The philodendron white wizard is a rare member of the huge philodendron family. The rarity of this plant makes it a highly sought-after variety among house plant lovers.
It has beautiful cordate leaves with artistic splashes of white on them. The characteristic white variegatiofns of the white wizard philodendron also occur on its stem. They differentiate this species from others that have a close resemblance to it. Philo white wizard is an exceptional creeper.
It occurs as a vine in its natural tropical habitat. But, when planted indoors, you can trim it to maintain its bushy form. Unfortunately, the white wizard plant is a slow-grower and you will have to be very patient to see it thrive.
There is a lot to find out about the exquisite philodendron white wizard. Read on to unravel the best-kept secrets to care for your plant.
Philodendron White Wizard Classification
Family: Araceae
Genus: Philodendron
History
The philodendron white wizard is a rare plant, hence little is known about its history. Like most of its companions, the Philo white wizard also originates from the tropical regions of South America.
Many of the species in the genus philodendron were wrongly grouped under the umbrella of genus Arum. Likewise, the white wizard philodendron was also included in its correct genus only after accurate classification systems were introduced.
Genus Philodendron
The philodendron genus belongs to the Araceae family. It is a diverse genus with approximately 489 identified species of flowering plants. The expanse of this genus accounts for many of the species still being undiscovered.
This is the reason why the known species are considered rare and are abundantly attractive for plant enthusiasts. Many species in the genus Philodendron are used as ornamental and house-plants.
Features of the Philodendron White Wizard Plant
Structure
The leaves of this plant have a point at the top and a notch at the base. The stems have characteristic white variegations, similar to the leaves. In addition to this, they have a very well-established root system. These white wizard plants can also grow aerial roots in highly humid environments.
Size
In the right environment, the philodendron white wizard can grow up to several feet tall. As it is a vining plant, its growth is significantly enhanced by supporting it through a vertical trellis.
Leaves
The leaves are a spectacular cordate shape, with a notch present at the base. Leaves of the philodendron white wizard have a close resemblance with some other species in the same genus, like the philodendron white knight.
But you can notice striking differentiating features characteristic of the white wizard philodendron. Leaves of this particular variety contain the least amount of chlorophyll and prominent white variegations.
Flowers
All members of the philodendron genus are flowering plants. When planted indoors, they seldom bloom. But in its natural environment, the philo white wizard grows stunning white-colored flowers as part of its reproductive cycle.
Toxicity
The philodendron species are not considered lethally toxic. Yet, you should steer clear of consuming them as they are not fit for human consumption. The variety is not suitable for animal consumption either.
The high levels of oxalates present in these plants render them slightly poisonous for humans and animals. Reports of allergic reactions upon eating the plant are widespread.
The symptoms of toxicity are mild but not negligible. Common effects of its toxicity include swelling and irritation around the mouth.
Dormancy
Like most plants of the genus philodendron, the white wizard philodendron decreases its growth rate during the winters. It is a normal occurrence in the life cycle of the plant.
You should avoid watering it too often during the dormant stage. Also, be vary of fertilizing your plant to boost its growth when the plant is dormant. Your Philodendron white wizard will revert to its normal growth speed once the weather conditions become milder.
How To Care For Philodendron White Wizard
The philodendron white wizard is a slow-growing plant along with a rare occurrence. But, it is unexpectedly easy to grow. Keep following this article to have an insight into a quick guide about the maintenance of this rare vine.
Quick Guide
Water: Once or twice a week
Light: Partial shade or bright but indirect sunlight
Humidity: Moderate to high
Temperature: Between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit
Fertilizer: Medium demand
Place Requirements
Most climbers flourish well when given external support. Similarly, you can enhance the vining potential of your white wizard plant by supporting it through a vertical trellis.
Overhanging baskets are also a chic alternative to grow your plant if you want to skip the support. Lastly, pots are evergreen and an easy option to grow your plant companion.
