Philodendron domesticum (Spadeleaf Philodendron) Care Indoors; Watering, Light, Propagation

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Philodendron domesticum also called Spadeleaf Philodendron or Burgundy Philodendron is among evergreen, climbing Philodendron varieties and features long, glossy, spade-shaped leaves and reddish-purple stems. It has a variegated type which comes with striking, cream-yellow variegations on the leaves.

Spadeleaf Philodendron like Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens), Finger-leaf Philodendron (Philodendron elegans), Silver Sword Philodendron (Philodendron hastatum) and Philodendron ilsemanii 'Variegata' can be grown as a climber on a trellis or moss pole. Firm support for the stems needs to be provided for these plants.

Botanical name: Philodendron domesticum
Family: Araceae
Common names: Spadeleaf Philodendron, Burgundy Philodendron

Origin

Philodendron domesticum is native to the tropical rainforests in South America where it grows as an epiphyte on trees.

Size

Burgundy Philodendron can grow to a height of 8 feet and 3 feet wide when grown indoors. The mature, spade-shaped leaves are about 2 feet long and 1 foot wide. On account of its size and delightful foliage, Philodendron domesticum is one of the favored plants for the living room where it will create a great first impression.

Is Philodendron domesticum toxic?

Yes. According to National Capital Poison Center, Philodendron domesticum like other Philodendrons is toxic to both humans and pets. They contain Calcium oxalate crystals.

If ingested, these crystals can cause burning and swelling in the mouth and throat, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pains. Therefore, keep it away from the reach of children and pets.

Where to Buy

If you would like to acquire this plant, beautiful and healthy Spadeleaf Philodendrons including variegated ones are available online on Etsy (Link to Etsy).

How to Care for Philodendron domesticum Indoors

To care for Philodendron domesticum indoors, give it bright indirect light, warmth of 15-27⁰C, humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

Spadeleaf Philodendron requires annual repotting for the young plants while the large plants need annual replenishment of the soil. Regular pruning is necessary to keep the plant neat, to encourage a bushy growth and to rejuvenate growth. Keep reading for a detailed account on these conditions and how to achieve them.

Watering

Water Philodendron domesticum thoroughly in spring and summer while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep it moderately moist. Be careful not to overwater to prevent rotting, yellowing and leaf loss.

Reduce watering in fall and winter to keep the soil slightly moist since growth is minimal at this time. Do not let the soil dry out completely as underwatering can result in wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.

Use water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking this tropical plant which can lead to stunted growth and leaf fall. Only water with chlorine-free water like rainwater to prevent browning of leaf edges.

Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent waterlogging which can lead to root-rot and death of the plant. Avoid wetting the foliage to discourage fungal diseases.

Light Requirements

Spadeleaf Philodendron grows best in bright indirect light (filtered light); position it near a bright, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching the leaves.

Inadequate light will result in leggy growth and small-sized pale leaves, therefore, ensure the plant receives adequate light. If the natural light is not adequate, instal a grow light to supplement it.

Give the pot a quarter turn every month, to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth and prevent legginess.

Temperature & Humidity

Philodendron domesticum prefers a warmth of 15-27⁰C. Keep it away from drafts to prevent extreme temperatures which can result in reduced growth, drooping, yellowing and leaf loss.

Spadeleaf Philodendron needs a humidity of 60-70% to thrive. Low humidity for prolonged periods will result in brown leaf tips and edges. To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Do not mist the plant and maintain a good air flow to minimize fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

Feed Philodendron domesticum with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 3-4 weeks in spring and summer for lush growth. Stop feeding in fall and winter to prevent fertilizer burn as growth is minimal at this time.

Occasionally, leach out excess salts by running a stream of water through the soil until it drains through the drainage holes. Repeat the process several times to clear most of the salts.

Potting Soil

The best potting mix for Spadeleaf Philodendron should be a rich, free-draining soil to prevent waterlogging while providing the required nutrients. A blend of 2 parts of potting soil and 1 part perlite is good for this plant.

Repotting

Repot young Spadeleaf Philodendron at the beginning of the growing season. Use a pot that is 1-2 sizes larger that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy which can lead to root-rot. Check out these ceramic pots with drainage holes on Amazon.

The large Philodendron domesticum may be impossible to repot due to their enormous size. Therefore, replenish the top 2-3 inches of soil at the beginning of the growing season or as necessary. Take care not to injure the roots to avoid fungal infestations.

Pruning & Grooming

Pruning Spadeleaf Philodendron involves removal of yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and also reduce pest and disease infestations.

To encourage a bushy and compact growth, pinch off the growing tips at a point above the node as new growth emerges from a node. The tips can be used to propagate new plants.

Cutback the leggy stems to the soil level at the beginning of the growing season to rejuvenate growth.

