Epiphytes are amazing, isn’t it? The way they grow on other plants, getting all the nutrients and moisture they need from the air around them. And philodendron longilaminatum is one of the most beautiful epiphytes out there.
This Philodendron has beautiful, long, narrow leaves that are a deep green color. The leaves are sometimes variegated with yellow or white. And the leaf margins are often scalloped.
The Brazilian Amazon is home to this plant’s natural habitat, the upper levels of the rainforest. However, it is not limited to these two countries; it may be found all over South America.
If you want to know more about this incredible plant and how you may care for it in your own home, read on.
Philodendron Longilaminatum Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Philodendron Schott
Species: Philodendron longilaminatum Schott.
About:
Belong to the Araceae family, Philodendron longilaminatum is a beautiful and exotic epiphyte that is native to Brazil. It is easily recognizable by its long pandurate leaves, which can grow up to 2-3 feet in length. However, what makes this plant unique is its ability to adapt to a wide range of climates and growing conditions.
Whether you live in a tropical climate or somewhere with cooler temperatures, longilaminatum is an easy plant to care for and will add a touch of elegance to any home.
Common Names and Synonyms
This plant is also commonly known as the long-leaf philodendron or the slim-leaf philodendron because of its spellbinding sleek and long leaves.
How to identify:
The easiest way to identify longilaminatum is by its long, lanceolate leaves. The leaves of this plant can grow up to 2-3 feet in length and are in deep green color with deeply lobed midrib. The plant also has small white flowers that bloom sporadically throughout the year.
Habitat:
This Philodendron is native to Brazil but can be found growing in tropical climates all over the world. This plant prefers to grow in moist, well-drained soil and is often found in rainforests or near water sources.
Features of the Philodendron Longilaminatum
Height and Growth
philodendron longilaminatum is a climbing plant that can grow anywhere up to 10-12 feet in length. The leaves of this plant are lanceolate and pendant shaped, dangling down.
However, this plant is variable, which means that it can produce different shaped leaves, including pandurate and oblong. The size of its leaves can grow anywhere from 2 -3 feet.
Growth Habit
This plant is a fast grower and can quickly become leggy if not given something to climb. It is often used as a climbing vine or ground cover in gardens.
Flowers and Foliage
The small white flowers of longilaminatum bloom sporadically throughout the year. The flowers are not showy and are often hidden amongst the foliage.
The leaves of this plant are its main attraction. Growing up to 2-3 feet in length, they are a deep green color with deeply lobed midrib.
Evergreen and Durable
Philodendron longilaminatum is a type of evergreen plant, meaning that it keeps its leaves throughout the year. Additionally, this plant is extremely hardy and adaptable, thriving in a broad variety of environments. It’s also a low-maintenance plant that does well in both tropical and temperate regions.
Low Maintenance
This plant is perfect for those who do not have a lot of time to dedicate to plant care. Longilaminatum is quite low maintenance and does not require a lot of attention. This plant is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it even easier to care for.
Toxicity
This is considered to be a toxic plant and should not be ingested. If ingested, this plant can irritate the mouth and throat. It is also advisable to keep this plant out of reach of children and pets.
Dormancy
During the colder months, this plant sheds its leaves and goes dormant. During this time, it is important to reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. This plant will enter a growth spurt in the spring and summer months when the weather is warmer and wetter.
Drought Tolerance
This Philodendron is quite drought tolerant and can withstand periods of dryness. This plant does not like to sit in wet or soggy soil, so be sure to allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. If this plant is grown in conditions that are too wet, it can develop root rot.
Uses
This beautiful philodendron is often used as a climbing vine or ground cover in gardens. This plant can also be used as a houseplant, but it will require a support structure to climb. Philodendron longilaminatum is also sometimes used in floral arrangements.
Air Purification
Longilaminatum is known to be effective at purifying the air. This plant filters out toxins and pollutants, making it a great choice for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.
Philodendron Longilaminatum – Care Guide
Light Requirements
Philodendron longilaminatum prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions. This plant does not like to be in direct sunlight, as this can scorch its leaves. If you are growing this aroid indoors, place it near a window where it will receive bright, indirect light.
Watering Requirements
Longilaminatum should be watered when the top inch of soil has dried out. During the winter months, this plant will enter a period of dormancy and will need to be watered less often.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings during this time. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure not to water this plant too often.
