Philodendron Davidsonii is a beautiful plant that can be found in the tropical rainforest. It has dark green elongated leaves that grow up to 12 feet long, and it produces small purple flowers. The leaves are unlike the classic heart-shaped leaves of Philodendron, and the plant gets its name from its resemblance to a fern. This plant is a popular choice for indoor gardens, and it’s easy to care for.
Philodendron Davidsonii Appearance
The Philodendron Davidsonii has large ovate-oblong blades with many sunken primary lateral veins. It is a fast-growing plant that is native to Brazil. The leaves are bright green in color and can grow up to 2 feet long.
It is an evergreen vine that can grow up to 12 feet in length. The plant produces small purple flowers that turn into orange berries. It is an easy plant to care for and can thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments. It is also known as Boho Philodendron Davidsonii.
Philodendron Davidsonii Other Features
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerance is one of the best features of this plant. It can go for long periods without water and still look healthy.
Air Purification
It is great at purifying the air. It filters out toxins and pollutants, making it a great plant to have in your home.
Maintenance
This plant is easy to care for and does not require a lot of maintenance. It is a fast-growing plant, so you may need to trim it back occasionally to keep it under control.
Toxicity
This plant is poisonous to both humans and animals. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. If you have pets or small children, it is best to keep this plant out of reach.
Dormancy
It is dormant in the winter months. It will stop growing and producing new leaves, but it will not die. This plant does not need a lot of water during its dormancy period, so you can cut back on watering during this time.
Philodendron Davidsonii Care
Philodendron Davidsonii care involves giving the plant the right amount of water, light, and fertilizer. You should water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry. You can fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season. The best place to put your plant is in an area that gets bright, indirect light.
Quick Guide
| Soil | Well-draining soil. |
| Light | Bright, indirect light. |
| Water | When the top inch of soil is dry. |
| Fertilizer | Once a month during the growing season. |
| Pruning | Prune the plant as needed to keep it under control. |
| Humidity | Between 40-60%. |
| Temperature | Between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Repotting | Every two years. |
Soil
Philodendron Davidsonii prefers well-draining soil. You can use a potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
Light
Philodendron Davidsonii prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but it is best to avoid putting it in an area where it will get direct sunlight for more than a few hours a day. You should also avoid putting it in an area where it will get low light, as this can cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Water
Philodendron Davidsonii should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. During its dormancy period, you can water this plant less often. It is best to water it with distilled or filtered water to avoid any mineral buildup in the soil. You should also avoid letting the plant sit in water, as this can cause root rot.
Fertilizer
It should be fertilized once a month during the growing season. You can use a water-soluble fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer. If you are using a water-soluble fertilizer, make sure to dilute it according to the package directions. Try to avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves, as this can burn them.
Pruning
It will need to be pruned occasionally to keep it under control. You can prune this plant anytime, but it is best to do it in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Humidity
Philodendron Davidsonii prefers humidity levels between 40 and 60%. You can mist the plant regularly or put it in a room with a humidifier.
Temperature
This plant prefers temperatures between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate some fluctuations outside of this range, but it is best to keep the plant in an area that stays within this temperature range.
Repotting
It will need to be repotted every two years. You can use a pot that is one size larger than the current pot. Make sure to use well-draining soil and put the plant in an area with bright, indirect light.
How to Repot Philodendron Davidsonii?
To repot this plant you will need:
- Well-draining soil
- A pot that is one size larger than the current pot
Instructions:
If you are using a water-soluble fertilizer, make sure to dilute it according to the package directions.
- Carefully remove the plant from its current pot.
- Loosen the roots and gently shake off any excess soil.
- Place the plant in the new pot and fill in with well-draining soil.
- Water the plant thoroughly.
- Put the plant in an area with bright, indirect light.
Philodendron Davidsonii Propagation
Philodendron Davidsonii can be propagated by stem cuttings.
You will need:
- A sharp knife or shears
- Well-draining soil
- A pot
Instructions:
- Cut a stem that is at least six inches long from the plant.
