Philodendron Skeleton Key (Philodendron elegans)

Philodendron skeleton key is an interesting plant that has a unique look. Its leaves are long and thin, and they grow in a spiral pattern. This plant is native to Central America, and it can be found in tropical rainforests. It is a popular houseplant because of its low maintenance requirements.

Appearance

The Philodendron genus contains some of the most striking plants in the world, with glossy green leaves that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. One of the most distinctive members of this genus is the Philodendron skeleton key plant, also known as Philodendron Elegans, which gets its name from its unique leaf shape.

It is native to Central America, where it grows as an epiphyte in the rainforest canopy. The plant can also be found in captivity, where it is prized for its attractive leaves. The leaves of this plant are heart-shaped and have a deep notch at the base, which gives them a key-like appearance. The plant is also known for its ability to produce aerial roots, which it uses to attach to tree trunks or other objects.

The stem of this plant is thin and woody, and it is covered with small bumps that resemble bones. The aerial roots are also hairy, which gives them a spiny appearance.

Philodendron skeleton key Features

Drought Tolerance

It is a tropical plant and requires high humidity and moist soil to thrive. However, the plant can tolerate short periods of drought.

Air Purification

It is an excellent plant for purifying the air in your home. It helps to remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air.

Maintenance

Philodendron elegans is a low-maintenance plant that can be grown in a variety of conditions. If you are a beginner gardener, this plant is a good choice for you.

Toxicity

This plant is toxic to both pets and humans. You should keep this plant out of reach of children and pets.

Dormancy

This plant goes into a dormant stage during the winter months. It will lose its leaves and stop growing during this time.

Philodendron skeleton key Care

Skeleton key Philodendron care includes providing the plant with high humidity and moist soil. The plant can be grown in a variety of conditions, but it does best in bright, indirect sunlight. You should avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to burn.

Quick Guide

SoilWell-draining, rich and moist soil.
LightBright, filtered light.
WaterWhen above 2 inches of the soil is dry.
Humidity60-80%
Temperature60-85°F
FertilizerEvery two weeks.
PruningEvery spring.
RepottingEvery 1-2 weeks.

Soil Requirements

It grows best in a well-draining, rich and moist soil. The plant can be grown in a variety of conditions, but it does best in bright, indirect sunlight.

Watering

Philodendron skeleton key should be watered when the top two inches of soil is dry. You can water the plant with either tap water or distilled water.

Light Requirements

Philodendron elegans prefers bright, filtered light. The plant should not be placed in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to burn.

Humidity

Philodendron skeleton key requires high humidity and moist soil to thrive. It would do best in humidity levels between 60%-80%, however, the plant can tolerate short periods of drought.

Temperature

It prefers a temperature range of 60-80°F. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F, but it will stop growing during this time.

Fertilizer

Philodendron skeleton key plant should be fertilized every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer for maximum growth and plant health.

Pruning

It should be pruned every spring to keep the plant healthy and looking its best. You can use sharp scissors to cut the stem and leaves of the plant.

Repotting

This plant should be repotted every one to two weeks in a pot that is slightly larger than the previous pot. Use well-draining soil for repotting and make sure to water the plant thoroughly afterwards.

How to Repot Philodendron skeleton key?

Look for these signs that your plant needs to be repotted:

  • The roots are coming out of the drainage holes.
  • The plant is top-heavy and unstable.
  • The plant is growing slower than usual.

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to repot your plant. Follow these steps to repot your plant:

  1. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous pot.
  2. Fill the pot with well-draining soil.
  3. Carefully remove the plant from its current pot.
  4. Place the plant in the new pot and water it thoroughly.
  5. Make sure to repot your plant every one to two weeks to ensure that it has enough space to grow.

Philodendron skeleton key Propagation

If you have this lovely plant and want to share it with friends or family, you can propagate it easily. Here’s how:

  1. Cut a stem that is at least six inches long from the plant.
  2. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem.
  3. Place the stem in a jar of water and wait for it to root.
  4. Once the stem has rooted, you can plant it in a pot of soil.

Propagating this plant is easy and only requires a few simple steps. With a little patience, you can have new plants to share with others in no time.

Symptoms of Overwatering or Underwatering 

Overwatering: If you suspect that you have overwatered your plant, look for these signs:

  • The leaves are wilting.
  • The leaves are turning yellow.
  • The roots are rotting.

If you see any of these signs, it’s important to stop watering the plant and allow the soil to dry out. Once the soil is dry, you can start watering the plant again.

