Are you someone who wants to bring the freshness and exoticness of the rainforests to your office, home, or gardens? Then wait no more and switch on the most beautiful, rare, and striking philodendron on the list – The Quelelii.
Belonging to the rainforests of Central and South America, the Philodendron Quelelii is an evergreen climber with stunning dark green leaves. It can grow up to 3-4 feet in length and 2-3 feet in width. The glossy and leathery texture of its heart-shaped leaves makes it look even more gorgeous and exotic.
This plant is known for its easy care requirements and can survive in a wide range of temperature and lighting conditions. However, to maintain its glossy texture and deep green color, it is important to give proper care and attention to this plant.
In this article, we will discuss all the aspects of caring for a Philodendron Quelelii plant. Right from its watering requirements to the type of soil it needs, we will cover everything that you need to know about this beautiful plant.
Let’s get started!
Philodendron Quelelii Classification
- Family: Araceae
- Subfamily: Aroideae
- Genus: Philodendron
- Species: P. quelelii
About
The Philodendron Quelelii is a species of the Philodendron genus that contains around 600 different species of flowering plants. This aroid is native to the rainforests of Ecuador and Peru in Central and South America and is known for its glossy and dark green leaves. It can grow up to 3-4 feet in length and 2-3 feet in width.
It is an evergreen climber and can be grown both indoors as well as outdoors. When grown indoors, it can be used as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. When grown outdoors, it can be used as a groundcover or as a climber on trees or trellises.
It was first discovered in 1828 by Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward and was later described by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott in 1830.
Common Names and Synonyms
Philodendron Quelelii ‘Round’ is its common name. It is also known by the names Philodendron ‘Atabapoense’ and Philodendron ‘Ecuadorianum’.
Habitat
The plant is native to the rainforests of Ecuador and Peru in Central and South America. These rainforests are hot and humid with ample rainfall all year round.
The Philodendron Quelelii plant grows best in moist, well-drained soils with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun.
Philodendron Quelelii – Features
Height and Growth
The Philodendron Quelelii is a fast-growing plant and can reach a height of 3-4 feet and a width of 10-11 inches. The giant leaves of this plant are its most stunning feature that ranges from 6-8 inches in length and 4-6 inches in width.
Flowers and Fruits
It is a flowering plant and produces small flowers that are pale green with yellowish stamen. These flowers are borne on an inflorescence which is a spadix (a thick, fleshy spike) that is surrounded by a spathe (a large bract or leaf).
Foliage
The leaves have the shape of a heart and can be as long as 24 centimeters. They have a purple tint to them and a dark green coloration with silver veins. The blooms are quite delicate and white, and they bloom in bunches.
This philodendron only flowers sometimes when kept indoors. The leaf blades are glossy and have a dark green color, in contrast to the slender petioles and a lighter shade of green.
Stems and Root System
The Philodendron Quelelii has a very thin stem, is light green in color, and has a diameter of between 0.5 and 1 centimeter. It is covered with tiny brown scales
The roots are very thin and fibrous. They have a light brown color and grow to a length of around 2 feet.
Flowering Season
The plant flowers in the summer months from June to August.
Growth Habit
It is an evergreen climber and can be grown both indoors as well as outdoors. When grown indoors, it can be used as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. When grown outdoors, it can be used as a groundcover or as a climber on trees or trellises.
Low Maintenance
The Philodendron Quelelii is a low-maintenance plant and does not require much care. It is a fast-growing plant and can tolerate both partial sun and shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and does not need to be fertilized often.
Dormancy
This plant goes through a dormant period in the winter months from December to February. During this time, the plant should be watered less frequently and allowed to dry out completely between watering. The plant may also lose some of its leaves during this time.
Drought Tolerance
The drought-tolerant Philodendron Quelelii plant can endure dry spells. To ensure that the soil does not entirely dry up during these times, it is crucial to water the plant frequently.