Water Requirements
Species of the philodendron are sensitive to overwatering. While most plants can die due to a scarcity of water, this is not the case with philodendron white wizards. Watering your plant too frequently can cause more harm than good. Therefore, be careful not to water it beyond its requirements.
Important Instructions
You should always be very mindful when watering your plant companion. The surface of the soil your plant is growing must be dry up to an inch of its depth. For this, ensure a suitable interval in between watering bouts.
An ideal watering practice is to water your plant until it starts to drain through the pot’s drainage hole. To enable this, make sure to keep the drainage hole clear of debris at all times.
Sunlight Requirements
The Philodendron white wizard is a plant that grows best in bright but indirect sunlight. Putting your plant pot in front of an east or west-facing window indoors is a good idea.
When planting it outdoors, make sure to put it out of direct sunlight in partial shade. As this fellow prefers low levels of sunlight, it grows best in an environment with less light, like your bedroom.
Temperature Requirements
It is best to keep your plant in mild to warm temperatures. A temperature range between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is best suited to it.
Surprisingly, the philo white wizard is a tough fellow and can bear temperatures up to 55 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit as well. On the other hand, the plant stops its growth if the temperature drops too low.
Soil Requirements
Like all aroids, the philodendron white wizard is also a big fan of well-drained soil. It does not flourish in wet soil. Well-drained soil is, therefore, key for your plant’s health.
Moreover, the white wizard can grow quite well in a variety of growth mediums other than soil. Peat moss and perlite are such examples to name a few.
Humidity Requirements
The plant does not have very specific humidity requirements. Hence, the normal humidity within your geographical location will suffice for its growth.
Being natives of the tropical regions these climbers do have an affinity for ample humidity. However, they grow just fine in moderately humid conditions as well.
You can adopt numerous easy strategies to create a humid environment for your plant. Using a humidifier indoors or a pebble tray can normally do the trick.
Another easy way to keep the white wizard happy is to cluster your indoor plants together. This can result in increased humidity for all of your humidity-loving indoor foliage.
Fertilizer Requirements
These slow-growing plants can benefit from a boost of nutrients via fertilizers. Make sure to fertilize your plant with the correct type and dosage of fertilizer.
For most indoor plants, liquid fertilizers are the best option. Also, an organic fertilizer will add the right amount of nutrients without causing any adverse effects.
When using chemical alternatives to fertilize the philodendron white wizard be mindful of its frequency. Too much fertilizer, especially during the dormant phase of the cycle can potentially kill your plant.
Pruning Requirements
Regular pruning will keep your plant in a well-maintained shape. It is advisable to trim the old leaves to promote faster growth as well. Always start trimming from the bottom and use disinfected gardening tools.
Repotting Requirements
Annually repotting your white wizard can enhance its growth rate. The plants show a better rate of nutrient absorption which results in better overall growth. Repotting also provides the benefit of increased growing space for the plant’s root system.
Growth Zones
The growth zones of these exquisite climbers vary depending on the outdoor and indoor plantation. For indoor plantations, they can thrive well in USDA growth zones 4 to 11. When planting them outdoors the growth zones from 9b to 11 are the most appropriate.
How To Propagate The White Wizard Philodendron
The philodendron white wizard is a rare variety of the genus philodendron. Since it is a really easy plant to propagate. Therefore, it is a wise choice to propagate it during the spring and summertime.
Stem cutting is the most hassle-free method you can adopt for propagation. Simply cut a few stems, of up to 8 inches in length. Plant them in a well-draining soil mixture and keep misting the soil at frequent intervals thereafter.
Ensure that you place the stem cuttings in indirect sunlight. After approximately five to six weeks you can observe roots starting to appear from the stems.
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Summary
The philodendron white wizard plant is a stunning rare species of the genus philodendron. It is indeed a keeper, as the exquisite appearance of this plant is a real winner.
Even though this is a rare variety, it is a simple plant to grow and maintain. The easy-to-follow care guide offered in this article gives a quick roadmap to take care of your white wizard companion.
