Every plant lover dream of decorating their indoor and outdoor space with beautiful and rare plants – and when we talk about rare plants, there is nothing better than Philodendrons. Philodendrons are one of the most popular houseplants and are known for their ease of care.
Here we are talking about Philodendron Pulchrum which is a beautiful philodendron species that is native to the rainforests of Central and South America. This philodendron is a climbing vine that can reach up to 2.4 meters in height when given proper support. The leaves of this plant are dark green in color and have a glossy finish.
Let’s learn more about this aesthetic plant and know why you need a Philodendron Pulchrum right now in your house.
Philodendron Pulchrum Classification
- Kingdom – Plantae
- Order – Angiosperms
- Family – Araceae
- Subfamily – Aroideae
- Genus – Philodendron
- Species – P. pulchrum
About
Belonging to the Araceae section of philodendrons, Philodendron Pulchrum is a gorgeous plant that was first described by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott in 1856.
This species is found in rainforests of Central and South America, from Mexico to Panama. It can be found growing on the forest floor or on trees in humid and shaded conditions.
It is a fast growing climber that can reach up to 2.4 meters in length. The stems of this plant are thin and red in color while the leaves are large, dark green, and glossy.
Common Names and Synonyms
The scientific name for this plant is Philodendron Pulchrum. It is also often searched by terms like long-leaf philodendron, black-gold philodendron, or Philodendron erubescens.
Habitat
Philodendron Pulchrum is a native plant of the rainforests of Central and South America. It can be found in Mexico all the way down to Panama.
This species is found growing on the forest floor or on trees in humid and shaded conditions. It prefers indirect sunlight but can also tolerate low light conditions.
Features of the Philodendron Pulchrum Plant
Height and Growth
Philodendron Pulchrum is a fast-growing climber that can reach up to 2.4 meters in length. The stems of this plant are thin and red in color while the leaves are large, dark green, and glossy.
The leaves of this philodendron species are long and oblong/lanceolate in shape and can grow up to 1.5-2.5 m in length and 6 inches in width.
Flowers and Fruits
Flowers of this plant can be white or have a purplish-green tint, and they grow in inflorescences that are anywhere from two to three meters in length. The fruit is a greenish-white drupe and ranges in diameter from one centimeter to two centimeters.
Foliage
As was stated earlier, the leaves of the Philodendron Pulchrum are enormous, lustrous, and have a dark, forest green color. They are long and oblong or lanceolate in shape, and they can grow to be anywhere between 1.5 and 2.5 meters in length while only being around 6 inches wide. Additionally, the leaves have a texture similar to leather.
The underside of the leaves often has a reddish tint, and the leaf margins are smooth with petioles that range in color from light green to dark green.
Stem and Root System
The stems of this plant are thin and red in color. They can reach up to 2.4 meters in length and have a diameter of about 0.6 cm. It has a fibrous root system that helps it anchor to the substrate and climb.
Flowering Season
The flowers of this plant usually appear in the spring and summer seasons.
Growth Habit
The Philodendron Pulchrum is a rapid-growing climber that can reach a maximum length of 2.4 meters. This plant has thin stems that are a bright red color, and the leaves are huge, glossy, and dark green in color.
This particular type of philodendron is well-known for its capacity to scale trees and other vertical surfaces. It accomplishes this goal by affixing itself to the substrate using its system of fibrous roots.
Low Maintenance
It is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. This plant does not require much water or fertilizer, and it can tolerate lower light conditions.
Dormancy
This plant goes dormant in the winter months. This means that it will stop growing and enter a state of rest. The leaves of the plant will also begin to die off during this time.
When the plant enters its dormancy period, it is important to reduce watering and fertilization accordingly. Additionally, the plant should be placed in an area with lower light levels.
Drought Tolerance
The Philodendron Pulchrum is drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of dryness. This plant does not require much water, and it can tolerate lower light conditions.
Toxicity
It is a toxic plant, and ingestion of any part of the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. If ingested, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Evergreen and Durable
The Philodendron Pulchrum is an evergreen plant, meaning that it will retain its leaves year-round. This plant is also quite durable and can withstand periods of drought and low light conditions.
Uses
This is a beautiful plant that can be used for ornamental purposes. It makes for an excellent houseplant and can also be grown in gardens, terraces, balconies, etc. This plant is known to be a powerful air purifier and can help remove harmful toxins from the environment.
Optimal Growing Conditions
The Philodendron Pulchrum thrives in hot, humid conditions. Frost damage is likely to occur if left unprotected. This plant does not need a lot of water and may survive in either partial sun or partial shade.
The plant needs to be allowed to dry out between waterings, and the soil needs to drain effectively. When the plant is actively growing, fertilization should occur once every month; when the plant is dormant, fertilization should cease entirely.
Philodendron Pulchrum – Complete Care Guide
Quick Care Guide:
| Water: | Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. |
| Light: | Moderate, indirect light |
| Temperature | Above 65 degrees |
| Humidity | Moderate to High Humidity |
| Fertilizer | Once a month |
| Pruning | Prune back the stems as needed to keep the plant tidy |
| Repotting | Every two years or so to refresh the soil |
| Propagation | Stem Cutting, Air Layering |
| Placement | Window sill, Balcony with Indirect Light |
Watering Requirements
The Philodendron Pulchrum is a low-maintenance plant that does not require a significant amount of water to thrive. Because this plant thrives best in a relatively dry environment, the earth around it should be allowed to become completely dry before any additional watering is done.
