Philodendron Mamei is a beautiful and exotic plant that can be found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. This plant is a vine that can grow up to 3 feet long, and it features grassy-green leaves with light green veins. It is a popular choice for gardeners who want to add some color and interest to their landscape.
What Does Philodendron Mamei Look Like?
Philodendron mamei, also known as Blotched Philodendron. Philodendron Mamei climbing can reach up to 3 feet in length. The leaves are grassy-green and have a glossy sheen. They are oblong to heart-shaped with pointed tips and smooth margins.
Its flowers are small and greenish-white in color. They grow in clusters and are borne on stout. Philodendron Mamei stem, the part connecting stem and leaf, is maroon red in color.
How to Grow Philodendron Mamei?
It is an easy plant to grow and prefers bright, indirect light and moist soil conditions. It can be grown outdoors in zones USDA Zone 11 or higher, but it is best suited for indoor cultivation.
Philodendron Pastazanum X Mamei: A New Cross
In the late 1990s, a new cross between P.pastazanum and P.mamei was created. This hybrid is called Philodendron x pastazanum ‘Mamei’. It has all of the best qualities of both parents plants – the dark green leaves of P.pastazanum and the vigorous growth of P.mamei.
Philodendron Mamei types
There are several different types of this plant available. These include:
Philodendron mamei ‘Pastazanum’:
This is a cultivar of Philodendron mamei that was first introduced in the late 1990s. It has dark green leaves with light green veins and grows up to 20 feet in length.
Philodendron x pastazanum ‘Mamei’:
This is a hybrid of Philodendron pastazanum and Philodendron mamei.
Philodendron ‘Red Edge’:
This is a cultivar of Philodendron mamei that has red edges on its leaves. It grows up to 20 feet in length and prefers bright, indirect light.
Philodendron ‘Tricolor’:
This is a cultivar of P. mamei that has variegated leaves with three colors; green, light green, and white. It grows up to 20 feet in length and prefers bright, indirect light.
Other Features
Drought Tolerance
It is a very drought tolerant plant and can thrive in dry conditions.
Air Purification
It is also known for its air purification properties. It can help remove toxins from the air, making it a great choice for homes with allergies or asthma.
Maintenance
It is a very hardy plant and can tolerate a wide variety of growing conditions. It is one of the best plants for novice gardeners or those who don’t have a lot of time to devote to care.
Toxicity
It is a toxic plant and is harmful for children and pets.
Dormancy
This plant does not go into a dormant stage.
Philodendron Mamei Care
Philodendron Mamei care includes providing the plant with plenty of bright light and moderate humidity. The plant can be grown in either moist or dry soil, but it does best when the soil is kept slightly moist. Fertilize the plant twice a month with a balanced fertilizer. Prune the vine to keep it under control and remove any dead or diseased leaves.
Quick Guide
| Soil | Soil is rich in organic matter. |
| Water | Water regularly when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. |
| Light | Bright light but can tolerate some shade. |
| Fertilizer | Monthly with a balanced fertilizer. |
| Humidity | 60% or more. |
| Temperature | 65°- 80°F (18°C – 27°C). |
| Pruning | Prune as needed to keep the plant under control. |
| Repotting | Repot every two to three years. |
Soil
Philodendron Mamei prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. To create the ideal soil for your philodendron mamei plant, you should mix in plenty of compost or other organic matter at the start of each growing season. A potting mix that is composed of one part peat moss and one part loam is ideal.
Light
Philodendron Mamei does best in indirect sunlight or partial shade. If the plant is exposed to too much direct sunlight, the leaves will begin to fade and the plant will become stressed. However, if the plant does not receive enough light, it will become leggy and its growth will be stunted.
Watering
Water regularly when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. Do not allow the plant to sit in water, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing
Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer. Here is how you can fertilize this plant:
- Take 1 tbsp of balanced fertilizer and mix it with a gallon of water. Then, pour the mixture around the base of the plant and water thoroughly.
Humidity
60% or more humidity is ideal for this plant. You can increase the humidity level by placing the plant in a location where it will be misted regularly or by using a humidifier.
