Philodendron Domesticum is a beautiful houseplant that is easy to care for. It’s perfect for beginners, and it’s a great way to add some life to your home or office. This plant is native to Costa Rica, and it grows best in tropical climates. In this article, we will discuss the proper care, maintenance, and basic features of Philodendron Domesticum. We will also provide tips on how to keep your plant healthy and thriving!
What Does Philodendron Domesticum Look Like?
Philodendron domesticum, more commonly known as the philodendron spadeleaf, is a species of flowering plant that is native to Costa Rica. The plant has long, s-spade-shaped leaves that are typically green in color. They can grow to be quite large, reaching up to 8 feet in height.
Philodendron Domesticum flowers are typically a deep red or purple color.
The plant is often grown as a houseplant due to its ability to thrive in relatively low-light conditions. When given proper care, this plant can provide a lush, green addition to any home.
Philodendron Domesticum Other Features
Drought Tolerance
It is a drought-tolerant plant. It can survive in conditions with little to no water for long periods of time.
Air Purification
It is an excellent plant for purifying the air in your home or office. The plant filters out toxins and pollutants, making the air cleaner and healthier to breathe.
Maintenance
It is a low-maintenance plant. It does not require a lot of care or attention to thrive. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your plant healthy and happy.
Toxicity
It is a toxic plant. The sap from the plant can cause irritation and swelling if it comes into contact with skin. If ingested, the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect your pet or child has come into contact with this plant, seek medical attention immediately.
Dormancy
It is a deciduous plant. It will lose its leaves in the winter months, but it will grow new ones in the spring.
Philodendron Domesticum Care
Philodendron Domesticum care involves giving the plant bright, indirect light and watering it when the soil is dry to the touch. The plant does not like to be overwatered, so make sure you only water it when necessary. You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season, but you should not fertilize it during the winter months.
Quick Guide
| Soil | Well-draining, sandy soil. |
| Light | Low-light conditions, but it will not flower in these conditions. |
| Water | Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. |
| Fertilizer | Once a month with a balanced fertilizer. |
| Pruning | Prune the plant as needed to remove dead or dying leaves. |
| Humidity | Between 40-50% |
| Temperature | Between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Repotting | Every two to three years. |
Soil
Philodendron Domesticum prefers well-draining, sandy soil. If the soil is too dense, the plant will not be able to properly absorb water and nutrients. The plant also needs a pot that has drainage holes in the bottom to prevent the roots from sitting in water.
Light
Philodendron Domesticum prefers low-light conditions, but it will not flower in these conditions. The plant can tolerate some direct sunlight, but it is best to keep it out of the direct sun for long periods of time.
Watering
It should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. The plant does not like to sit in water, so be sure to empty the drainage tray after watering. It is best to water the plant in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry before nightfall.
Fertilizing
It should be fertilized once a month with a balanced fertilizer. This will help the plant to grow and thrive. Over-fertilizing the plant can cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Pruning
It should be pruned as needed to remove dead or dying leaves. Pruning will also help to encourage new growth.
Humidity
This plant prefers humidity levels between 40-50%. You can increase the humidity around the plant by placing a humidifier near it or by putting the pot on a pebble tray. You should also mist the leaves on a regular basis.
Temperature
Philodendron Domesticum prefers temperatures between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate some fluctuations in temperature, but it is best to keep it within this range. Keep a thermometer near the plant to monitor the temperature.
Repotting
It should be repotted every two to three years. This will help the plant to stay healthy and happy. When repotting, be sure to use a well-draining pot and fresh potting mix.
How to Repot Philodendron Domesticum?
When it’s time to repot your plant, follow these simple steps:
- Choose a well-draining pot and fresh potting mix.
- Carefully remove the plant from its current pot.
- Place the plant in the new pot and fill in around it with fresh potting mix
- Water the plant well and place it in a warm, sunny spot.
Philodendron Domesticum Propagation
This plant can be propagated by stem cuttings or by division.
Stem Cuttings
To propagate by stem cuttings, follow these steps:
- Cut a piece of stem that is at least six inches long and has several leaves.
- Place the cutting in a glass of water and wait for the roots to grow.
- Once the roots are several inches long, plant the cutting in a pot of well-draining soil.
- Water the plant well and place it in a warm, sunny spot.
Division
To propagate by division, follow these steps:
- Carefully remove the plant from its current pot.
- Use your hands to gently divide the root ball into two or three sections.
- Plant each section in its own pot of well-draining soil.
- Water the plants well and place them in a warm, sunny spot.
Symptoms of Overwatering or Underwatering
If the plant is overwatered, the leaves will turn yellow and drop off. If the plant is underwatered, the leaves will turn brown and crispy.
You should water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. The plant does not like to sit in water, so be sure to empty the drainage tray after watering. It is best to water the plant in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry before nightfall.
If you see any of these symptoms, adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
One of the most common problems with Philodendron domesticum is root rot. This can be caused by overwatering or by sitting the plant in water. If you think your plant has root rot, it’s important to act quickly.
Remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. If they are brown and mushy, you will need to remove them. Cut off any affected roots and repot the plant in a fresh potting mix. Be sure to water it only when the top inch of soil is dry.
Another common problem with this plant is leaf spot. This can be caused by too much direct sunlight or by watering with water that is too cold. If you see leaf spot, move the plant to a spot that gets indirect light. You should also make sure you’re using room-temperature water to water the plant.
If you follow these simple care instructions, your plant will thrive.
Pests and Diseases
Like other plants from this genus such as Philodendron Mccolley’s Finale, this plant is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. If you see these pests on your plant, you can remove them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
You can also prevent pests and diseases by keeping the plant clean. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth every week or so to remove dust and dirt.
By following these simple care instructions, you can enjoy your Philodendron domesticum for years to come.
Tips for Caring for Philodendron Domesticum Indoors
If you want to keep your Philodendron domesticum or Philodendron domesticum variegated indoors, there are a few things you need to do. First, make sure you choose a spot that gets indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Second, water the plant only when the top inch of soil is dry.
It’s also important to keep the humidity high. You can do this by misting the leaves with water or by placing the pot on a tray of pebbles and water.
Philodendron Domesticum vs. Philodendron Hastatum
There are a few key differences between these two plants. First, Philodendron domesticum is native to Costa Rica, while Philodendron hastatum is native to Colombia.
Second, Philodendron hastatum typically has green leaves with white stripes, while Domesticum variety usually has green leaves with no stripes. Third, Philodendron hastatum can grow up to 3 feet tall, while the latter plant only grows up to 10 feet tall. Finally, Philodendron hastatum is a climbing plant, while Domesticum is a non-climbing plant.
Philodendron Domesticum FAQs
No, this plant is not a climber. It is an evergreen herbaceous perennial plant that grows about 2–3 m (6–10 ft.) tall and is native to the Amazon rainforest. The leaves are simple, alternate, and spirally arranged. You can grow it in a pot or in the ground.
It’s possible that your plant is not flowering because it’s not getting enough light. This plant do best when they’re kept in bright, indirect sunlight. If your plant isn’t getting at least several hours of direct sun each day, it may not be producing flowers. Try moving it to a spot where it will receive more light, and see if that helps.
There are a few things you can do to help your Domesticum plant fix its yellow leaves. First, make sure that it’s getting enough sunlight. If it’s not, move it to a spot where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Conclusion
To conclude, Philodendron Domesticum is a wonderful plant that makes a great addition to any home. With its beautiful leaves and easy care requirements, this plant is perfect for anyone looking for an attractive and low-maintenance houseplant. It is also great for purifying the air, so not only will it look good in your home, but it will also help you breathe easier.
