The beautiful Philodendron roseospathum is a rare species of Philodendron that is only reported from the cloud forests of Ecuador, Panama, and Colombia.
This species of Philodendron is medium in size having leaves that can grow up to 10 feet long. These beautiful Philodendrons are relatively easy to care for and can be grown indoors as well as outdoors.
These aroids have gorgeous dark green leaves having reddish-purple undersides. This species of Philodendrons thrives well in low as well as in high light environments. To get more insights on Philodendron roseospathum, read on.
Philodendron Roseospathum Classification
Family: Araceae
Genus: Philodendron
History
The Philodendron roseospathum is a beautiful and rare species belonging to the genus Philodendron and the family Araceae.
This species was first scientifically described in the year of 1997 by an American botanist and plant collector named T. Bernard Croat. Since then, the roseospathum has been one of the highly sought-after species by aroid collectors.
Features of The Philodendron Roseopathum Plant
Structure
The Philodendron roseospathum is a tropical species of Philodendron. It is a climbing plant that is reported to reach up to 10 feet in length. Having dark green colored and heart-shaped leaves adds up to the overall beauty of this plant.
Moreover, the undersides of these gorgeous leaves turn into a reddish-purple shade, giving them a more gorgeous appearance. It also produces flowers that happen to be white to pale yellow in color.
Size
This climbing Philodendron is able to reach up to 10 feet long. Similar to other aroids, it also grows larger if grown in their natural habitat as compared to if they are grown as a houseplant.
Leaves
The leaves of Philodendron roseospathum are the main reason behind the beauty of this species. The heart-shaped and deep green colored leaves having reddish-purple undersides are sure to attract a lot of attention.
Flowers
The flowering period starts from the late dry season up till the start of the rainy season ( from March through July).
The flowers are pale yellowish to white in color and grow in clusters. Each flower can reach up to 3 inches in diameter. Being relatively easier to look after, these species make an excellent option for beginners as well as busy plant owners.
Toxicity
Similar to other Philodendrons, the leaves and stems of Philodendron roseospathum are also composed of calcium oxalate crystals. Therefore, these plants are quite poisonous and should be kept out of reach of pets and children.
This is because, upon ingestion, these toxic crystals can induce some severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain, and burning of lips, throat, and mouth. Skin and mucous membrane irritations have also been reported after being in contact with this plant.
Dormancy
Shockingly, this species of Philodendrons do not enter into a dormant stage. Therefore, they do not require to be placed in a warmer environment during the winter seasons. It is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives well under bright and indirect sunlight.
Philodendron Roseopathum Care
The tropical plant, Philodendron roseospathum is extremely beginner-friendly because of its low requirements and its ease to care.
It typically requires to be kept in moist potting soil and under indirect or diffused yet bright light for a minimum of 4 hours daily. However, these beautiful aroids are able to tolerate high as well as low light environments.
These climbing Philodendrons can either be placed as outdoor or indoor plants in USDA zones 11 to 12. Make sure to fertilize your plant once every two weeks for it to grow healthy and fast.
Always use a high-quality fertilizer that is enriched with phosphorus. With proper care, this plant adds richness and a tropical vibe to wherever they are kept.
Quick Care Guide
- Water: Whenever the top layer of soil dries out.
- Sunlight: Diffused or indirect sunlight. Bright.
- Soil: Use a well-draining, light, and aerated potting soil.
- Humidity: Approximately about 65 percent to 80 percent.
- Temperature: Ideally, thrives in temperatures ranging from 74° F to 80° F during the day, while 65° F to 70° F during the night-time.
- Fertilizer: Once every two weeks. Use a high phosphorus liquid fertilizer.
- Pruning: At the start of the growing season.
- Re-potting: After every 1 to 2 years, or as required.
Water Requirements
The Philodendron roseospathum does not require to be watered regularly. In order to avoid overwatering your aroid, always make sure that the top layer of soil has completely dried out prior to watering.
Always let the top soil dry out in between each watering, however, keep in mind that the potting soil must be kept moist during the growing period.
