One of nature’s rarest beauties, Philodendron Tortum, with leaves that resemble lancets is a truly magnificent find for your greenhouses. To satisfy your desire for originality in your home garden, this is the plant you’ve been searching for.
This evergreen plant is a species in the family Araceae, native to Brazil. Due to its bushy appearance, this plant is considered an epiphytic climber with large, glossy, dark green leaves.
The specific epithet tortum means “twisted” or “contorted”, referring to the shape of the leaves. The leaves of this multistemmed vine often look like a skeleton due to their thin and long appearance.
In order to properly care for and propagate this plant, gardeners must learn a few tried-and-true strategies.
Philodendron Tortum Classification
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Philodendron
- Order: Arales
- Subclass: Arcidae
About The Plant
This species of Philodendron is native to the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. It is a climbing plant that can reach up to 6 feet (1.8m). The leaves are glossy green and have a distinctive gaunt shape. The flowers are greenish-white and borne on spadices.
This uncommon Araceae species was first discovered in 1957. Besides its decorative benefits, the Philo tortum is also a vital component in the neutralization of indoor toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and other air pollutants in the home.
This multistemmed vine is commonly found in the Atlantic Forest biome. This biome is located in the southeastern region of Brazil. The climate is tropical and humid, with an average temperature of 22 °C.
Aroids like the philodendron tortum are quite rare. Despite the fact that it is abundant in the wild, commercial demand far outweighs the supply of this plant.
Common Name And Synonym
The most common name for the Philodendron tortum is the Philo tortum. Some other common names and synonyms for this aroid are
- Black disk Medick
- Button Clover
- Button Medick
- Round-fruited Medick
Features of Philodendron Tortum Plant
Height
This root-climbing aroid tends to grow in various ways which help in differentiating their height. However, normally these plants can reach heights of up to 6 meters or 236 inches approx.
Stems and Foliage
As its name suggests, they feature twisted but long narrow leaves that look like skeleton fingers. There is a shiny and smooth finish to the leaves that gives them a beautiful glow. Between the leaves, there are spaces of around 1 to 1.5 inches. About a 70-centimeter spread is expected from this facility.
Evergreen and Durable
Philodendron tortum is a beautiful and exotic plant that makes a great addition to any home. One of the many reasons that make it an ideal indoor plant is its perenniality. Yes, Philodendrum Tortum is an evergreen plant, that stays green throughout the year, or as long as they live. This means no matter what season or time of the year it may be, there would be absolutely no effect on its leaves, shape, or color.
Toxicity
This plant is not considered hazardous to either people or animals. It does, however, include a substance known as Calcium Oxalate, which can cause skin irritation if not handled with gloves.
If swallowed or taken into the mouth, it will also irritate the tongue and esophagus. Also, it will cause burning and swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, as well as vomiting and diarrhea if ingested.
Dormancy
Dormancy is a period where plants hibernate or sleep during the dry or cold season, which means it doesn’t need much water or fertilization in this phase.
Philodendron Tortum goes into a dormancy state during winter and sleeps for a couple of weeks before starting its regrowth process. During dormancy, this plant demands very less care, and it’s best to let them stay in their state.
Maintenance
Philodendron tortum is a popular houseplant due to its easy maintenance and ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions. Although it is tolerant of neglect, it is important to keep an eye on the plant’s watering needs, as too much or too little water can lead to problems.
It is also susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites, so regular check-ups and pest control measures are necessary to keep the plant healthy.
Philodendron Tortum Care
Philodendron tortum is a beautiful and unusual plant that makes a great addition to any home. But like all plants, it needs the right care to thrive.
In this section, we’ll cover everything you need to know about caring for your Philodendron tortum, including water requirements, soil, light requirement, humidity, fertilizer, repotting, and grooming and pruning.
Quick Care Guide:
Water: Regular, Light watering.
Light: Bright, indirect sunlight.
Humidity: High Humidity, 60-70% ideally.
