Philodendron Apple Congo is a beautiful Philodendron that originates from the Congo. It has dark green leaves with an apple-like shape that make it a popular choice for indoor gardens. It is easy to care for and can be kept indoors as well as outdoors as long as the weather is warm.
Appearance
Philodendron Apple Congo is a member of the Araceae family. This philodendron has multiple colors on its leaves as its leaves are dark-green and apple-shaped.
This plant produces flowers that are either white or greenish-white, blooming from late spring to early summer. The flowers are produced in clusters, with each inflorescence consisting of 8-12 flowers. Each flower is about 3mm in diameter.
It is also a fast grower and can reach a height of several feet in its natural habitat. However, the average size is 2 feet when the plant is grown indoors.
Philodendron Apple Congo Other Features
Drought Tolerance
It can tolerate short periods of drought. During drought conditions, it will lose its Philodendron leaves, but the plant will come back to normal once water is available.
Maintenance
This philodendron is a low-maintenance plant as it can be kept in low to medium light conditions and does not require a lot of water or fertilizer.
Toxicity
It is toxic to both people and pets and its sap may cause skin irritation.
Dormancy
This plant goes through a dormant stage during winters. During dormancy, it will lose leaves and stop growing
Philodendron Apple Congo Care
Philodendron Apple Congo care involves providing your plant with bright, indirect sunlight along with moist, but not wet, soil. It should also be fertilized regularly with a balanced fertilizer, and this plant can be propagated by division or stem cuttings.
Quick Guide
| Soil | Rich, well-draining soil. |
| Water | Regular watering, but be sure to avoid overwatering. |
| Fertilizer | Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer. |
| Light | Bright, indirect sunlight. |
| Temperature | 70°-85°F. |
| Humidity | More than 60%. |
| Pruning | Occasionally to keep size in check. |
| Repotting | Every two to three years. |
Soil
It prefers a rich, well-draining soil. A soil mix of two parts potting soil and one part perlite or vermiculite is ideal.
Watering
Philodendron Apple Congo requires regular watering, but be sure to avoid over-watering. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilizing
This plant should be fertilized monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer. It needs a steady diet of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to stay healthy.
Light Requirements
Philodendron Apple Congo prefers medium to low light conditions. It can be kept in a room or greenhouse that has windows, or it can be grown under fluorescent lights. In a room keep it away from doors and windows. Direct light will damage the leaves.
Temperature
Philodendron Apple Congo prefers average room temperature. It can tolerate temperatures of 70°-85°F.
Humidity
Philodendron Apple Congo needs more than 60% humidity to thrive. If the humidity is low, increase it by placing the pot on a tray of wet pebbles or misting the leaves regularly.
Pruning
Like other popular philodendrons such as Philodendron Campii, prune this plant occasionally to keep the size in check. It can be pruned at any time of the year. Prune its leaves with sharp scissors and cut away any leaves that are dead or dying. This will make room for new leaves to grow.
Repotting
Repot this plant every two to three years. Move it to a pot that is one size larger than the current pot. Use a soil mix of two parts potting soil and one part perlite or vermiculite.
How to Repot Philodendron Apple Congo
It can be repotted in early spring or mid-summer. While repotting follow these steps:
- Remove the plant from its pot.
- If the plant is root-bound, loosen the roots before repotting.
- Place a layer of potting soil in the bottom of the new pot.
- Set the plant in the new pot and fill in around it with more potting mix.
- Water the plant well to help it settle in.
- Fertilize the soil after repotting.
Philodendron Apple Congo Propagation
Philodendron Apple Congo can be propagated by stem cuttings or division. Take a cutting from the tip of a stem and place it in a glass of water. Once roots form, transplant the cutting into the soil. Follow these steps while propagating your plant:
- Choose a healthy stem with at least two leaves.
- Remove the lower leaves from the stem cutting.
- Make cuts just below a leaf node using sharp scissors.
- Place the cuttings in the water and wait for roots to form.
- Once roots have formed, transplant the stem cutting into the soil.
- Fertilize the plant after transplanting.
Division Method
This plant can also be propagated by division. To propagate using the division method, follow these steps:
- Select a healthy plant with at least two stems.
- Remove the plant from its pot and divide it into two or more parts using a sharp knife.
- Make sure each division has at least one stem and two leaves.
- Replant the divisions in the soil and water well.
- Fertilize after replanting.
Symptoms of Overwatering or Underwatering
Overwatering can cause the leaves to turn yellow and the stem to rot. Whereas, underwatering this plant can cause the leaves to turn brown and crispy.
If you are unsure of how much water your plant needs, wait until the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch before watering. Underwatering this plant can be more harmful than overwatering.
Pests and Diseases
Pests that might attack your plant are scales, mealybugs, and aphids. These can be controlled by using insecticidal soap. Diseases that might affect your plant are root rot and stem rot. These can be prevented by using a soil mix that drains well and by watering this plant correctly. Also, make sure to keep the leaves clean by wiping them down with a damp cloth.
Diseases can cause this plant to wilt. If you notice any of these symptoms, take steps to correct the problem.
Indoor Care Tips
- This plant does well in a bright, sunny location.
- Keep the soil moist but not wet.
- Fertilize this plant every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- It can be propagated by stem cuttings.
- Pests and diseases are rarely a problem with this plant.
Philodendron Apple Congo FAQs
This could be due to a lack of nitrogen in the soil. Add a balanced liquid fertilizer to the Philodendron’s water every two weeks.
This could be due to over-fertilization. Cut back on the amount of fertilizer you are using.
This could be due to a lack of water or too much water. Check the soil moisture levels and adjust your watering schedule as needed.
This could be due to a lack of light. Move the Philodendron to a location where it will receive more light.
Conclusion
Philodendron Apple Congo is a beautiful plant that will add life and color to any room. It’s easy to care for, making it a great choice for anyone who wants a low-maintenance houseplant. With its glossy green leaves and delicate white flowers, this plant is sure to be a favorite in your home.