Regularly clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and to discourage pests and diseases infestations.

Philodendron domesticum Propagation

Spadeleaf Philodendron propagation is best done at the beginning of the growing season, from stem cuttings which can be rooted either in soil or in water.

1. Rooting Spadeleaf Philodendron stem cuttings in soil

1. Take a stem cutting of about 4-5 inches long from a healthy plan by cutting the stem below a leaf node. Strip off the lower leaves.


2. Insert the cutting in moist, well-drained soil while ensuring that at least one leaf node is below the soil.


3. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight.


4. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges.


5. Allow the new plant to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.

2. Rooting Spadeleaf Philodendron stem cuttings in water

1. Take a stem cutting of about 4-5 inches long from a healthy plant by cutting the stem below a leaf node. Strip off the lower leaves.


2. Submerge 2-3 inches of lower cut end of the cutting in a jar of clean water while ensuring at least one leaf node is below the water surface.


3. Position the set up in a well-lit place away from direct sunlight.


4. Change the water every 5-7 days until when roots develop


5. Transfer the new plant into individual pots in moist, free-draining soil when the roots are about 4 inches long.


6. Maintain the soil moist until new growth has emerged on the new cuttings.


7. Allow the new plant to be well established before transfering the pots to their permanent position after which you can begin routine.

Learn more on how to propagate Philodendrons by 4 Easy Methods.

Philodendron domesticum Problems & Remedies

Spadeleaf Philodendron problems are yellow leaves, dropping leaves, brown leaf tips and edges, leggy growth, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Yellow leaves

Some of the causes of yellow leaves on Philodendron domesticum are inconsistent watering, soggy soil, too little light, nutrients deficiency, salts buildup or aging.

How to fix it

Inconsistent watering: Water only when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Do not water on a schedule.

Soggy soil: Use a free-draining soil and a pot with a drainage hole.

Too little light: Position the plant in bright indirect light or use a grow light if the natural lighting is not enough.

Nutrients deficiency: Feed the plant with a balanced, water soluble fertilizer every 3-4 weeks in spring and summer but do not feed in fall and winter.

Salts buildup: Occasionally leach out accumulated salts by running a stream of water through the soil until it comes out through the drainage hole.

Aging: Naturally the old leaves to turn yellow and drop as the plant matures.

Dropping leaves

Dropping leaves off Spadeleaf Philodendron is caused by inconsistent watering, soggy soil, too little light, dry air, temperature stress, use of cold water among others.

How to fix it

Inconsistent watering: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out but never allow the soil to dry out completely.

Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and loose, well-draining soil.

Insufficient light: Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or use a grow light if the natural light is not sufficient.

Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to step-up humidity.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like AC units, heat sources, windy doors, drafty windows among others.

Use of cold water: Water with room temperature (tepid) water to prevent cold shock.

Brown leaf tips and edges

Brown leaf tips and edges on Spadeleaf Philodendron are caused by dry air or being pot-bound.

How to fix it

Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to elevate humidity.

Being pot-bound: Repot the plant into a pot 1-2 sizes larger that has a drainage hole. Use a well-draining soil to prevent it from getting soggy.

Leggy growth

Leggy growth and small pale leaves on Spadeleaf Philodendron is due to inadequate light.

How to fix it

Move the plant to a more brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or instal a grow light if the natural light is insufficient.

Pests

Common pests of Philodendron domesticum are aphids, scale insects and mealybugs which are common in dry air conditions.

How to fix it

1. Isolate the affected plant to minimize spread to the rest of the plants.


2. Treat the affected plant with neem oil or an insecticidal soap as indicated by the manufacturers.


3. Keep the plant well pruned to discourage the pests.


4. To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or group the plants together to reduce the pests infestations.

Diseases

Philodendron domesticum is prone to the following diseases:

1. Powdery mildew which is prevalent in damp conditions coupled with poor air circulation. It presents as whitish-gray mold on the leaves.

How to fix it

1. Remove the affected leaves and discard to reduce spread to other parts of the plant.


2. Treat the affected plant with neem oil as per the manufacturer's instructions.


3. Maintain a good air circulation for the plant.


4. Do not mist the plant and avoid wetting the foliage during watering.

2. Leaf spot disease which is characterized by brown, moist leaf spots. It is prevalent in overwet conditions coupled with poor air circulation.

How to fix it

1. Remove and burn the affected parts to prevent spread to the other plants.


2. Treat the affected plant with neem oil as recommended by the manufacturer.


3. Keep the plant on the dry side and do not mist it.


4. Maintain a good air flow to discourage the disease.

3. Stem-rot disease which is promoted by high moisture and too little warmth.

How to fix it

1. Use the upper stem to propagate new plants and discard the infected parts.


2. Lessen the frequency of watering in fall and winter to discourage occurence of the disease.

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