Philodendron acutifolium is a beautiful plant that is often found in tropical rain forests. It has dark green leaves that are elongate-oblanceolate in shape and are large and glossy.
It is a fast-growing plant and can reach heights of up to 4 feet tall! This plant is perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of the tropics to their home décor.
Philodendron acutifolium Features
Drought tolerant
It is a drought tolerant plant and can survive in periods of low water. It is important to make sure that the soil is moist but not soggy. If the leaves begin to droop, this is a sign that the plant needs more water.
Toxicity
It is a toxic plant and should be kept away from pets and children. The sap of the plant can cause irritation to the skin and if ingested can cause gastrointestinal upset. If you suspect that your pet or child has come into contact with this plant, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Dormancy
This plant goes through a period of dormancy in the winter months. During this time, the plant will require less water and should be allowed to dry out between watering. The plant will also shed some of its leaves during this time. This is normal and should not be cause for concern.
Philodendron acutifolium Care
| Soil | Peat based potting mix. |
| Light | Bright, indirect sunlight. |
| Water | Once the soil is dry to touch. |
| Humidity | 60-70%. |
| Temperature | Above 60°F. |
| Fertilizer | Once a month during the growing season. |
| Repotting | Every two years. |
Philodendron acutifolium is an easy plant to care for and does not require much maintenance. Simply place it in a location with bright, indirect light and water when the soil is dry. It should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. This can be easily made at home by mixing equal parts sphagnum peat moss and perlite.
Light
This plant requires bright, indirect light to thrive. It can tolerate low light but will not grow as quickly. If the leaves begin to yellow, this is a sign that the plant is getting too much direct sunlight.
Watering Requirements
This plant should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. Water deeply and allow the excess water to drain away. Be sure not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.
Humidity
This plant prefers humid conditions but can tolerate dry air. If the leaves begin to brown and curl, this is a sign that the plant is not getting enough humidity.
You can increase indoor humidity by using a humidifier or misting the foliage. Moreover, you can also group it with other houseplants or place it over a pebble tray. These simple methods will keep the humidity at a higher level for this plant.
Temperature
This plant prefers warm temperatures and should be kept above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature dips below this, the plant may go into dormancy.
Fertilizing Requirements
This plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Follow these steps to fertilize this plant:
- Water the plant deeply to saturate the soil.
- Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the base of the plant.
- Water again to help distribute the fertilizer.
Pruning
This plant does not require much pruning but can be trimmed back if necessary. Simply cut back any leggy or overgrown stems to encourage new growth. You should use sterilized pruning shears to prune this plant because it can easily get infected.
Repotting
This plant should be repotted every two years or so. When repotting, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. The best type of pot to use for this plant is a terracotta pot.
How to Repot Philodendron acutifolium?
Philodendron acutifolium can be easily repotted by following these simple steps:
- Carefully remove the plant from its current pot.
- Gently loosen the roots and shake off any excess soil.
- Place the plant in its new pot and fill in with fresh potting mix.
- Water deeply and allow to drain.
- Place in a location with bright, indirect light.
Philodendron acutifolum Propagation
Philodendron acutifolium can be easily propagated by stem cuttings.
- Simply take a cutting of a stem that has at least two leaves and root in water or moist potting mix.
- Be sure to keep the cutting in a location with bright, indirect light and water when the soil is dry. New roots should appear within two to six weeks.
- Once the roots are well-established, the cutting can be transplanted into its own pot filled with fresh potting mix.
Air Layering
This plant can also be propagated by air layering. This is a good option for stems that are too thick to root in water or potting mix.
To air layer this plant, simply follow these steps:
- Choose a stem that is at least six inches long and has at least two leaves.
- Make a cut halfway through the stem about two inches below a leaf node.
- Apply rooting hormone to the cut area and wrap with moist sphagnum moss.
- Wrap the entire area with plastic wrap, making sure that the moss stays moist.
- Secure the plastic wrap in place with tape or a rubber band.
- New roots should appear within two to six weeks. Once the roots are well-established, the stem can be cut below the plastic wrap and transplanted into its own pot filled with fresh potting mix.
Common Problems
This lovely Philodendron is generally a low-maintenance plant but there are a few things to watch out for.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure to allow the soil to dry out between watering. Yellow leaves can indicate that the plant is getting too much direct sunlight. If this occurs, simply move the plant to a location with brighter indirect light.
Brown Leaves
This plant prefers high humidity but can tolerate lower levels. If the leaves begin to brown, this is a sign that the air is too dry. Try misting the leaves or placing the plant on a pebble tray.
Droopy Foliage
This plant will drop its leaves if it is not getting enough light. If the leaves are drooping, simply move the plant to a brighter location.
Pests and Diseases
It is generally resistant to pests and diseases but can be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. If you notice any of these pests on your plant, be sure to treat your plant immediately.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, oval-shaped insects that can cause serious damage to plants. They feed on the sap of plants, and their excrement can spread disease. Mealybugs can reproduce quickly, and a single female can lay up to 600 eggs in her lifetime. When infestations are severe, mealybugs can weaken and even kill plants.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny spider-like creatures that can be found on the undersides of leaves. They are very difficult to see with the naked eye, but they can cause a great deal of damage to plants. Spider mites feed by puncturing the cells of leaves and extracting the contents. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown and eventually drop off. In addition, spider mites produce a sticky substance that can clog plant pores and prevent them from breathing.
Scale
Scale is a type of sucking insect that feeds on plant sap. They can be controlled with a variety of insecticides.
How to make a DIY pesticide?
This plant is susceptible to a variety of pests, but there are a few things you can do to deter them.
One way to make a DIY pesticide is to mix two tablespoons of dish soap with one gallon of water. This mixture can be sprayed on the plant leaves and will help to control the most common pests. You can also use the solution to save your other plants such as Philodendron albovirescens.
Another way to deter pests is to place the plant in a location where there is good air circulation. This will help to keep the leaves dry and make it less likely for pests to infest the plant.
Benefits of Growing Philodendron acutifolium indoors
Philodendron acutifolium is a great plant to grow indoors for a number of reasons. First, it is low-maintenance and easy to care for. Second, it is tolerant of lower light levels, making it a good option for rooms that do not get a lot of natural light. Third, this plant is known to be an effective air purifier, helping to remove toxins from the air.
Tips for Growing Philodendron acutifolium
Philodendron acutifolium is a relatively easy plant to grow but there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Be sure to plant this Philo in a well-draining potting mix as this plant does not like to sit in wet soil.
- Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Allow the excess water to drain away and do not allow the plant to sit in water.
- Fertilize this plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer to half strength before applying.
- Increase humidity around this plant by misting the leaves or placing the plant on a pebble tray.
Philodendron acutifolium FAQs
Yes, it is an extremely rare plant. It is native to the rainforests of Brazil and is not often found in cultivation.
Yellow leaves can indicate that the plant is getting too much direct watering or fertilizer. If this occurs, simply move the plant to a location with brighter indirect light or reduce the amount of fertilizer you are applying.
It is a relatively tough plant but it can be sensitive to overwatering. If your plant is dying, allow the soil to dry out between watering and do not let the plant sit in water. If the leaves are yellow or brown, this is a sign of too much direct sunlight. Move the plant to a location with brighter indirect light.
This plant will drop its leaves if it is not getting enough light. If the leaves are drooping, simply move the plant to a brighter location.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Philodendron acutifolium is a beautiful plant that can add some color and life to your home. Be sure to give it plenty of bright, indirect light and water when the soil is dry. With a little care, your Philodendron acutifolium will thrive and bring you joy for many years to come.
