Philodendron Tuxtlanum is a rare Philodendron species that is only found in the mountains of central Mexico. It is a beautiful plant that has dark green leaves with a reddish underside. It is easy to care for plants and makes a great addition to any home or garden.
Appearance
This gorgeous plant can reach 5 to 6 feet in a year. Mature leaves can get 1 to 2 feet long. This plant has large heart-shaped, glossy-green leaves that have beautiful red undersides. Therefore, this plant is also known as Philodendron Tuxtlanum Red Queen.
Philodendron Tuxtlanum Features
Drought Tolerance
It is a drought-tolerant plant. This plant can tolerate periods of drought, but it will require more water during periods of extended dry weather.
Air Purification
This plant is an excellent air purifier. This plant can help to remove harmful toxins from the air, making it a great choice for any home or office.
Maintenance
It is a low-maintenance plant. This plant does not require much care and can be left to grow on its own.
Toxicity
It is a toxic plant. This plant can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. If ingested, this plant can cause stomach upset. Philodendron Tuxtlanum should be kept away from children and pets.
Dormancy
It is a deciduous plant. This plant will lose its leaves during the winter months. This plant will require less water during this time.
Philodendron Tuxtlanum Care
Philodendron Tuxtlanum care includes planting in well-drained soil, watering when the soil is dry, and fertilizing monthly. This plant can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It is a low-maintenance plant and makes a great addition to any home or garden.
Quick Guide
| Soil | Well-draining, aerated potting mix. |
| Light | Bright, indirect sunlight. |
| Water | Once or twice a week. |
| Humidity | 70-90% |
| Temperature | 55°- 80°F |
| Fertilizer | Tri-annually with a slow-release fertilizer. |
| Pruning | Once every year before the growing season. |
| Repotting | Once the plant doubles its pot. |
Soil Requirements
Philodendron Tuxtlanum requires a well-draining, aerated potting mix. This plant does not like to sit in wet soil. This plant will require more water during the summer months.
The ideal potting mix for this plant should be one part peat moss, one part perlite, and one part vermiculite
Light Requirements
It requires bright, indirect sunlight. This plant does not like direct sunlight and will scorch in direct sun. It will require less water during the winter months.
These are the places you can grow this Philodendron:
- Indoors: Bright, indirect sunlight.
- Outdoors: Partially shaded areas.
Water Requirements
This plant requires once or twice a week. This plant should be allowed to dry out between watering. It will require more water during the summer months.
Before watering this plant, place your finger about an inch into the potting mix. If the potting mix is dry, it is time to water your plant. However, if the potting mix is moist, this plant does not need to be watered.
Humidity Requirements
This plant requires 70-90% humidity. This plant does not like dry air and will require a humidifier during the winter months. It will require less water during the winter months.
Here is how you can increase indoor humidity for this plant:
- Place a humidifier in the room.
- Place a bowl of water near the plant.
- Mist the leaves with water.
Temperature Requirements
This plant requires 55°- 80°F. This plant does not like cold temperatures and will require a heated propagator during the winter months. It will require more water during the summer months.
Fertilizer Requirements
This plant requires tri-annually with a slow-release fertilizer. This plant does not like to be fertilized too often. It will require more fertilizer during the growing season.
Here are a few tips before you fertilize this plant:
- It should be fertilized every six months.
- This plant should be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer.
- This plant should not be fertilized during the winter months.
Pruning Requirements
This plant requires once every year before the growing season. This plant should be pruned in late winter or early spring. It will require less pruning as it matures.
- Here is how you should prune this plant:
- It should be pruned every year in late winter or early spring.
- You should prune the plant when it is actively growing
Repotting Requirements
This plant requires once the plant doubles its pot. This plant should be repotted in the spring and will require less frequent repotting as it matures.
Appropriate Pot Type
This plant requires a pot with drainage holes as it does not like to sit in wet soil.
How to Repot Philodendron Tuxtlanum?
Philodendron Tuxtlanum should be repotted in the spring. This plant does not like to be disturbed and will require extra care when repotting. This plant will require less repotting as it matures.
Here are a few tips before you repot this plant:
- Repot your plant in the spring.
- It should be repotted every two years.
- It should not be disturbed when repotting.
Follow these steps to repot this plant:
- Water the plant the day before you plan to repot it.
- Take out the plant from its current pot.
- Inspect the plant for root rot or pests.
- Place it in its new pot.
- Fill the pot with the plant’s new potting mix.
- Water the soil.
Philodendron Tuxtlanum Propagation
Philodendron Tuxtlanum can be propagated by stem cuttings. This plant should be propagated in the spring or summer. This plant will require less propagation as it matures.
Here is how you should propagate this plant:
- Take a knife and sterilize it with rubbing alcohol.
- Cut a stem that is at least six inches long.
- Remove the lower leaves of stem cutting.
- Place the stem cutting in a glass of water.
- Change the water every day.
- Place the plant in a potting mix.
- Water your plant thoroughly.
Symptoms of Overwatering or Underwatering Philodendron Tuxtlanum
Just like Philodendron sp Silver, Philodendron Tuxtlanum also requires the right amount of watering. This plant does not like to be overwatered or underwater. This plant will require more water during the summer months
Signs of Overwatering
- The leaves are wilting.
- Yellow leaves.
- The leaves are drooping.
- Soft stems.
- Root rot.
Signs of Underwatering
The leaves are the first to suffer when the plant is not getting enough water. They will start to droop and become dry and crispy.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
This plant is susceptible to root rot, mealybugs, and spider mites.
Root Rot
Root rot is a common problem that is caused by overwatering. This plant does not like to be overwatered or sit in wet soil. Philodendron Tuxtlanum will require more water during the summer months.
If you think your plant has root rot, you should:
- Remove this plant from its pot.
- Inspect the plant for root rot.
- Cut away the roots that are affected by root rot.
- Repot the plant in a new pot with fresh potting mix.
- Water the plant.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are pests that feed on the plant’s sap. This plant does not like to be overwatered or sit in wet soil. This plant will require more water during the summer months.
If you think your plant has mealybugs, you should:
- Inspect it for mealybugs.
- Remove the plant from its pot.
- Place the plant in a new pot with fresh potting mix.
- Water the plant.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are pests that spin webs on the plant. To get rid of spider mites, you should use a pesticide.
Pesticide Control
You should use a pesticide if you think the plant has spider mites. You can make a DIY pesticide or buy one from the store.
To make a DIY pesticide, you will need:
- One tablespoon of dish soap
- One quart of water
- A spray bottle
Mix the ingredients together and put them in the spray bottle and spray the plant with your DIY pesticide.
However, if you want to buy a pesticide, you should:
- Read the label to see if it is safe for this plant.
- Follow the instructions on the label.
Philodendron Tuxtlanum: FAQs
Yes, it is a poisonous plant. All parts of the plant contain toxins that can cause severe digestive issues if ingested. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Yes, it is a rare plant. It’s native to Mexico and can be found in the wild in humid, shaded forests. This fast-growing climber has large, dark green leaves with contrasting white veins. It’s a showy plant that makes a great addition to any tropical garden.
This lovely plant produces beautiful leaves in its juvenile days. Its large heart-shaped leaves have reddish undersides and green blades from above.
Conclusion
When it comes to Philodendron plants, there are many different species to choose from. However, Philodendron Tuxtlanum is a rare and unique variety that is sure to turn heads. With its beautiful dark green leaves and red underside, this plant is a showstopper! If you’re looking for an unusual and eye-catching houseplant, look no further than the Philodendron Tuxtlanum.