One of the rarest and most desired types of Philodendron is the Philodendron Oxapapense. Originated from the rainforests in South America, particularly Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia, It is known to be a gem of rainforests.
This appealing plant possesses a light to neon green color that boosts its captivating foliage, along with its triangular heart-shaped leaves with tiny stems that make them look as if they are floating mid-air.
This ornamental plant adds a spectacular zest to the atmosphere of wherever it is placed, whether it be in an office, on a patio, dangling outside the window, or simply in a garden.
Philodendron Oxapapense Classification
Family: Araceae
Subfamily: Aroideae
Genus: Philodendron
Features of Philodendron Oxapapense Plant
Size and Foliage
This rare type of Philodendron if properly cared for and well maintained, grows rapidly into shiny dark green, triangular to heart-shaped appealing leaves that can grow as long as up to 19cm. Furthermore, the leaves have a silky texture.
The entire plant may reach a height of several meters and you may need to wrap it around something in order to support it, for instance, a pole. This captivating house plant’s leaves can grow up a support stick or drape down a hanging basket.
Growth Rate
Depending on the growing environment, this plant’s growth rate ranges from rapid to moderate. Its development rate slows if the levels of light or temperature are lower than what it requires. If planted on a wooden post or ladder, this plant will also climb. Gently tie it to the sticks and allow it to grow.
Air Purification
Philodendron Oxapapense is a lovely plant with excellent air-purifying abilities. This plant’s leaves have a natural capacity to eliminate all poisons from the air. These leaves also contribute to the oxygen levels in the atmosphere. It is beneficial to have this species nearby.
Toxicity
Its leaves produce calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to humans and pets. As soon as the dead leaves fall from the plant, they should be picked off from the ground. Because they can trigger a serious allergic response if a kid or pet consumes them by accident.
Resistance to Drought
This Philodendron is drought-tolerant due to the ability of its leaves to retain water. If it is not watered for several weeks, its growth rate decreases and it begins to use the water that has been stored.
Maintenance
The Philodendron Oxapapense is an excellent plant for beginning gardeners. It’s a low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for plant with only a few requirements. Growing this plant inside will be a breeze if you have prior gardening skills.
Dormancy
When the temperature and light conditions fall below a particular threshold during the winter, this plant doesn’t grow. This hibernation period lasts until the conditions return to normal. This Philo should not be fertilized because it does not grow throughout the winter.
Philodendron Oxapapense Care
It is a beginner-friendly houseplant that makes it easy to care for. Here is a detailed guide to help you care for a show-stopping plant.
Watering Requirements
Surely the Philodendron Oxapapense desires moisture in order to thrive but most people overwater their plant which results in root rot.
Being a tropical plant it is drought resistant which means it can thrive in areas either wet or dry. However, it must be watered as soon as its topsoil dries up. To test whether it’s dry enough to be watered again, put your forefinger 2 inches deep into the soil.
Watering it one time per week is enough during the growing season, however, the soil gets dried quickly during summer due to obvious reasons and it may need to be watered twice or even thrice a week. ‘
To make sure you water your plant properly, first place the pot somewhere the water can drain. Then water the plant properly until it reaches its roots.
After you are done watering the plant, wait and allow the excess water to seep out through the drainage hole under the pot and place it back in its previous location.
Soil Requirement
Although Philodendron Oxapapense has aerial roots, that means roots above the ground, it mostly absorbs all the moisture and nutrients from its underground roots. Thus, the soil must be organic-rich and should drain effectively so it has no excess moisture reserved in it.
A golden tip to prevent your plant from waterlogging, before potting your plant add a layer of stones at the bottom of the pot. This will help with drainage and reduce the chances of root rot to a great degree.
Sunlight Requirement
As this plant originated from tropical rainforests, it is habitual to thriving under bright but shaded light. Place your Philodendron Oxapapense where it can receive sufficient sunlight but not direct enough to burn or discolor its dark green leaves, typically near a window.
Place the plant at a good distance of approximately 6 feet from the south or west-facing window. They can climb trees, although they prefer shaded light over full sunshine. On a hot day, leaving your plant in a sunny window may trigger it to die.
Temperature Requirement
This plant requires temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C. It can resist overnight temperatures down to 12°C. This Philodendron is not resistant to cold, rather is quite sensitive to it and must never be kept out in the cold, particularly at night.
Therefore, you must place your plant in a warmer location throughout the winter. It can be placed in a greenhouse for the purpose of providing it with the required warmth.
Humidity Requirement
Philodendron Oxapapense favors locations with high humidity, although it may also adjust and flourish in areas with moderate humidity.
These plants thrive at regular room temperature and can be sprayed with water to promote their health throughout the growing period.
When raised indoors, heat-loving plants require high humidity. Philodendron Oxapapense likewise loves saturated air for its appealing dark green leaves.
Increase the humidity in your home by using a humidifier. The humidifier must be adjusted to maintain a moisture content of 60 percent.
Furthermore, a pebble tray can also be used to meet this plant’s humidity demands. Set its container in a pebble tray filled with water. The level of water in the container should be less than the level of the drainage hole.
Fertilizer Requirement
This plant requires a consistent source of micronutrients in order to thrive. To grow, the leaves of the plants require phosphate, nitrogen, and potassium.
Fertilizing this plant on a routine basis is crucial to make sure that it obtains the nutrients it needs. Choose a fertilizer that has an equal amount of all of these components.
You may fertilize your plant after 14 days with liquid fertilizer or after every six months with a gentle fertilizer. To safeguard the roots from being damaged, a diluted fertilizer is also advised.
Philodendron Oxapapense Propagation
Philodendron Oxapapense propagation is as simple as that of any other Philodendron. Its stem cuttings are used to propagate it. These cuttings can be rooted in water or even in the soil. The following are the fundamental steps in its propagation.
- First, remove 3-4-inch long, healthy stem cuttings from the plant. Make sure you do not pick a leafless cutting.
- Then, dunk the cutting end into a rooting hormone and set it aside overnight to produce callus.
- Fill a small container halfway with potting soil. Sphagnum moss can also be used instead of potting soil.
- Water the stem cutting after placing it in the center point of the potting mix.
- New roots and shoots will sprout from the stem cutting after 4 to 6 weeks. When new shoots appear, transfer the cutting to a suitable container.
- In water, the stem cutting will take about the same amount of time to establish roots.
Common Problems and Solutions
This lovely plant is resistant to illnesses and parasites. Although, you might have to encounter certain difficulties.
Cold Damage:
This plant is susceptible to cold injury, therefore keep it away from cold temperatures. In the winter, we advise relocating it to a warmer location like a greenhouse. Moreover, avoid putting it in the path of chilly or hot air.
Bacterial Leaf Spot:
Bacterias such as Pseudomonas or Xanthomonas might infect the leaves of your plant due to poor air ventilation. Xanthomonas may cause triangular or round tiny patches and yellow rings on the leaves. Brown or black, liquid blisters on the foliage are suggestive of bacterial blight. To cure this illness, sprinkle thinned out baking soda on the leaves.
This plant, as previously said, is resistant to pests. However, if you see any bugs hiding behind its lengthy leaves, wash them off with rubbing alcohol or neem oil right away. Pests will be kept at bay by doing so.
Conclusion
Philodendron Oxapapense is a well-known tropical perennial with attractive light green foliage. The plant is simple to care for since it can be grown as a houseplant. Growing Philodendrons in a room is a fantastic way to transform your living space into a tropical paradise.
Summarized guide about all you need to know about the well-known tropical perennial with attractive light green foliage known as Philodendron Oxapapense.