Temperature
Warm temperate to tropical climates with temperature between 65°- 80°F is best for this plant. It cannot tolerate cold temperatures and will die if it is exposed to frost.
Pruning
Prune as needed to keep the plant under control. Do not cut off more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Repotting
Repot every two to three years. Be sure to use a pot that is only slightly larger than the current pot so that the plant’s roots are not disturbed.
How to Repot Philodendron Mamei?
It is a very hardy plant and can tolerate a wide variety of growing conditions. It is one of the best plants for novice gardeners or those who don’t have a lot of time to devote to care. This plant does not go into a dormant stage, so it does not need to be repotted every year. However, you will need to repot it every two to three years in order to keep it healthy.
When repotting this plant, be sure to use a pot that is only slightly larger than the current pot so that the plant’s roots are not disturbed. The best time to repot this plant is in the spring or early summer when it is actively growing.
Fill the pot with soil that is rich in organic matter. Gently remove the plant from its current pot and place it in the new pot. Be sure to water thoroughly after repotting. This plant will take a few weeks to adjust to its new pot.
Philodendron Mamei Propagation
This plant can be propagated by division or stem cuttings.
To propagate it by division, divide the plant into two or three sections with a sharp knife. Each section should have at least one healthy leaf and root system. Be sure to water thoroughly after dividing the plant.
To propagate it by stem cuttings, take a healthy stem cutting from the plant and remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Place the cutting in a moist soil mix and cover it with plastic wrap. Be sure to keep the soil moist until the cutting roots.
Symptoms of Overwatering or Underwatering
Overwatering
This plant includes wilting leaves, yellowing leaves, and root rot. If you notice any of these symptoms, reduce the amount of water you are giving the plant.
Underwatering
This plant includes drooping leaves and brown leaf tips. If you notice any of these symptoms, increase the amount of water you are giving the plant.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Like other philodendrons such as Philodendron Melanoneuron, it is a very hardy plant and can tolerate a wide variety of growing conditions. However, there are a few problems that can occur from time to time. Leaf spot is a common problem with this plant. This problem is caused by a fungus and can be treated with a fungicide.
Another problem is that many people get confused when it comes to Philodendron Sodiroi vs Mamei which results in the inaccurate application of care and growth needs.
Pests and Diseases
It is generally a very hardy plant and does not succumb to too many pests or diseases. However, like all plants, it can be susceptible to mealy bugs, aphids, and scale. These pests can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap or neem oil. If you notice any of these pests on your plant, be sure to act quickly and treat the plant accordingly.
Diseases are not commonly an issue with this plant. However, if you notice any brown or yellow spots on the leaves, this could be a sign of fungal disease. Treating the plant with a fungicide should take care of the problem.
Tips for Caring for Philodendron Mamei Indoors
- It is a very hardy plant and can tolerate a wide variety of growing conditions.
- It is one of the best plants for novice gardeners or those who don’t have a lot of time to devote to care.
- You will need to repot it every two to three years in order to keep it healthy.
- You should keep it in a bright location, but not in direct sunlight.
- Water thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every month.
- If you notice any pests or diseases, treat them with an insecticide or fungicide as needed.
Philodendron Mamei FAQs
Yes, it is quite rare. It was first discovered in the wild in Ecuador in 2006, and since then only a handful of plants have been found. The species is named after Eduardo Mameri, the scientist who first described it.
It is difficult to cultivate due to its rarity and the fact that it only grows in very specific conditions. The plants are found at high altitudes in cloud forests, where they receive plenty of moisture and filtered light.
Yes, it is a climber. It has aerial roots that allow it to climb up trees and other plants.
No, it is not the same as Silver Cloud. They might look similar at first glance, but they’re actually two different plant species. Silver Cloud is a hybrid plant that was created by Philodendron Mamei crossover. Silver Cloud is much easier to cultivate than its parent plant and is available from many online nurseries.
The best way to care for this plant is to place it in an appropriate-sized pot with well-draining soil and provide it with bright indirect light. Additionally, during the spring and summer months, you should water it regularly, allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out in between watering.
Conclusion
This Philodendron is a beautiful plant that is easy to grow. It makes a great addition to any home or office. If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant, Philodendron mamei is perfect for you.