When you are watering this plant, it is essential to use water that is lukewarm, and you should take care not to get the leaves wet since this might lead to the leaves becoming rotten. In addition, it is preferable to water the plant in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry out before it gets dark.
Fertilizer Requirements
Growing and maintaining a healthy Philodendron Pulchrum plant does not call for a substantial amount of fertilizer. Nevertheless, if you want the plant to generate more flowers, you should give it a balanced fertilizer that is high in phosphorus during the spring and summer months.
This will stimulate the plant to create more blossoms. Because an excess of fertilizer might cause the leaves on this plant to turn yellow and fall off, taking care not to over-fertilize this plant is very vital.
Light Requirements
Pulchrum is a type of plant that does well even when exposed to only a moderate amount of light. In point of fact, this plant thrives best in dimly lit environments and would perform extremely well if it were positioned in a location where it would only be exposed to indirect sunlight. On the other hand, if the plant is put in a location where it will be subjected to direct sunlight, the leaves may become charred.
Soil Requirements
A potting mix that allows excess water to drain away is the kind of soil that is good for a Pulchrum plant. It is essential that the soil drains rapidly and does not hold onto moisture for extended periods of time because this plant does not thrive in soggy circumstances. The drainage of the potting mix can be improved by including perlite or sand in the mix.
Temperature Requirements
This Philodendron is a type of plant that does not do well in situations that are too cool or too cold. It thrives in warmer temperatures. The ideal environment for this plant is one with a temperature that is maintained at or above 65 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. In the event that the temperature drops below this point, the leaves on the plant will start to turn yellow and eventually fall off.
Humidity Requirements
Despite its ability to thrive in both wet and dry areas, the Philodendron Pulchrum does best in humid circumstances. If you live in an area that experiences low relative humidity, you may raise the humidity surrounding this plant by placing a humidifier close to it or by setting the pot on a tray of pebbles and water. Both of these methods will help increase the amount of moisture in the air around the plant.
Pruning Requirements
Pruning is not necessary, but if you want to encourage the plant to grow fuller, you can trim back the stems by a couple of inches. It is best to prune this plant in the spring or summer months.
Placing Requirements
The Philodendron Pulchrum can be placed either indoors or outdoors. If you choose to grow this plant outdoors, it is important to find a location for it that offers partial shade. On the other hand, if you want to grow the plant indoors, you should put it in an area where it will be exposed to indirect sunlight.
Potting and Repotting Requirements
This Philodendron grows relatively slowly, so you will not need to repot it very often. Nevertheless, when the plant does outgrow its pot, it is best to move it into a container that is only one size larger. Be sure to use a potting mix that drains well and does not hold onto moisture for extended periods of time.
How To Propagate Philodendron Pulchrum?
Philodendron Pulchrum can be propagated by air layering or by stem cuttings.
Air Layering
This is a type of propagation that can be done with a Philodendron plant that already has an established root system. To air layer a Pulchrum, you will need to choose a stem that is at least 12 inches long and make a cut about halfway through the stem.
Once the cut has been made, apply some rooting hormone to the wounded area and then wrap the entire stem in moist sphagnum moss. After that, enclose the moss in clear plastic and secure it in place with a rubber band.
Put the stem in a location where it will receive indirect sunlight and keep the moss moist. You should notice roots emerging from the bottom of the plastic in two to three weeks. At that point, you can cut the stem below the plastic and pot up the new plant.
Stem Cutting
Another way to propagate a Philodendron Pulchrum is by stem cuttings. Take a cutting from a healthy stem that is about 6 inches long, and trim the leaves off of the bottom half of the cutting.
After removing the leaves, dunk the cutting’s bottom in rooting hormone before planting it in a pot with moistened potting soil.
Put the pot in a location that receives indirect sunlight and keeps the soil moist. You can transplant the cutting into its own pot after new growth starts to appear from the cutting after four to six weeks.
Pests and Diseases
The Philodendron Pulchrum is relatively resistant to both pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. If you notice either of these pests on your plant, you can treat them with a mixture of dish soap and water.
Simply mix together equal parts of each ingredient and spray the solution onto the affected areas. You may need to repeat this treatment a few times to completely eliminate the pests.
As far as diseases go, the Philodendron Pulchrum is prone to root rot, especially if it is grown in poorly draining soil. If you notice that the leaves on your plant are starting to turn yellow and wilt, it is a sign that the roots are rotting.
To save the plant, you will need to remove it from its pot and replant it in a fresh, well-draining potting mix. Be sure to dispose of the old soil, as it will likely contain spores of the disease.
Conclusion
The Philodendron Pulchrum is a beautiful tropical plant that is relatively easy to care for. This plant can be grown either indoors or outdoors, although it prefers partial shade.
The Pulchrum is best propagated by air layering or stem cuttings, and it is relatively resistant to both pests and diseases. With proper care, this Philodendron will thrive and produce beautiful foliage for many years to come.
