidity level. If the air is too dry, the leaves will begin to brown and curl at the edges. misting the leaves regularly can help to raise the humidity level around the plant.
Fertilizer Requirements
The plant does not need a lot of fertilizer. It is best to fertilize the plant once or twice a year, using a balanced fertilizer.
Over-fertilizing can lead to problems such as leaf burn. It is important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package, as too much fertilizer can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Philodendron Holtonianum prefers well-draining soil. It will do well in a potting mix that is made up of equal parts peat moss and perlite.
The plant can also grow in potting soil that is mixed with sand or vermiculite. It is important to make sure that the pot has drainage holes, as the plant will not tolerate standing water.
Pests and Diseases
The Holtonianum is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. The most common include:
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Scale insects
- Spider mites
- Thrips
- Whiteflies
If the plant is infested with pests, it is important to treat them immediately. The best way to prevent pests and diseases is to keep the plant healthy. This can be done by watering it regularly and fertilizing it regularly.
How To Treat Pests And Diseases:
- If the plant is infested with pests, it is important to treat them immediately.
- The best way to prevent pests and diseases is to keep the plant healthy. This can be done by watering it regularly and fertilizing it regularly.
Repotting Requirements
The Philodendron Holtonianum does not need to be repotted often. It can be repotted every two or three years, depending on the size of the pot.
When repotting, it is important to use a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. This will help to prevent root rot. It is also important to use a well-draining potting mix.
How To Repot:
- The Philodendron Holtonianum does not need to be repotted often. It can be repotted every two or three years, depending on the size of the pot.
- When repotting, it is important to use a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. This will help to prevent root rot.
- It is also important to use a well-draining potting mix.
Philodendron Holtonianum Propagation
The Philodendron Holtonianum can be propagated by seed or by division. To propagate by seed, the seeds must be planted in a well-draining potting mix. They should be kept moist and warm until they germinate. It can take several weeks or even months for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings have reached a few inches in height, they can be transplanted into their own pots.
To propagate by division, the plant must be carefully removed from the pot. The roots should be divided into two or three sections, making sure that each section has several leaves. The divisions can then be replanted in their own pots. It is important to keep the soil moist until the plants have had a chance to adjust to their new pots.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
The Philodendron Holtonianum is a relatively easy plant to care for. However, there are a few problems that can occur. These include:
Leaves turning yellow
This is usually caused by too much water or fertilizer. The best way to fix this problem is to cut back on watering and fertilizing.
Leaves dropping off
This can be caused by several things, including too much or too little water, pests, or diseases. If the leaves are dropping off due to too much water, the best solution is to cut back on watering. If the leaves are dropping off due to pests or diseases, it is important to treat the plant immediately.
Plant not growing
This can be caused by several things, including too much or too little water, pests, or diseases. If the plant is not getting enough water, the best solution is to water it more often.
The best option is to fertilize the plant more frequently if it is not receiving enough fertilizer. The best course of action is to relocate the plant to a position that receives more light if it is not receiving enough.
Root Rot
This is caused by too much water. The best solution is to let the soil dry out completely between watering. If the plant is already suffering from root rot, it may not be possible to save it. In this case, it is best to throw away the plant and start over with a new one.
Caring Tips To Keep Holtonianum Indoors
- It is important to keep the Philodendron Holtonianum in a location that gets bright, indirect light.
- The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.
- The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.
- It is important to repot the plant every two years.
- Keep it clean and free of dust by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth.
- The plant can be propagated by seed or division.
- Keep your plant in a place where temperatures stay above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Philodendron Holtonianum Vs Paloraense – The Difference
The Philodendron Holtonianum and Paloraense are two of the most popular philodendrons. Both plants are easy to care for and make great houseplants and share a striking resemblance. However, there are some differences between these two plants.
Leaves:
Philodendron paloraense and holtonianum have different-shaped leaves. Philodendron paloraense bears spiraling lanceolate leaves whereas Philodendron holtonianum has tri-lobed leaves. Also, Philodendron holtonianum’s leaves are thicker and more leathery.
Growth:
Both of these philodendrons are fast-growing plants. However, Philodendron paloraense is known to grow slightly slower than Philodendron holtonianum due to its wooden stems. On other hand, Holtonianum climbs faster and can grow several feet in height.
Soil:
Both of these plants prefer well-drained and aerated soil. However, Paloraense is more tolerant to different types of soils as compared to Holtonianum.
Final Thoughts
Philodendron Holtonianum is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for plant that makes a great addition to any home. With its striking tri-lobed leaves and fast growth rate, this plant is sure to add interest to any space.