- Remove the lower leaves from the stem.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone.
- Place the stem in a pot filled with well-draining soil.
- Water the plant thoroughly.
- Put the plant in an area with bright, indirect light.
Symptoms of Overwatering or Underwatering
If you think you may be overwatering or underwatering your plant, there are a few symptoms to look out for.
Overwatering:
Yellow leaves, droopy leaves, mushy stems.
Underwatering:
Dry soil, wilting leaves, brown tips on leaves.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Here are some common problems that you may encounter while growing this plant or other plants from the Philodendron genus such as Philodendron Domesticum.
Curling Leaves
This is usually a sign of too much direct sunlight. Move the plant to an area with bright, indirect light.
Brown Tips on Leaves
Solution: This is usually a sign of too much direct sunlight or not enough humidity. Move the plant to an area with bright, indirect light and increase the humidity levels around the plant.
Yellow Leaves
Solution: This is usually a sign of overwatering or too much direct sunlight. Water the plant less often and move it to an area with bright, indirect light.
Droopy Leaves
Solution: This is usually a sign of overwatering. Water the plant less often and make sure the soil is well-draining.
As you can see, it is a relatively low-maintenance plant. With proper care, it will thrive and provide you with beautiful, lush foliage.
Common Pests
Here are some pests and diseases that you may encounter while growing this plant and their solutions.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can be found on the undersides of leaves. They are usually green, but they can also be brown, black, or yellow. Aphids suck the sap from plants and can cause stunted growth, distorted leaves, and yellowing of leaves.
Mealybugs
Tiny, cotton-like pests that infest plants. They damage plant leaves by sucking out the sap, which can cause yellowing, wilting, and eventually death. Mealybugs are especially fond of this plant, and can quickly decimate a plant if left unchecked.
These can be difficult to get rid of, but there are a few things you can do. First, try to remove them by hand. Use a cotton swab or Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol and gently dab it on the mealybugs. This will kill them without harming your plant.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are those tiny, pesky creatures that seem to appear out of nowhere and wreak havoc on your plants. If you have spider mites on your plant, don’t worry – there are treatments available that can help.
One of the most common treatments for spider mites is a soap-and-water solution. To make this, simply mix together equal parts water and dish soap. Then, using a cotton swab or soft cloth, apply the solution to the affected areas of your plant.
Another treatment option is to use insecticidal soap. This type of soap is specifically designed to kill insects, so it’s a good choice if you’re dealing with a serious infestation. To use it, mix together equal parts water and insecticidal soap, and then apply the solution to the affected areas of your plant.
Tips for Caring For Philodendron Davidsonii Indoors
Here are some tips for caring for this plant indoors:
- Place the plant in an area with bright, indirect light.
- Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Mist the plant regularly or put it in a room with a humidifier.
- Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season.
- Repot the plant every two years.
- Propagate by stem cuttings.
- Control pests and diseases with insecticidal soap or a fungicide.
- It is also important to correctly identify the plant as many people also this plant with Philodendron Davidsonii x Lacerum.
Philodendron Davidsonii FAQs
It is a very tough plant that can be easily grown outdoors. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. The recommended USDA hardiness zone is from 11-12. This plant has low water needs and is drought tolerant.
Yes, it is quite rare. In terms of numbers, there are probably fewer than 1,000 plants in cultivation. So, if you are lucky enough to find one, it is definitely worth adding to your collection!
The beautiful dark green leaves of this plant can be used as background foliage in landscaping or as an accent in garden beds. They also make a great addition to any indoor space.
It’s not necessary to repot the plant every year, but doing so will help keep the plant healthy. Otherwise, you should repot it every 2 years. When you do repot, be sure to use a potting mix that drains well and doesn’t retain too much water.
Conclusion
Overall, the Philodendron Davidsonii is a beautiful and easy to care for plant that makes a great addition to any indoor space. With its eye-catching leaves and vining habit, it’s sure to add interest and drama to your home. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant or simply want to add a touch of the tropics to your decor, then this plant is a great choice.
