The Philodendron strawberry shake got its name because it possesses deep red stems having characteristic leaves that are red or pink variegations. These unique species also possess cream or white colors on their leaves.
If you ever find a Philodendron strawberry shake for sale, make sure to avail the opportunity because this species of Philodendrons is rare yet highly sought-after by aroid enthusiasts due to their beautiful leaves. Let’s take a look at the specifications of this beautiful species of philodendron.
Philodendron Strawberry Shake Classification
Family: Araceae
Genus: Philodendron
History
The Philodendron strawberry shake is the cultivar of none other than the popular Philodendron erubescens. It was first discovered in the early 1990s in Ecuador. Later this plant was introduced in Europe as well as North America where it quickly became every aroid enthusiast’s dream houseplant.
Philodendron Strawberry Shake Plant Features
Structure
It is a unique species having multicolor variegations. The leaves of this plant range between red, pink, yellow, green, and orange colors. These tropical beauties tend to reach up to 3 feet long. They have red stems which makes them stand out in any area.
Size
The strawberry shake philodendron grows up to 3 feet in height and is approximately 1 foot wide. It flourishes if enough sunlight is provided to them.
Leaves
The leaves of Philodendron strawberry shake emerge in a lighter shade however, they become dark as they mature. The coloration of leaves is mostly green and possesses a gorgeous palette of shades ranging from cream to white to red to pink.
Flowers
The plant generally does not blooms flowers if kept indoors. It is quite rare for these species to do so. However, in tropical areas, these plants can produce beautiful spathe flowers.
Toxicity
This plant is toxic for cats, dogs, and humans. However, it will only be toxic if it is ingested. It means that this species is completely safe to handle or touch.
It shows toxic reactions when consumed, chewed, or swallowed because it contains insoluble crystals of calcium oxalate, which can lead to severe health complications.
Dormancy
Like other Philodendrons, the strawberry shake philodendron also becomes dormant during the cold seasons. It stops growing and the leaves start to fall during their dormancy. Once the weather becomes favorable, these plants start to grow normally.
Philodendron Strawberry Shake Care
It is an easy-to-care-for species of Philodendron. It has low maintenance and requires indirect, bright sunlight to grow healthy. Sufficient sunlight is necessary for this plant to maintain the gorgeous cream and pink hues on its leaves. To avoid reverting colors, avoid low light conditions.
It thrives in warm places having high humidity levels. Provide well-draining soil and good-quality fertilizer once a month for your plant to flourish.
Quick Care Guide:
Water: When the top 2 inches of soil becomes dry.
Sunlight: Bright and filtered or diffused sunlight.
Soil: Well-draining and enriched with organic matter.
Temperature: Approximately between 55° F to 80° F.
Humidity: About 60 percent to 70 percent.
Fertilizer: Balanced liquid fertilizer.
Pruning: Whenever you feel necessary.
Re-potting: Once in 2 months.
Water Requirements
The strawberry shake philodendron loves to be placed in moist soil yet it can not tolerate wet or muddy soil. Avoid watering it frequently to prevent chances of overwatering.
It is best to wait until the top 2 inches or upper half of the soil becomes dry, before watering it. By doing so, the roots will remain healthy because the bottom half of the soil would still be moist.
Sunlight Requirements
The plant prefers to grow in indirect and moderate to bright sunlight. Because of its gorgeous variegations, it favors a well-lit area. The non-green parts of this plant lack chlorophyll. Thus, this species requires more sunlight to compensate for its low potential to soak up proper sunlight.
Although this plant will survive in low-light conditions as well. However, it will have to compromise on its overall aesthetics to be able to survive.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil to place strawberry shake philodendron is well-draining and must be enriched with organic content. It must be able to sustain sufficient moisture and drains the excess water away so that the roots of the plants receive the water they require.
You can simply get an aroid mix from the store or make your mix by combining about 10 percent perlite, 20 percent peat, 30 percent potting soil, and approximately 40 percent bark.
Temperature Requirements
The Philodendron strawberry shake thrives in temperatures ranging from 55 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, it is convenient to keep them outdoors as well as indoors in homes or offices.
Since it is a tropical plant, it can tolerate high temperatures up to 95° F as well. Whereas, it is very sensitive to cold temperatures and can not survive well under temperatures below 55° F.
Humidity Requirements
It needs moderate to high humidity levels to thrive. Ideally, it does well between 60 percent to 70 percent humidity. In these humidity ranges, your strawberry shake philodendron will be the healthiest as well as happiest.
And it might even reward you by growing at a faster pace, producing more leaves, and bright coloration. However, this species of Philodendron is also resistant to low levels of humidity.
Fertilizer Requirements
It must be fertilized once a month to help it grow faster and healthier. Fertilizing your plant will eliminate the chances of nutrient deficiencies. Use a liquid, balanced fertilizer and dilute its strength to half as suggested on its label.
Repotting Requirements
The Philodendron Strawberry Shake is a moderate grower. It is recommended to only re-pot your plant once it has become root bound or due to any emergency such as pot break, root rot, overwatering pest infection, etc.
Remember that the plant requires to be re-potted more often when it is juvenile as compared to the mature stage. Once your plant becomes mature, it will usually take 2 or 3 years to be repotted.
- Fill the new pot with potting mix.
- Make sure to avoid watering your plant before re-potting it.
- Carefully take your plant out of its current pot.
- Examine it for any disease or pest infection.
- Remove any damaged or dead roots.
- Gently place it in its new pot.
- Add more potting mix for your plant to set in properly.
- Once you finish re-potting your plant, water it thoroughly.
Pruning Requirements
As mentioned earlier, the plant grows at a moderate pace. However, if you allow your Philodendron to climb, it will certainly grow bigger and faster.
This species of Philodendrons does not require to be pruned regularly. Only prune it whenever you feel the need.
Growth Zones
The Philodendron Strawberry Shake flourishes in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11.
Philodendron Strawberry Shake Propagation
The most effective method to propagate your Philodendron strawberry shake is by stem cuttings. However, you can also propagate your plant through the water. To successfully propagate your plant, follow the below-given steps.
Propagation By Stem Cuttings
To propagate your strawberry shake philodendron by stem cuttings, 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 cuttings.
- Place your cuttings in a rooting hormone.
- Plant these cuttings in a pot containing well-aerated 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.
- Roots will emerge within 2 weeks
Propagation Through Water
If you wish to propagate your Philodendron strawberry shake 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 of your cuttings.
- Take a glass or plastic container and fill it with water.
- Place your cuttings in the water-filled container and put them in a sunny and warm area.
- Make sure to change the water periodically.
- Within two weeks, roots will begin to form.
Final Thoughts
The Philodendron Strawberry Shake is a unique and variegated species of Philodendron that is easy to care for. Due to its beautiful appearance and rarity, it is certainly difficult to get your hands on this Philodendron species. Make sure to provide sufficient sunlight for these plants to maintain their striking foliage and avoid overwatering them.