During the growing season (Spring and Summer), you should give your philodendrons a deep watering once a week. Philodendrons enjoy more humidity, so mist their leaves twice a week. In the winter, philodendrons need watering around once every 10 days.
Soil Requirements
If you want your Philodendron longilaminatum to thrive, be sure to plant it in some nutrient-dense, well-drained soil. Pick potting soil that drains well, as this plant does not like to sit in water. To further facilitate water runoff, you can also incorporate perlite or pumice.
DIY Potting Mix For Longilaminatum
- 1 part peat moss
- 1 part coco coir
- 1 part perlite or pumice
Fertilizing Requirements
During the growing season, you should fertilize your longilaminatum every month. Use a water-soluble fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Fertilizing can be spaced out to every two months during the colder winter months.
Tips To Fertilize Longilaminatum
- When using a water-soluble fertilizer, mix it at half the recommended strength.
- Fertilize your philodendron in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry out before nightfall.
- If you see new growth in your plant, this is a sign that it is time to fertilize.
Temperature Requirements
Philodendron longilaminatum prefers warm temperatures and does not do well in cold weather. This plant should be kept above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below this, your plant may start to lose its leaves.
Humidity Requirements
Philodendron longilaminatum prefers high humidity, but it can also tolerate low humidity. If the air in your home is dry, you can increase the humidity around your plant by misting its leaves or placing them on a pebble tray.
Potting and Repotting
Philodendron longilaminatum should be repotted every two years. This plant prefers to be pot-bound, so you don’t need to choose a pot that is too large. When repotting, be sure to use a fresh, well-draining potting mix. You can transplant your philodendron in the spring or summer.
Tips to Re-pot Philodendron Longilaminatum
- Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current pot.
- Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix.
- Transplant in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Placing Requirements
Longilaminatum can be placed in a bright, indirect light location or full shade. This plant will tolerate low light, but it will not flower in these conditions. If you want your plant to flower, you will need to place it in a bright location.
Pruning Requirements
Philodendron longilaminatum can be pruned to control its growth. This plant can become quite leggy if not pruned regularly. Pruning will also encourage new growth. To prune your philodendron, simply cut back the stems to the desired length. You can also remove any yellow or dead leaves.
Philodendron Longilaminatum Propagation
Stem cuttings can be used to propagate this philodendron species. Cut a section of stem between four and six inches long from the plant to use as a cutting. You should have at least two or three leaves on the cutting.
To prepare a cutting for roots, remove its lower leaves and then immerse its cut end into the rooting hormone. To ensure the cutting thrives, plant it in a potting mix that allows excess water to drain.
Set the container in an area with lots of indirect sunlight and wet the soil. Within 4–6 weeks, the cutting should have taken root. After the cutting has taken root, you can move it to a larger container.
Pests and Disease
Longilaminatum is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. These pests can be controlled with pesticides or by blasting the leaves with water.
If your plant is infested with pests, you should isolate it from your other plants to prevent the infestation from spreading. This Philodendron is also susceptible to root rot.
This can be caused by overwatering or planting in poorly draining soil. If your plant has root rot, you will need to remove it from the pot and replant it in fresh, well-draining soil.
Common Problems and Solutions
Leggy Plant:
If your philodendron longilaminatum is leggy, this is a sign that it is not getting enough light. To fix this problem, you will need to move your plant to a brighter location. You can also prune the leggy stems to encourage new growth.
Yellow Leaves:
If the leaves of your plant are turning yellow, this is a sign of nutrient deficiency. To fix this problem, you will need to fertilize your plant. You can also add compost to the soil to improve its nutrient content.
Brown Leaves:
If the leaves of your philodendron are turning brown, this is usually a sign of stress. Stress can be caused by too much or too little water, temperature extremes, or nutrient deficiency. To fix this problem, you will need to adjust the care that you are providing for your plant.
Pests:
If your philodendron longilaminatum is infested with pests, you will need to treat the plant with pesticides. You can also blast the leaves with water to remove the pests. If the infestation is severe, you may need to isolate the plant from your other plants.
Disease:
If your longilaminatum plant has a disease, you will need to remove the affected leaves. You can also treat the plant with a fungicide. If the disease is severe, you may need to destroy the plant.
Summary
Philodendron longilaminatum is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for plant. This plant can be placed in a bright, indirect light location or full shade. You should water this plant when the top inch of the soil is dry.
You should fertilize this plant once a month during the growing season. If you have any further questions about this plant, you can contact your local nursery or extension office.
