Philodendron asplundii is a beautiful indoor plant that is popular among gardeners and non-gardeners alike. It is easy to care for, and it adds a touch of greenery to any room. It is a perfect plant for people who don’t have a lot of experience with plants, or for those who are just starting out with gardening.
Appearance
Philodendron asplundii is a species of Philodendron that is native to Colombia. This plant has large, glossy leaves that are dark green in color. It also has a long, slender stem and can grow to be up to 10 feet tall. This is an evergreen plant but does not produce flowers.
Philodendron asplundii Features
Drought-Tolerance
It is a drought-tolerant plant. It can survive in dry conditions. If you live in a dry climate, or if you often forget to water your plants, then it is the perfect plant for you!
Air Purification
It is a good plant for purifying the air in your home. This plant removes toxins from the air, including benzene and formaldehyde.
Maintenance
This is a low-maintenance plant. If you are a beginner gardener, Philodendron asplundii is a good plant to start with.
Dormancy
This plant does not go through a dormant stage. During this stage, it will stop growing and enter a resting period.
Philodendron asplundii Care
Philodendron asplundii is a tropical plant, so it needs bright, indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate low light levels. It should be kept in a pot that has a drainage hole at the bottom. The pot should also be filled with a well-draining potting mix. It needs to be watered regularly. The plant should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. It does not need to be fertilized often.
Soil
It requires soil well-draining soil and a potting mix that is high in peat moss is a good option. Other great options for potting mix ingredients include perlite, vermiculite, and sand.
Light
Philodendron asplundii needs bright, indirect sunlight. The plant can also tolerate low light levels. You can place it near a window or in a room with fluorescent light. You can place it in a north- or east-facing window.
Water
It should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. You should water it generously, and then allow the pot to drain completely. Do not water your plant again until the soil is dry to the touch. The general rule of thumb is to insert your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If the soil is dry, then it is time to water the plant.
Humidity
It likes high humidity levels. You can increase the humidity level for your plant by placing it in a room with a humidifier, or by misting the leaves regularly. You can also increase humidity by placing the pot on a tray of wet pebbles.
Temperature
Philodendron asplundii can tolerate cold temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant should be kept in a room that has a moderate to warm temperature. Do not place your plant near a radiator or in direct sunlight.
Fertilizer Requirements
It does not need to be fertilized often. You can fertilize the plant every other month with a water-soluble fertilizer. Follow these steps to fertilize your plant:
- Mix the fertilizer according to the instructions on the package.
- Place the pot in a sink or bathtub.
- Pour the fertilizer mixture over the pot, and then water it well.
- Repeat this process every other month.
You can also fertilize your plant with a slow-release fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer once in the spring, and then again in the fall.
Pruning
It does not need to be pruned often. If you need to, you can prune the plant by removing any dead or wilted leaves. It is a fast-growing plant, so you may need to prune it regularly to keep it under control.
How to Repot Philodendron asplundii?
Philodendron asplundii needs to be repotted every year or two. Signs that show the plant needs to be repotted include the potting mix spilling out of the drainage hole and roots growing out of the pot. When you repot your plant, use a pot that is one size larger than the current pot. The pot should also have a drainage hole at the bottom. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as one that is high in peat moss.
Follow these steps to repot it:
- Remove the plant from its current pot.
- Rinse off the potting mix from the roots.
- Cut off any dead or wilted leaves.
- Repot the plant in a pot that is one size larger than the current pot.
- Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix.
- Water the plant generously.
- Allow the pot to drain completely.
Philodendron asplundii Propagation
If you have a healthy Asplundii plant, you can propagate it by taking cuttings. The best time to propagate this plant is when the plant is in active growth.
To propagate it, follow these steps:
- Take a cutting from a healthy branch of the plant.
- The cutting should be about four inches long.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting.
- Cut the top of the cutting off at an angle.
- Plant the cutting in a pot of well-draining potting mix.
- Water the cutting regularly.
Water Propagation
If you propagate your plant by taking cuttings, you can also root it in water. Follow these steps to root your plant in water:
- Take a cutting from a healthy branch of the plant.
- The cutting should be about four inches long.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting.
- Cut the top of the cutting off at an angle.
- Place the cutting in a glass or jar of water.
- Change the water in the glass or jar every day.
- Wait about two weeks for the cutting to root in the water.
- Once the cutting has rooted in the water, you can transplant it into a pot of soil.
Symptoms of Overwatering and Underwatering
Like other philodendron species such as Philodendron cherry red, if you overwater your plant, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off. The plant may also stop growing. If you underwater it, the leaves will start to wilt and turn brown, and it will also adversely affect the plant growth.
How to Fix It
If you think you have overwatered your plant, stop watering it for a week and see if the plant recovers. If the plant does not recover, you can try repotting it in a fresh potting mix. However, if you think you have underwatered your plant, water it thoroughly and see if the plant recovers. If the plant does not recover, you may need to repot it in fresh potting mix.
Pests
Common pests that can affect this plant include mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids.
- Mealybugs can be treated with horticultural oil.
- Spider mites can be treated with a miticide.
- Aphids can be treated with insecticidal soap.
If you are having problems with pests or diseases on your plant, contact your local garden center for help.
Tips for growing Philodendron asplundii
Here are some tips for growing this philodendron:
- Place the plant in a room with a humidifier, or mist the leaves regularly.
- The plant can tolerate cold temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fertilize the plant every other month with a water-soluble fertilizer.
- Prune the plant by removing any dead or wilted leaves.
- Repot the plant every year or two using a pot with a drainage hole and a well-draining potting mix.
- Propagate the plant by taking cuttings when it is actively growing.
Philodendron asplundii FAQs
It is considered a rare plant by some people because it’s not found in many places. However, it’s not difficult to find or grow, so most people would not consider it to be rare.
This could be a sign that your plant is not getting enough light. Move the plant to a location with brighter light.
This could be a sign that your plant is not getting enough water. Water the plant regularly, making sure to allow the pot to drain completely.
Conclusion
Philodendron asplundii is a beautiful, fast-growing plant that can be a great addition to any home. It is easy to care for, and with the right light and humidity levels, it will thrive. Keep in mind that this plant is toxic if eaten, so make sure to keep it out of reach of children and pets.
