From the famous and wide philodendron collection, welcome a very popular plant, the Philodendron Laciniatum. This multi-branched climbing plant belongs to Venezuela and Brazil. The rationale behind its hype is its attractive display consisting of glossy, satiny, and oak-shaped leaves.
They require support like a wall, or a hanging pot since the growth is upwards like fellow Philodendron family mates. These have a healthier growth in indirect light as compared to bright sun rays which serve as an advantage on rainy or cloudy days without compromising on potential growth.
This foliage plant can be utilized as a natural filter for indoor air pollutants along with a soothing refuge. Getting curious to know more about Laciniatum Philodendron? Easy solution. Keep reading to get further amazed by its facts and learn how to make this plant smile by following the guidelines of its care.
Philodendron Laciniatum Classification
Family: Araceae
Genus: philodendron
Specie: laciniatum
Genus philodendron:
This vast genus being the second largest of the Araceae family is native to tropical America. It comprises approximately 450 species with the first ones being collected by Charles plumier in the 16th century. The collection was expanded by other explorers and finally described as philodendron in the 1800s by Schott.
Most of the species in this genus have vine-like properties and are epiphytes that live on other plants. Although they have a major difference in that they do not die if they fall downwards to the ground. Instead, they look for support and climb upwards easily.
Due to their high adaptability in terms of space and low-light levels, they are often found in offices and homes. Their low cost, tall height, beautiful appearance, and easy care also add to their popularity.
Features of the Philodendron Laciniatum Plant
Size:
The philodendron pedatum laciniatum can climb up to almost 9 feet when space is available and scatter around for about 1-3 feet. if these are kept indoors, these fast-growth plants can climb up to occupy all the area provided to them.
Leaves:
The deep green, lobed leaves can grow up to 14 inches maximum when they get proper attention and a suitable environment. This includes a combination of suitable soil type, temperature, and humidity.
Toxicity:
These philodendrons are a threat to health, especially to animals due to high calcium oxalate crystals levels. If they are ingested or licked, these crystals can irritate the gastrointestinal tract that goes to the stomach and intestines.
More importantly, they are more poisonous to animals and can cause severe abdominal pain. Hence, pet owners should think twice before keeping them indoors as decoration pieces, due to the risk they have.
Other than this, they are a threat to people who have skin allergies. However, if they are kept at a safe distance without a possibility of touch, they cannot cause much harm. On the safe side, keep the helpline number on your emergency dial in case of an accident.
Philodendron Laciniatum Care
People are often under the wrong impression that Philodendron Laciniatum can grow into healthy plants without much attention. However, it is a myth. Like any other plant, these require a suitable environment that is based on multiple factors.
The plus point is that they need little care but also the right one. They demand a specific temperature, humidity, soil ph, timely fertilization, etc. At a glance, the guidelines for their care are as following:
Water levels: High
Light: Semi sun
Humidity: High during the night, average during daytime
Fertilizer: Timely dosage in summers
Moving forward to an in-depth guide of how to help them grow into healthy plants:
Water requirements
The correct technique is to water from the top and ideally when the first 3 inches of soil gets dry. Like fellow plants, philodendron laciniatum can also not survive when overwatered. The right method is to always check first how moist or dry the soil is. This can easily be done by inserting a finger in the soil and see till where does finger comes out dry.
Water should not drip from the pot but the soil should be moisturized completely too. It should be well drenched and drained to keep the plant happy. Just remember, the plant gets upset when you let the soil go dry. It will hinder its growth and negatively affect its appearance.
There is no specific pattern of how you should water them. The key is to monitor and figure how when the soil gets dry. On average, they should be watered daily but due to weather changes, this may change. Sometimes they require more watering than usual depending on humidity, dry air, etc especially when indoors.
Overwatering can make the plant upset. It can cause difficulty for roots to breathe and cause root rot. The main sign which tells you that the watering pattern is incorrect is the change in leaves. If leaves start drooping or there is a drastic change in their color, rethink. Rethink about where you are going wrong. This can be challenging at the start but once you get an idea about time durations, there are hardly any hurdles.
Light requirements
Philodendron laciniatum isn’t fond of direct sunlight. Their growth is healthy in moderate light or indirect semi-sunlight. In short, the demand for light is not specific, rather it is generalized. These grow even when light is not sufficient. The only difference is that they do not grow at a normal pace. Never forget, direct sunlight is their enemy. The leaves are sensitive and direct light can burn them. In short, it hurts them and that is why they hate it.
Sometimes, people get confused about why the leaves are turning yellow. This might be an indicator of incorrect care but also there is an age factor too. Old leaves take up a yellow shade naturally. However, if you observe leaves are turning yellow for no reason, focus on lighting. High sunlight levels can cause their deep green color to fade and eventually kill the plant.
