Philodendron Pulchrum is a beautiful plant that can be found in the rainforest of Central and South America. It is a climbing vine that can reach heights of up to 2.4 meters. This plant is known for its glossy green leaves and purple flowers. In this article, we will take a closer look at this tropical plant and its many benefits.
What Does Philodendron Pulchrum Look Like?
Philodendron Pulchrum is a large, evergreen plant that is native to tropical rainforests in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The leaves are elliptic-lanceolate or elliptic-oblong, and they are dark green in color. The leaves are large, measuring 1.5-2.5 m in length. They are also leathery in texture.
The flowers of this plant are white or purplish-green in color, and they grow in inflorescences that are 2-3 m long. The fruit is a greenish-white drupe that measures 1-2 cm in diameter.
Philodendron Pulchrum Features
Drought Tolerance
Philodendron Pulchrum is drought tolerant and can survive in areas with little rainfall.
Air Purification
The large leaves of this plant can help to purify the air in your home. It is recommended by NASA to help remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air.
Maintenance
If you do not have a green thumb, then this plant is especially for you as it is very easy to take care of. It is a low-maintenance plant, perfect for beginners.
Toxicity
Philodendron Pulchrum is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Symptoms of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect your plant has been ingested, call your local poison control center immediately.
Dormancy
This plant goes dormant during the winter months. During this time, water it less frequently and do not fertilize it.
Philodendron Pulchrum Care
Philodendron Pulchrum care includes giving the plant plenty of bright, indirect sunlight and well-drained soil. Water the plant when the topsoil is dry to the touch. Be sure to not over-water, as this can lead to root rot. Fertilize this plant every two weeks during the spring and summer months with a balanced fertilizer.
Quick Guide
| Soil | Well-draining, organic-rich soil. |
| Light | Bright, indirect sunlight. |
| Water | Once every week. |
| Humidity | More than 70%. |
| Temperature | Maximum 104°C to a minimum of 50°F. |
| Fertilizer | Bimonthly. |
| Pruning | At the beginning of each spring. |
| Repotting | Every 18-24 months. |
Soil
As we mentioned before, Philodendron Pulchrum thrives in organic-rich soil that drains well. If you are planting this vine in your garden, be sure to add some compost or manure to the hole before planting. You can also grow this plant in a pot with a mixture of two parts peat moss and one part perlite.
Light
This plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. If you live in an area with hot summers, it is best to grow this vine in a shady spot. During the winter months, this plant can tolerate direct sunlight for a few hours each day.
Water
This plant should be watered once every week, allowing the topsoil to dry out in between waterings. Be sure to not over-water, as this can lead to root rot.
Humidity
Philodendron Pulchrum thrives in humid environments. If you live in a dry climate, you can mist the leaves of this plant daily or grow it in a terrarium or greenhouse.
Temperature
This plant prefers warm temperatures and will not tolerate frost. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 18-24 degrees Celsius.
Fertilizer
This plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the spring and summer months with a balanced fertilizer. During the fall and winter months, fertilize this vine once a month.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for this plant, but you can trim back the vines in the spring to encourage new growth.
Repotting
This plant should be repotted every 18-24 months. When repotting, be sure to use a pot that is one size larger than the current pot.
How to Repot Philodendron Pulchrum?
These are the signs that show it’s time to repot your Philodendron Pulchrum:
- The plant has outgrown its pot and is starting to become top-heavy.
- There is excessive drainage from the bottom of the pot.
- The roots are coming out of the bottom of the pot or are tightly bound in the current pot.
To repot this plant, follow these steps:
- Carefully remove the plant from its current pot.
- Loosen the roots and untangle them if they are tightly bound.
- Place the plant in a new, slightly larger pot.
- Fill in around the roots with fresh soil.
Philodendron Pulchrum Propagation
It is a rare plant; therefore, propagation is only possible through stem cuttings. Take a sharp knife or pair of scissors and cut a vine that has at least two leaves on it. Remove the bottom leaf and dip the cutting in a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moistened peat moss and perlite. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot and keep the soil moist. Within four to six weeks, you should see new growth.
Symptoms of Overwatering or Underwatering
If you think you are either overwatering or underwatering Philodendron Pulchrum, look for these symptoms:
Overwatering:
- The leaves are wilting and turning yellow.
- The stems are soft and mushy.
- There is root rot present.
Underwatering:
- The leaves are dry and crispy.
- The stems are brittle.
If you see any of these symptoms, make the necessary changes to your watering schedule.
Common Problems with Philodendron Pulchrum
Root rot
This problem is caused by overwatering or planting this vine in poorly-draining soil. If you notice the leaves turning yellow or brown and dropping off, check the roots to see if they are rotted. If they are, you will need to replant the vine in fresh soil.
Yellow leaves
If the leaves of this plant are turning yellow, it is likely due to too much direct sunlight. Move the plant to a shadier spot and reduce the amount of fertilizer you are giving it.
Brown leaves
If the leaves are brown and dry, it is usually due to underwatering or low humidity levels. Be sure to water this plant more frequently and mist the leaves if you live in a dry climate.
Pests
This plant is susceptible to mealy bugs, aphids, and spider mites.
Mealybugs are small, white, and fuzzy. They suck the sap out of plants and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.
Aphids are small, green, or black insects that feed on plant sap. They can cause the leaves to curl up and distort in shape.
Spider mites are tiny spider-like creatures that feed on plant sap. They can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown and drop off.
If you notice any of these pests on your plant, you will need to treat it with an insecticide. You can also remove them by hand if they are not too numerous.
Diseases
This plant is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Powdery mildew
This disease is characterized by a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves. It can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.
Leaf spot
This disease is characterized by small, brown spots on the leaves. It can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off suddenly.
If you notice any of these diseases on your plant, you will need to treat it with a fungicide. You can also remove affected leaves by hand if they are not too numerous.
Tips for Caring for Philodendron Pulchrum Indoors
Here are some tips for caring for this plant and other similar plants like Philodendron Snowdrift indoors:
- Keep this plant near an east- or west-facing window.
- Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Fertilize the plant once a month during the spring and summer.
- Reduce watering during the winter.
- Mist the leaves regularly to increase humidity levels.
- Repot this plant every two to three years.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to successfully grow Philodendron Pulchrum indoors.
Philodendron Pulchrum FAQs
Yes, you can absolutely grow this plant outdoors! These tropical plants are native to South and Central America, so they’re used to growing in warm, humid environments. If you live in an area with a similar climate, your Pulchrum plant will do just fine outside.
Yes, this plant is a climber. It has aerial roots that cling to surfaces and help it climb.
There are a few possible reasons why your plant has brown tips on its leaves. It could be due to too much sun exposure, not enough water, or a nutrient deficiency. If the leaves are only lightly browned, it’s probably due to sun exposure and can be fixed by moving the plant to a shadier spot. If the leaves are severely browned or wilted, it’s probably due to lack of watering – make sure to give your plant a good drink every week or so.
Final Thoughts
This Philodendron Pulchrum is an excellent plant for anyone looking for something different to add to their collection. It is easy to grow and care for and will make a great addition to any home or office. If you are looking for a plant that is both unique and beautiful, then this is the one for you! Thanks for reading, and we hope you enjoy your new Philodendron Pulchrum. Happy planting!
