How to Grow and Care for Spadeleaf Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum) Indoors
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Spadeleaf Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum) blossoms in bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose potting mix coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Philodendron domesticum also called Burgundy Philodendron is among the evergreen, climbing Philodendron varieties which bears long, glossy, spade-shaped leaves and reddish-purple stems.
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.
Burgundy Philodendron has a beautiful variegated type which comes with striking cream-yellow variegations on the spade-shaped leaves.
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 best plants for the living room where it will create a great first impression.
Toxicity
According to National Capital Poison Center, Spadeleaf Philodendron 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).
Philodendron domesticum Care Indoors
Spadeleaf Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum) prospers in bright indirect light, moderate warmth of 15-270C, humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose potting mix coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Philodendron domesticum requires annual repotting for the young plants while the large plants need annual replenishment of the soil. Regular pruning is necessary to keep the Spadeleaf Philodendron, 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 Spadeleaf Philodendron thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep it moderately moist.
Reduce watering during the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Use water that is at room temperature to water this plant to avoid shocking this tropical plant.
Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot which may result in death of the plant.
Light Requirements
Spadeleaf Philodendron grows best in bright indirect light 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.
Where the natural light is not adequate instal grow light to supplement it. Check out these full spectrum grow lights available on Amazon.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth and prevent legginess.
Temperature and Humidity
Spadeleaf Philodendron prefers average warmth of 15-270C. Temperatures outside this range may affect the growth negatively. Keep the plant away from cold and hot drafts to prevent extreme temperatures.
Too high temperatures may cause yellowing and leaf drop while too low temperatures can result in reduced growth, leaf drop and even death of the plant.
Spadeleaf Philodendron requires a humidity of 60-70% to thrive. Low humidity for prolonged periods can result in brown leaf tips and edges. To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Learn more on how to increase humidity for houseplants.
Regularly clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and to discourage pests and diseases infestations.
Potting Mix
The best potting mix for Spadeleaf Philodendron should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Most all purpose potting mixes are ideal for this plant.
Fertilizer
Feed Spadeleaf Philodendron every 3-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer for lush growth. Stop feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time and feeding can lead to fertilizer burn and eventual death of the plant.
Repotting
Repot young Spadeleaf Philodendron at the beginning of the growing season. Use a pot that is 1-2 sizes larger than the current one. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot. Check out these ceramic pots with drainage holes on Amazon.
The large Spadeleaf Philodendron 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
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. Read more on how to prune houseplants.
Propagation
Spadeleaf Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum) propagation can be done during the growing season from stem cuttings. The stem cuttings can be rooted in soil or in water.
How to root Spadeleaf Philodendron stem cuttings in soil
Take a stem cutting of about 4-5 inches long from a healthy Spadeleaf Philodendron by cutting the stem below a leaf node. Strip off the lower leaves.
Insert the cutting in moist, well-drained soil while ensuring that at least one leaf node is below the soil.
Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges.
Allow the new Spadeleaf Philodendron to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.
How to root Spadeleaf Philodendron stem cuttings in water
Take a stem cutting of about 4-5 inches long from a healthy Spadeleaf Philodendron by cutting the stem below a leaf node. Strip off the lower leaves.
Place the cutting in a jar of clean water while ensuring at least one leaf node is below the water surface.
Position the set up in a well-lit place and change the water every 5-7 days until roots have developed.
Transfer the new plant into individual pots in moist, free-draining soil when the roots are about 4 in. long.
Maintain the soil moist until new growth has emerged on the new cuttings.
Allow the new Spadeleaf Philodendron to be well established before transfering the pots to their permanent position after which you can begin routine.
Philodendron domesticum Problems
The main Spadeleaf Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum) growing problems include yellow leaves, dropping leaves, brown leaf tips and edges, rotting, pests and diseases among others. Continue reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Rotting stems
The reason for rotting stems in Spadeleaf Philodendron is stem-rot disease which is promoted by high moisture and too little warmth. To save the plant repot it in fresh dry soil and keep the soil dry and warm for a period of time before watering.
Diseases
Spadeleaf Philodendron is prone to powdery mildew and leaf spot disease which are prevalent in overwet conditions coupled with poor air circulation. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the rest of the plants and treat it for the disease.
To prevent future infestation, avoid wetting the foliage and water from the bottom instead. In addition, ensure that there is good air circulation for the plant.
Pests
The common pests in Spadeleaf Philodendron are aphids, scales and mealybugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Leggy growth and small pale leaves
Too little light is the cause of leggy growth and small pale leaves as Spadeleaf Philodendron will not thrive in shade. 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 inadequate. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Yellow leaves
Overwatering Spadeleaf Philodendron is the reason for yellow leaves if many leaves are affected and there are signs of wilting and rotting. Take care not to overwater the plant. Water the plant thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Decrease the amount and frequency of watering in the cold season to maintain the soil slightly moist as growth is reduced at this time. To avoid getting soggy soil, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is free-draining. Learn more on how to water houseplants correctly.
If there is no wilting and rotting, underfeeding is the cause of yellow leaves. Feed the plant every 3-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer and do not feed during the cold season to avoid fertilizer burn. Learn how to feed houseplants.
If only lower leaves are affected and have dark spots and new leaves are dark and small, then underwatering is the cause of the yellow leaves.
To remedy the problem, water the plant liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Cut down on watering in the cold period but never allow the soil to dry out completely.
If leaves are pale colored and have straw-colored patches the cause of yellow leaves is exposure to direct sunlight. Shield the Spadeleaf Philodendron or keep it away from direct sunlight.
Dropping leaves
The lower leaves in Spadeleaf Philodendron will drop as they age but if there is an abnormal leaf drop, the reason is sudden change of the growing conditions. Avoid moving the plant to a new position before acclimating it.
If the leaves turn brown and dry before they drop, then too high temperature is the cause of leaf drop. Spadeleaf Philodendron prefers average warmth of 15-270C. Keep it from hot drafts from hot air vents or any heat source. Check out this guide on understanding temperature for houseplants.
Brown leaf tips and edges
There are two possible causes of brown leaf tips and edges in Spadeleaf Philodendron. One possible cause of brown leaf tips and edges is dry air (low air humidity). Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to elevate humidity for the plant.
The second possible cause of brown leaf tips and edges in Spadeleaf Philodendron is that the plant is root-bound. Repot the plant into a pot 1-2 sizes larger and ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
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