Fertilizer: Liquid Folliage, monthly in summer and spring and every 6-8 weeks in winters.
Repotting: Larger pot to plant.
Soil: Rich: well-draining soil.
Grooming & Pruning: Regular grooming and pruning.
Placing: Warm and moist place.
Water Requirements
Your Philodendron tortum will need regular watering to keep it healthy. During the growing season (spring and summer), water your plant once a week. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
In the winter months, reduce watering to once every two weeks. The plant is native to tropical regions, so it’s important to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Soil Requirements
This plant does best in rich, well-draining soil. A good potting mix for philodendrons contains equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. You can also add a slow-release fertilizer to the mix to provide your plant with nutrients throughout the growing season.
Light Requirements
Your Philodendron tortum will need bright, indirect light to thrive. It’s a good idea to place your plant near a window where it will get plenty of light without being directly in the sun. If you live in a particularly sunny climate, you may need to provide some shade for your plant during the hottest hours of the day.
Humidity Requirements
The plant prefers places that are warm and moist with a high ratio of humidity. The ideal saturation for humidity required for this plant is around 60-70.
If your home is particularly dry, you can increase the humidity around your plant by placing it on a pebble tray or misting it with water once a day.
Fertilizer Requirements
During the growing season, fertilize your Philodendron tortum every two weeks with a half-strength solution of liquid fertilizer. In the winter months, you can reduce fertilizing to once a month.
Repotting Requirements
Your Philodendron tortum will need to be repotted every two years or so. When repotting, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the one your plant is currently in.
Grooming and Pruning Requirements
The plant will benefit from regular grooming and pruning. Use a sharp knife or shears to remove any yellow or dead leaves. You can also cut back leggy stems to encourage new growth.
When pruning, be sure to make clean cuts just above a leaf node. With the right care, your Philodendron plant will thrive and provide you with beautiful foliage for years to come.
Placing Requirements
When choosing a spot for your Philodendron tortum, keep in mind that it prefers warm temperatures and high humidity. A bathroom or kitchen is a good choice, as long as there is plenty of bright, indirect light. Avoid placing your plant in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to scorch.
Philodendron Tortum Propagation
Tortum Philodendron is a beautiful and unique plant that can add a touch of elegance to any home. While it may be difficult to find it in stores, it is relatively easy to propagate. With a little patience and care, you can easily grow your own plant.
There are two methods of propagation: seed germination and stem cuttings. Seed germination is the easier of the two methods, but it can take several weeks for the seeds to sprout. Stem cuttings will produce faster results, but they require more attention and care.
Seed Germination:
To propagate by seed, start by planting the seeds in moist potting soil. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. The seeds should germinate within 2-4 weeks.
Once the seeds have germinated, move them into individual pots filled with moist potting soil. Place the pots in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. The seedlings should grow rapidly and be ready to move into larger pots within 4-6 weeks.
Stem Cuttings:
To propagate tortum philodendron by stem cuttings, start by cutting a 6-8 inch section of stem from a healthy plant. Make sure that the cutting includes at least two leaves. Remove the bottom leaf and dip the cut end of the stem into the rooting hormone.
Next, plant the cutting in a pot filled with moist potting soil. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. The cutting should root within 2-4 weeks.
Once the cutting has rooted, move it into a larger pot filled with moist potting soil. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. The plant should grow rapidly and be ready to be moved into its final home within 4-6 weeks.
With a little patience and care, you can easily propagate philodendron tortum plants from seeds or stem cuttings. These beautiful plants make wonderful additions to any home and are sure to add a touch of elegance to your décor.
Summary
Overall, the Tortum plant is a great choice for those who want to start keeping plants at home but don’t know, how. This simple plant requires little care, making it easy on you (and them!).
Not only do they eliminate toxins from the air but the leaves will also provide freshness wherever they are kept while also looking lovely in whatever space they are placed- which means this thing could be considered an arrestingly beautiful addition to any room of your house!
