Little Phil Philodendron Variegated is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that is perfect for any home or office. This plant is known for its glossy green leaves and delicate white veins. Do not mix it with Philodendron Little Phil, because it is a variegated form of the latter species.
What Does Little Phil Philodendron Variegated Look Like?
Little Phil is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for plant that is perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. As its name suggests, Little Phil is a smaller variety of Philodendron that is characterized by its lush, green leaves. These leaves are variegated with white, cream, or yellow stripes, adding a touch of visual interest to any space.
It is a hardy plant that can withstand occasional neglect, making it the perfect choice for busy people or those who are new to plant care.
Little Phil Philodendron Variegated Other Features
Drought Tolerance
It is a very drought tolerant plant and can go for long periods of time without water.
Air Purification
It is also an air purifying plant, meaning it can help improve the quality of the air in your home or office.
Maintenance
It is a very low-maintenance plant and only needs to be watered sparingly. It is an excellent choice for people who don’t have a lot of time to care for their plants.
Toxicity
The leaves of this plant have calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause minor skin irritation. It is not considered to be a toxic plant, but it is always best to keep any plants out of reach of small children and pets.
Dormancy
This plant does not go through a dormancy period and can be enjoyed year-round.
Little Phil Philodendron Variegated Care
Little Phil Philodendron Variegated care includes watering only when the top inch of soil is dry and providing high humidity levels. This plant does not tolerate direct sunlight, so it is best to place it in a shady spot. This plant can also be grown as a houseplant.
Quick Guide
| Soil | Well-draining, organic-rich potting mix. |
| Light | Bright, indirect sunlight. |
| Water | Once every week in the growing season. |
| Humidity | 60% or higher. |
| Temperature | 60-75ºF. |
| Fertilizer | Balanced liquid foliage houseplant fertilizer once every month. |
| Pruning | No need. |
| Repotting | After 2 years. |
Soil
This plant does best in a well-draining, organic-rich potting mix. The ideal potting mix will have a lot of organic matter, such as peat moss or compost.
Light
Philodendron Little Phil Variegated does best in bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as the leaves will burn easily. You can place it in a north-facing window or in a shaded spot outdoors.
Water
This plant only needs to be watered once every week in the growing season. During the winter months, you can water it less frequently. Be sure to avoid getting the leaves wet, as this will cause them to rot.
Humidity
It requires high humidity levels to thrive. You can increase the humidity around the plant by misting it with water or placing it in a humid environment, such as near a kitchen sink.
Temperature
This plant thrives in temperatures between 60-75ºF. This plant is not tolerant of cold weather, so be sure to bring it inside during the winter.
Fertilizer
Little Phil Philodendron Variegated only needs to be fertilized once every month with a balanced liquid foliage houseplant fertilizer. The right way to fertilize this plant is to mix the fertilizer with water and pour it over the soil. Do not fertilize this Philo when it is dormant.
Pruning
This plant does not need to be pruned. However, you can remove any dead or damaged leaves from the plant as needed.
Repotting
It should be repotted every two years. Be sure to use a pot that is only slightly larger than the original pot. The new pot should have a well-draining soil mix and be placed in a shady spot.
Appropriate Pot Type
This plant does well in a clay pot with a drainage hole.
How to Repot Little Phil Philodendron Variegated?
You should repot Little Phil after it has been in the same pot for two years. The best time to do this is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
What you need:
- Little Phil Philodendron Variegated plant
- The pot is only slightly larger than the original pot
- Well-draining soil mix
- Shady spot outdoors or north-facing window indoors
Procedure:
- Gather your supplies. You will need a Little Phil Philodendron Variegated plant, a pot that is only slightly larger than the original pot, and a well-draining soil mix. You may also want to gather a shady spot outdoors or a north-facing window indoors.
- Step Two: Remove the plant from its original pot. Be careful not to damage the roots when doing this.
- Step Three: Place the plant in the new pot and fill in around the roots with the soil mix. Make sure that the plant is sitting at the same level as it was before.
- Step Four: Water the plant well after repotting.
- Place the pot in a shady spot outdoors or in a north-facing window indoors. Fertilize once every month with a balanced liquid foliage houseplant fertilizer. Prune any dead or damaged leaves from the plant as needed. Repot every two years.
Little Phil Philodendron Variegated Propagation
The best way to propagate this plant is by taking stem cuttings.
What you need:
- Little Phil Philodendron Variegated plant
- Sharp knife or pruning shears
- Peat moss
Procedure:
- Gather your supplies. You will need a Little Phil Philodendron Variegated plant, a sharp knife or pruning shears, and peat moss.
- Step Two: Cut off a stem from the plant that is at least four inches long. Make sure that the stem has at least two leaves on it.
- Strip the leaves off of the bottom half of the stem.
- Dip the bottom half of the stem into peat moss.
- Put the stem in a small pot filled with moist soil. Make sure that the leaves are not touching the soil.
- Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot and keep it moist. The plant will begin to grow roots in about four weeks.
Symptoms of Overwatering or Underwatering
If this plant is overwatered, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off. If this plant is underwatered, the leaves will brown and wilt.
How to Avoid Overwatering or Underwatering:
Water the plant when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. Do not water LittlePhil if the top of the soil is wet. Be sure to water thoroughly so that the entire soil mix gets wet. Water again if the top of the soil dries out within a week.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Common issues with this Philodendron include overwatering, underwatering, and stem rot.
How to Avoid Stem Rot:
If this plant develops stem rot, remove the affected stem from the plant and discard it. Sanitize your sharp knife or pruning shears with rubbing alcohol before cutting any other stems off of the plant. Repot this plant in a pot that is only slightly larger than the original pot and place it in a shady spot outdoors or in a north-facing window indoors. Do not fertilize the plant when it is dormant.
Pests and Diseases
This plant is not prone to pests or diseases. However, if an issue does arise, your best course of action is to remove the affected part of the plant and discard it. Sanitize your sharp knife or pruning shears with rubbing alcohol before cutting any other parts of the plant.
You can get rid of pests and diseases by following the proper care instructions. Be sure to water and fertilize the plant regularly, and keep it in a shady spot outdoors or in a north-facing window indoors. If an issue does arise, remove the affected part of the plant and discard it. Sanitize your sharp knife or pruning shears with rubbing alcohol before cutting any other parts of the plant.
Little Phil Philodendron Variegated Indoor Care
- It does well in a north-facing window or in a shady spot outdoors.
- Water the plant when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. Do not water if the top of the soil is wet. Be sure to water thoroughly so that the entire soil mix gets wet. Water again if the top of the soil dries out within a week.
- Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer, such as 20-20-20.
- Prune it as needed to remove any dead or damaged leaves.
- Repot it every two years in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an excellent plant that thrives in low-light areas, look no further than the Little Phil Philodendron Variegated. This beautiful plant has variegated leaves that add a touch of elegance to any room. It’s also easy to care for just like Philodendron Little Phil, making it a great choice for those who are new to plants.