If you are planning to use philodendron laciniatum as a decoration piece by the window, stop right there. Keep it away and do not commit a plant’s murder. Nonetheless, if you observe there is an unusual distance between each leaf, relocate it to a brighter spot.
Soil requirements
These plants thrive well in rich soil with sufficient nutrients. Focusing on soil is highly important because it provides the plant with minerals to grow.
Potting mixes comprising of sphagnum moss, perlite, peat, or fibers work great. Even if the soil has sphagnum moss only, that counts as high-quality soil too. Keep in mind that the soil should never be alkaline no matter what.
These plants prefer soil that drains fast and well. The soil that does not retain water for long and is loose is loved by these plants. Enhancing the soil richness using compost also leads to beneficial results.
The tip is to make a potting mix yourself instead of using market ones. the soil must be moisture-retaining to keep the plant healthy and happy.
Humidity requirements
The foliage is fond of high humidity and thrives well when it is present. Philodendron laciniatum’s homeland is South America’s tropical rainforests where the humidity levels are very high. They are adapted to survive in humid conditions hence there should be constant checks and balance on them.
One easy way to avoid low moisture problems is to keep plants away from air conditioning ducts or air-conditioned rooms. They suck the moisture out of the air leaving a drastic effect on these plants.
When days are very dry, steps must be taken to ensure leaves are well hydrated. For instance, misting can be done on top of the leaves to help retain their freshness. This can be done every two days during summers and every 3-4 days in winters.
If these plants are kept indoors, there are several things you can do to maintain humidity near the plant. one technique is to place an artificial humidifier that maintains moisture level in the air. Other than this, a pebble tray of water can also be placed nearby to push humidity to the ideal level of 60%.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature needs are more or less the same for all philodendrons. Since they belong to tropical rainforests where there is no snow, they love warmth. This plant also is adapted to survive in warm to moderate temperatures and not too hot.
During the daytime, a suitable temperature is 10-30 Centigrade. Whereas, at night time these plants do mind if the temperature falls below 12 centigrade. Too cold, or too hot doesn’t suit them at all. They cannot endure frost or any direct air source nearby which includes fans, air conditioners, windows, etc. If you live in a place where winters are too harsh, this plant shouldn’t be at your home.
Fertilizer requirements
If you plan to keep this plant at your home, you should invest in a high-quality fertilizer. Usually, the cheaper ones have a high % of salt in them which can be a threat to the life of roots.
These plants require regular fertilization especially during the growing season that is summers and spring. Weekly or monthly fertilization can be done in this season using 20-20-20 liquid fertilizers as per need. Slow time-release fertilizers can also be used.
Now the question arises that should you choose organic or synthetic fertilizers? Well, the answer is organic. Always go for the organic ones. During winters, since the plant stops growing, there is no need for fertilization. Regardless of any type, fertilization should be done at a distance of 6 inches from the base.
Repotting requirements
The foremost thing must be to choose a high-quality pot that is fast draining. Usually, these plants do not mind moderate root bounding. However, repotting needs to be done when there is a heavy root bound.
The suggested period for doing this is early spring because after that growth period starts. If roots are not coming out of the pot, repotting can also be done every 2 years. they should be shifted to a larger pot with draining holes.
Philodendron Laciniatum Propagation
Like fellow philodendrons, this can also be successfully propagated by the stem cutting method which is quite easy. The ideal time for this is in summer or spring and the process does not require much training.
The steps are as following:
- Observe the plant’s stems
- Take sharp, clean scissors for cutting of stem. This can be done using a 1:1 or 2:2 ratio of leaf to node (around 6 inches)
- Cut below aerial root and make sure the cutting has few healthy, deep green leaves.
- These cuttings can either be placed in a jar of water or a mixture of soil and water. If water is being used, it should be frequently replaced (3-4 days) to avoid clouding. Soaked moss can also be placed in a jar in which these cuttings can then be placed.
- Leaves should not touch water or moss and these cuttings should be away from direct light.
- After the cuttings have strong roots, transfer them to pots with rich soil.
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Summary
The philodendron laciniatum is a South American tropical native plant. This oak leafed plant demands to be well hydrated with nutrient-rich soil. The foremost thing is to focus on the bright green shade of plants if they are fading into yellow hues Curling down of leaves also calls for attention. ensuring that they are away from direct sunlight and not over-fertilized or dry helps to keep them alive.
Remember, they have a danger to health if ingested hence keep pets and children away from them. Pests can easily be eliminated using pesticides or neem oil but they rarely get them.
These healthy houseplants provide a tropical feel and can easily be looked after by a beginner. This Philo can fill up large spaces in warm indoor areas. If provided the right care, they can grow up to 9 feet and serve as excellent home purifying plants.
