Philodendron pincushion is a unique houseplant that has narrow, dark green leaves. The leaves are deeply veined, and the edges are slightly wavy. This plant gets its common name from the fact that the leaves look like they have been stabbed with pins! Philodendron pincushion is easy to care for, and it makes a great addition to any home or office.
Appearance
Philodendron Pincushion is a tropical plant that is native to South America. It is a low-growing plant that has dark green, leathery leaves. The leaves are ovate and narrow in shape and have a pointed tip.
The plant produces small, white flowers that bloom in the summertime. It is an easy plant to care for and can be grown in most homes. When given proper care, it will thrive and produce beautiful foliage.
Philodendron Pincushion Features
Drought Tolerance
It is important to know that it is a drought-tolerant plant. This means that it does not require a lot of water to survive. In fact, too much water can actually kill this plant. When watering your plant, make sure to only give it enough water to moisten the soil. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again.
Air Purification
This plant is also great at purifying the air. It does this by absorbing harmful toxins and converting them into oxygen. This makes this Philo a great plant to have in your home if you suffer from allergies or asthma. Keep the plant in a well-ventilated area, and it will help to improve the air quality in your home.
Maintenance
It is a low-maintenance plant that does not require a lot of care. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not wet. Water your plant when the top layer of the soil starts to dry out. fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season. When winter comes, reduce watering and fertilizing to once a month.
Toxicity
It is a non-toxic plant. This means that it is safe to have around pets and children. If ingested, this plant may cause stomach upset. If you suspect your pet has eaten this plant, contact your veterinarian immediately. Try to keep the plant out of reach of pets and children to prevent accidental ingestion.
Dormancy
It is a tropical plant that does not go dormant. This means that it will continue to grow year-round. However, growth will slow down during the winter months. You should not fertilize or water your plant as much during the winter.
Philodendron Pincushion Care
Philodendron Pincushion care involves giving the plant bright, indirect light. It prefers humid conditions, so keep the soil moist but not wet. Water your plant when the top layer of the soil starts to dry out. Fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season. When winter comes, reduce watering and fertilizing to once a month. This plant does not require pruning. However, you can trim off any dead or dying leaves as needed.
Quick Guide
Soil | Well-draining, moist. |
Light | Bright, indirect light. |
Water | when the top inch of soil is dry. |
Fertilizer | Every two weeks during the growing season, and monthly during winter. |
Humidity | Between 40-50% |
Temperature | 65-80°F |
Pruning | To cut back leggy growth |
Repotting | Every two years |
Soil
It is important to use well-draining, moist soil when growing this Philo. This plant does not like to sit in wet soil, so make sure that the pot has drainage holes. You can use a commercial potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
Light
This plant prefers bright indirect light. This means that it should be placed in a spot where it will receive indirect sunlight throughout the day. If you do not have a spot like this in your home, you can place the plant near a south- or west-facing window.
Watering
It is important to water your Pincushion plant when the top inch of soil is dry. This plant does not like to sit in wet soil, so make sure that you do not overwater it. When watering, use lukewarm water and allow the excess water to drain out of the pot.
Fertilizer
It is important to fertilize your Pincushion plant every two weeks during the growing season. You can use a water-soluble fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer. During the winter months, you should only fertilize your plant once a month.
Humidity
This plant prefers humidity between 40-50%. If your home is too dry, you can place the plant on a pebble tray or use a humidifier.
Temperature
This plant prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. If the temperature in your home is too cold, you can place the plant near a radiator or heating vent.
Pruning
It is important to prune this plant to remove leggy growth. You can do this by cutting back the stems to the desired length.
Repotting
It is important to repot this plant every two years. When repotting, use a pot that is one size larger than the current pot. Be sure to use well-draining, moist soil.
How to Repot Philodendron Pincushion
If you are repotting your Philodendron Pincushion, follow these steps:
- Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot. Be sure to use well-draining, moist soil.
- Carefully remove the plant from its current pot. Gently loosen the roots and remove any excess soil.
- Place the plant in the new pot and fill it in with soil. Gently compact the soil around the plant.
- Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a spot where it will receive indirect sunlight.
Philodendron Pincushion Propagation
If you would like to propagate this plant, follow these steps:
- Choose a stem that is at least six inches long. Cut the stem just below a leaf node.
- Place the stem in a glass of water and place it in a spot where it will receive indirect sunlight.
- Change the water every week and wait for the roots to grow.
- Once the roots are two inches long, you can pot the plant in well-draining, moist soil.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Here are some common problems you may encounter while growing Philodendron Pincushion or other species like Philodendron Red Back:
The Leaves Are Wilting and/or Yellowing
Check the soil to see if it is dry. If it is, water the plant. If the soil is moist, check the drainage and make sure the plant is not sitting in water.
The Stems Are Soft and/or Mushy
Check the soil to see if it is dry. If it is, water the plant. If the soil is moist, check the drainage and make sure the plant is not sitting in water. You may also need to fertilize your plant.
The Roots Are Rotting
Check the soil to see if it is too wet. If it is, make sure the plant has proper drainage and do not water as often. You may also need to repot your plant in well-draining, moist soil.
Pests and Diseases
Here are some common pests and diseases you may encounter while growing Philodendron Pincushion:
Pests:
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Spider mites
Diseases:
- Bacterial leaf spot
- Botrytis blight
If you see any of these pests or diseases, you can treat them with an insecticide or fungicide.
Tips for Caring for Philodendron Pincushion Indoors
Here are some tips for caring for Philodendron Pincushion indoors:
- Place the plant in a spot where it will receive indirect sunlight.
- Water the plant when the soil is dry.
- Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
- Prune leggy stems as needed.
- Repot the plant every two years.
This will help your Philodendron Pincushion stay healthy and thrive indoors.
How to Grow Philodendron Pincushion Outdoors?
Philodendron Pincushion is an easy-to-grow plant and can be grown outdoors with little maintenance. It does best in bright indirect sunlight but can tolerate some shade. The soil should be well-draining and kept moist but not soggy. It can be propagated by stem cuttings and will produce new plants within a few weeks.
When growing this plant outdoors, be sure to plant in an area that receives bright indirect sunlight. The soil should be well-draining and kept moist but not soggy. This easy-to-grow plant can tolerate some shade and will produce new plants within a few weeks when propagated by stem cuttings. With minimal maintenance, this plant makes a great addition to any garden!
Philodendron Pincushion FAQs
It is not a common houseplant, but it’s not particularly rare, either. It’s a type of philodendron that has large, paddle-shaped leaves with deep indentations along the edges.
Yes, you should definitely prune your Philodendron Pincushion. This will help promote healthy growth and a fuller appearance. Pruning is also an excellent way to remove any dead or unhealthy leaves. Make sure to use sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts, and disinfect the shears after each use. Enjoy your beautiful Pincushion plant!
The basic rule of thumb for repotting Philodendrons is to do so when they have outgrown their current pot. Typically, this will be every one to two years for younger plants, and every two to three years for mature plants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Philodendron Pincushion is a beautiful and unique plant that is definitely worth adding to your collection. With its gorgeous flowers and interesting leaves, it’s sure to make a statement in any room. So what are you waiting for? Go get yourself a Philodendron Pincushion today!