If you overwater your plant, then the chances of root rot, fungal infections, and other diseases can be elevated. Never let your plant sit in mucky, muddy, wet soil.
Sunlight Requirements
Just like other Philodendrons, the Philodendron roseospathum also flourishes well if kept in bright yet diffused or indirect sunlight. However, this species of Philodendrons are able to tolerate low light as well as high light environments.
Make sure to place your plant under sufficient sunlight for a minimum of 4 hours daily. Although it can tolerate high light conditions, never expose your plant to bright and direct sunlight for longer periods, or else your plant might scorch.
Soil Requirements
In a similar manner as other Philodendrons, the Philodendron roseospathum also does well if it is planted in a well-draining, light, and aerated soil.
You can make your potting mix by combining equal amounts of perlite, sand, and organic matter (for instance peat moss, leaf mold, compost, etc.). Or you can buy commercial potting soil.
Temperature Requirements
The Philodendron roseospathum prefers to grow in warm areas having temperatures ranging from 74° F to 80° F during the day, while 65° F to 70° F during the night-time.
Humidity Requirements
Similar to other Philodendrons, the Philodendron roseospathum also flourishes well if it is kept in a humid environment. However, if the humidity levels drop below your plant’s requirements, you can always elevate them by misting your plant or by using a humidifier.
Fertilizer Requirements
In order to aid your plant to grow fast and healthy, make sure to fertilize it once every two weeks. Invest in a high-quality fertilizer because low-quality fertilizers can severely damage your plant. Moreover, we recommend you use a granular or liquid fertilizer. Use a fertilizer that carries high amounts of phosphorous.
Repotting Requirements
The Philodendron roseospathum requires to be re-potted after every 1 to 2 years. Always re-pot your Philodendron during spring or early summer seasons to get the best results.
Make sure that the pot contains a proper drainage hole to allow excess water to drain. The best options to plant a Philodendron are in plastic pots, clay pots, or ceramic pots.
If you want to re-pot your plant, then follow the below-given directions carefully.
- Choose a pot that is one size larger as compared to the current pot.
- Fill the new pot with well-draining and light potting soil.
- Take out your plant gently from its previous pot.
- Inspect for any dead or damaged roots and cut them if any affected roots are found.
- Plant it carefully in its new pot.
- Make sure to water your plant after you are done with re-potting.
Pruning Requirements
The Philodendron roseospathum grows at a slow pace and therefore, it does not require to be pruned frequently. Although, if you wish to make your plant look healthy and fresh, you can prune it at the beginning of its growing period.
Philodendron Roseospathum Propagation
This tropical species of Philodendron can be propagated by taking a cutting from the stem and rooting them either in soil or in water. The perfect time to propagate your Philodendron roseospathum is during the beginning of its growing period.
Propagation Through Water:
Rooting the stem cuttings in water is the fastest method to propagate your Philodendron. If you wish to propagate your Philodendron roseospathum through water, then follow the below-given steps.
- Cut a healthy stem that contains a minimum of 2 leaves.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of your stem cuttings.
- Take a plastic or glass container and fill it with water.
- Place your cutting in the water-filled container and place it in a sunny and warm area.
- Make sure to change the water regularly.
- Within two weeks, roots will start to emerge.
Propagation By Stem Cuttings:
Apart from propagating your Philodendron roseospathum through water, you can also root the stem cuttings in the soil. In order to do so, follow the below-given steps.
- Cut a healthy stem that contains a minimum of 2 leaves.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of your stem cuttings.
- Place them in a rooting hormone.
- Plant your cuttings in a pot containing well-draining potting soil.
- Make sure that the soil remains moist by covering it with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect.
- Place the pot in a sunny and warm area.
- Within 2 weeks, roots will begin to form.
Final Thoughts
The Philodendron roseospathum is a beautiful tropical plant that requires minimum care. These aroids are quite rare and only found in Panama, Ecuador, and Colombia.
Due to their low maintenance and beautiful appearance, these species of Philodendrons are highly desirable for beginners as well as time-poor plant owners.