Toxicity
The plant is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. The sap of the plant can cause skin irritation in some people.
If the plant is ingested, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect that your pet or child has ingested this plant, it is important to seek medical help immediately.
Evergreen and Durable
The Philodendron Quelelii is a plant that retains its green color year-round and has a long lifespan if it is well-cared for. It is a plant that can be maintained with little effort and grows at a rapid rate. The Quelelii Philodendron would be a wonderful addition to the landscape or indoor space of any house.
Uses
It can be used as a tabletop plant, a hanging plant, or a ground cover. It can also be used as a climber on trees or trellises.
Philodendron Quelelii – Complete Care Guide
Watering Requirements
Regular watering is necessary for the Philodendron Queleii plant, particularly while it is in its dormant summer state. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not soaked.
It is important to water the plant less regularly during the winter months so that the soil has time to dry out between each subsequent soaking. Be very careful not to use cold water, since this will cause the plant to go into shock.
From this point forward, only use water that is at room temperature or lukewarm to ensure that the temperature is maintained and that the roots continue to grow robust.
Lighting Conditions
The Philodendron Quelelii plant prefers partial sun to partial shade but can also tolerate full sun. It is important to provide the plant with bright, indirect light for the best results.
Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause them to turn yellow. Low light conditions can also make the plant go sick and can cause different issues like etiolation, leaf drop, and stunted growth. So make sure to provide your plant with optimal lighting conditions.
Pro-Tips To Maintain Lighting Around Quelelii:
- If you are growing your plant indoors, place it near a bright window.
- If you are growing your plant outdoors, place it in an area that gets partial sun to partial shade throughout the day.
- You can also use grow lights to provide your Philodendron Quelelii with the bright, indirect light it needs.
Temperature Requirements
The Philodendron Quelelii plant prefers warm temperatures and does not do well in cold conditions. It is important to keep the temperature around the plant between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may go into shock and die.
Humidity Requirements
The Philodendron plant does best in high humidity but is adaptable enough to thrive in lower levels as well. If you reside in a region that has low levels of humidity, you may create a more humid atmosphere for your plant by grouping it with other plants, using a pebble tray, or using a humidifier. If you do any of these things, your plant will thrive.
Soil Requirements
The Philodendron Quelelii thrives on soil that is both fertile and free-draining. The perfect potting soil has one part peat moss, two parts perlite or vermiculite, and one part perlite or vermiculite.
It is essential to make certain that the soil does not have an excessively compacted consistency to allow the plant’s roots to be able to breathe and for the plant to obtain an adequate amount of water and nutrients.
Fertilizing Requirements
Fertilization of the Philodendron Queleli plant is essential for promoting healthy growth as it is one of the plant’s requirements. During the spring and summer months, you should fertilize your plant once every two weeks; then, during the fall and winter months, you should fertilize it once each month. For the finest possible outcomes, you must make use of a fertilizer that contains a significant amount of nitrogen.
Pruning Requirements
Pruning is important for the Philodendron Quelelii plant to remove dead or dying leaves and stems. It is also necessary to prune the plant to encourage new growth.
Be sure to use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears when pruning your plant. Also, make sure to wear gloves while dealing with this plant because of its toxic sap.
Potting and Repotting
Because of its rapid growth, the Philodendron Queleli plant will need to have its container replaced once every year and twice every year.
When repotting, it is essential to use a container that is just one size larger than the one the plant is currently growing in. When repotting a plant, make sure to use new soil and then thoroughly water the plant after the process is complete.
How To Repot Quelelii – Pro Tips:
- When repotting, be sure to use a pot that is only one size larger than the current pot.
- Add fresh soil when repotting and water the plant well afterward.
- It is best to repot your Philodendron Quelelii in the spring or summer months.
How To Propagate Quelelii Philodendron?
Stem Cutting:
Philodendron Quelelii can be propagated by stem cuttings. It is best to take the cuttings from new growth as this will promote better root development.