Underwatering: If you suspect that you have underwater your plant, look for these signs:

  • The leaves are wilting.
  • The leaves are turning brown.

If you see any of these signs, it’s important to increase the amount of water you are giving the plant. Make sure to water the plant thoroughly and then allow the soil to dry out before watering again.

Philodendron skeleton key Problems

This plant is relatively easy to care for, but there are a few problems that you may encounter. These problems include:

Leaves turning yellow

This can be caused by too much water or too little light. If the leaves are turning yellow, make sure to adjust your watering and light levels accordingly.

Leaves dropping off

A plant that is losing leaves is usually suffering from one of three problems: too much light, too little water, or pests. If the leaves are yellow and dropping off, it’s probably getting too much sun. If the leaves are brown and crispy, it’s probably not getting enough water. And if you see any small insects crawling around, it’s time to break out the bug spray.

  • If you think your plant might be suffering from a lack of water, the best course of action is to give it a good drink. Stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil is dry, it’s time to water. If it’s damp, you can wait a few days before watering again. When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of too much water than too little.
  • If you think your plant might be getting too much sun, the best course of action is to move it to a shady spot, but if that’s not possible, you can try to create some shade by draping a sheer curtain over the plant.
  • If you see any small insects crawling around your plant, it’s time to break out the bug spray. You can find a variety of insecticidal sprays at your local garden center. Be sure to follow the directions on the label, and don’t spray more than is necessary. A little bug spray goes a long way.

Pests and Diseases

Like other popular plants from this genus such as Black Congo Philodendron, Philodendron skeleton key is also relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but there are a few that you should be on the lookout for. These include:

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on plant sap. They can cause the leaves of your plant to turn yellow and drop off.

If you see any mealybugs on your plant, you can remove them by hand or with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny spiders that feed on plant sap. They can cause leaves to become mottled and discolored, and if left unchecked, can kill a plant. To get rid of spider mites, start by spraying your plant with water to knock them off. Then, treat your plant with an insecticide designed specifically for spider mites.

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats are small flies that feed on the roots of plants. They can cause significant damage to young plants and are a common problem in greenhouses.

There are several ways to control fungus gnats, including the use of nematodes, traps, and chemicals. However, the most effective way to control them is to prevent them from getting into your greenhouse in the first place.

One way to do this is to keep the soil around your plants dry. Fungus gnats thrive in moist conditions, so by keeping the soil dry you will make it less hospitable for them.

Another way to prevent fungus gnats is to carefully inspect any new plants before bringing them into your greenhouse. If you see any signs of infestation, such as small flies or larvae in the soil, do not bring the plant into your greenhouse.

Finally, make sure to ventilate your greenhouse well. Fungus gnats need still air to survive, so by providing good ventilation you will make it harder for them to establish themselves in your greenhouse.

Tips for Caring for Philodendron skeleton key Indoors

When it comes to indoor plants, philodendron skeleton key are about as tough as they come. They’re easy to care for, and will thrive in a wide range of conditions. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure your plant stays healthy and happy.

Here are some tips for caring for your plant indoors:

  • Place your plant in a spot that gets indirect sunlight. This plant can tolerate low light, but they will grow best if they get some indirect sunlight each day.
  • Water your plant when the soil is dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
  • If you see any pests on your plant, treat them immediately with an insecticide or other pest control measure.
  • Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is low in nitrogen.

Philodendron skeleton key FAQs

Is Skeleton Key a pothos?

No, Skeleton Key is not a pothos. Pothos belong to the arum family, while skeleton key is a member of the Araceae family. Although they share some similarities, they are not the same plant.

Can I put my Philodendron skeleton key outside?

It is best to keep your plant indoors near a window that receives bright sunlight. If you cannot provide enough sunlight, you can also use grow lights.

Does Skeleton Key like to be misted?

It does not require misting, but it will benefit from being placed in a room with high humidity. You can increase the humidity around your plant by using a humidifier or placing it on a pebble tray.

What is the difference between Skeleton Key and Philodendron elegans skeleton key?

These are the names of the same plant. The plant was originally known as Philodendron elegans, but the name was changed to Philodendron skeleton key to more accurately reflect its appearance. The plant is also sometimes called false pothos or sweetheart vine.

Final Thoughts

Philodendron skeleton key are a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant that can add a touch of tropical flair to any home. With a little bit of basic care, they will thrive indoors for many years to come. So if you’re looking for a plant that’s both stylish and low-maintenance, look no further than this plant.