When taking stem cuttings, make sure to use a sharp knife or pair of scissors and cut just below a leaf node. Be sure to remove any leaves that will be below the soil line as these will rot.
Once you have taken your cuttings, place them in a glass of water and wait for the roots to develop. Once the roots are about an inch long, they can be transplanted into soil.
Leaf Cutting:
Philodendron Quelelii can also be propagated by leaf cuttings. To do this, cut a leaf in half lengthwise and then place the cut side down into a pot of moist soil.
Make sure to bury the leaf node in the soil as this is where new roots will grow. Once buried, water the soil well and wait for new growth to appear. When new growth appears, the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot.
Common Pests and Diseases
Mealy Bugs
Mealybugs are among the pests that commonly attack Philodendron plants. Mealybugs are tiny, white, and fuzzy insects that feed on plant sap.
If they are left unattended, they can seriously harm a plant and even kill it. It’s critical to get rid of mealybugs from your plant as soon as you see them.
Wiping off mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol is the best approach to get rid of them.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are yet another common pest that can be found on Philodendron plants. These tiny insects, which have hard bodies and eat plant sap, cling to the leaves of plants and suck it out.
If they are not removed, scale insects can cause a considerable deal of damage to a plant, and in certain cases, they can even cause the plant’s death.
You must get rid of any scale insects that you find on your plant as soon as you possibly can if you find any. The most effective method for getting rid of scale insects is to use a cotton swab that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied pests that suck the sap out of plants. If they are left unattended, they can seriously harm a plant and even kill it.
If you notice any aphids on your plant, it is important to remove them as soon as possible. The best way to remove aphids is to use an anti-bacterial spray or soap.
Diseases
Fungal Disease
Philodendron plants are susceptible to several diseases, the most common of which are fungal diseases. Fungal diseases can cause leaves to yellow and drop off, and in severe cases, they can even kill a plant.
If you notice any signs of a fungal disease on your plant, it is important to treat it as soon as possible. The best way to treat a fungal disease is to use a fungicide that is specifically designed for Philodendron plants.
Root Rot
Another disease that Philodendron plants are susceptible to is root rot. Root rot is caused by overwatering, and it can cause the roots of a plant to rot and die.
If you notice any signs of root rot on your plant, it is important to treat it as soon as possible. The best way to treat root rot is to use a fungicide that is specifically designed for Philodendron plants.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is yet another disease that Philodendron plants are susceptible to. It is a fungus that develops on plant leaves and is white and powdery.
A plant may experience yellowing and leaf drop, and in extreme situations, it may even perish. If you notice any signs of powdery mildew on your plant, it is important to treat it as soon as possible.
The best way to treat powdery mildew is to use a fungicide that is specifically designed for Philodendron plants.
Tips for Growing Philodendron Quelelii
The Philodendron Quelelii is a stunning plant that requires little effort on your part to maintain. On the other hand, there are a few things that you can do to make certain that your plant grows healthily and robustly.
Right Location
One of the most important things to consider when growing Philodendron Quelelii is the location. This plant prefers to grow in humid environments with indirect sunlight.
If you live in an area that does not have a lot of humidity, you can create a humid environment for your plant by placing it on a pebble tray or by using a humidifier.
Watering Time
Another important thing to consider when growing this plant is the watering schedule. This plant prefers to have its roots kept moist but not wet.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to be careful not to overwater your plant. A good rule of thumb is to water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
Right Pot
When growing this plant, it is important to use the right size pot. This plant prefers to have its roots cramped, so a pot that is too big can lead to problems. A good rule of thumb is to use a pot that is only slightly larger than the root ball of your plant.
Final Notes
The Philodendron Quelelii is a stunning plant that requires little effort on your part to maintain. On the other hand, there are a few things you need to keep in mind if you want to make sure that your plant grows healthily and robustly. If you make sure to follow the advice that was given above, you can be certain that your Philodendron Quelelii will be successful.
