Philodendron hastatum (Silver Sword Philodendron) Indoor Care, Propagation & Common Problems

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Philodendron hastatum (Silver Sword Philodendron) requires bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions, and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

Philodendron hastatum is an easy-care, evergreen, climbing Philodendron variety which bears glossy, large, sword-shaped leaves with a silver sheen.

Silver Sword Philodendron like Spadeleaf Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum), Finger-leaf Philodendron (Philodendron elegans), Blushing Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens) and Philodendron ilsemanii 'Variegata' requires to be given a moss pole or a trellis to give it support to grow upright.

Botanical name: Philodendron hastatum
Family: Araceae
Common names: Silver Sword Philodendron

Origin

Philodendron hastatum is native to the tropical rainforests in Southeast Brazil where it grows as an epiphyte on trees, climbing by means of the aerial roots to the tree canopies in search of light. It is considered an endangered species in its native habitat due to deforestation but the plant is readily available for sale.

How big do Philodendron hastatum get?

Philodendron hastatum is a fast-growing climber which can grow to a height of 10 feet and a spread of 5 feet in its native habitat but it only grows to about 5 feet when grown indoors. On account of its size and spectacular foliage, Silver Sword Philodendron is one of the best plants for the home as it will create a magnificent sight in any space.

Is Philodendron hastatum toxic?

Yes. According to National Capital Poison Center, Philodendron hastatum like other Philodendrons is toxic to both humans and pets. These plants contain Calcium oxalate crystals which if ingested, can cause burning and swelling in the mouth and throat, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pains. Therefore, keep the plant away from the reach of children and pets.

Where to Buy

If you are looking to add Silver Sword Philodendrons to your plant collection, you may get them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy) or from Amazon (Link to Amazon).

How to Care for Philodendron hastatum Indoors

To care for Philodendron hastatum indoors, give it bright indirect light (filtered light), warmth of 18-27⁰C, humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

Silver Sword Philodendron care requires regular pruning to keep the plant neat, encourage a bushy growth and rejuvenate growth. Repotting of the young plant is needed when it becomes pot-bound while the large plants require annual replenishment of the soil. Keep reading for a detailed account on these conditions and how to achieve them.

Watering

How often should I water a Silver Sword Philodendron?

Water your Silver Sword Philodendron liberally in spring and summer while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Kkeep the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering to prevent rotting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.

Decrease watering in fall and winter to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is slowed at this time. Never allow the soil to dry out completely as dry soil can result in wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf loss.

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

Avoid waterlogging by ensuring that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining as soggy soil can lead to root-rot and death of the plant.

Light Requirements

How much light does a Silver Sword Philodendron need?

Silver Sword Philodendron grows best in bright indirect light (dappled light); position infront of a large, bright, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunlight or use a light curtain to diffuse the light to prevent scorching of the leaves.

Lack of enough light will result in leggy growth and small-sized pale (yellowish) leaves. Therefore, where the lighting is not adequate, instal full spectrum grow lights to ensure that the plant receives the correct amount of light.

Turn the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and to prevent leggy growth.

Temperature & Humidity

Silver Sword Philodendron prefers a warmth of 18-27⁰C. Temperature outside this range may harm the plant. Keep the plant away from drafts to prevent stunted growth, drooping, yellowing of leaves and eventual plant death.

Philodendron hastatum thrives in a humidity of 60-70%. Though it can withstand dry air for short periods, low humidity for prolonged periods will result in brown leaf tips and edges.

Therefore, to elevate humidity, group the plants together, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Maintain good air flow to reduce fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

Which is the best fertilizer for Silver Sword Philodendron?

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

Regularly, flush out accumulated salts by running a stream of water through the soil until it drains through the drainage holes. Repeat the process several times to get rid of most of the salts.

Potting Soil

Which is the best soil for Silver Sword Philodendron?

The best soil for Silver Sword Philodendron should be rich and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. A blend of 2 parts of all purpose potting mix and 1 part perlite is perfect for this plant.

Repotting

Repot the young Silver Sword Philodendron at the beginning of the growing period. Use a pot that is 1 size larger that has a drainage hole and well-draining soil to prevent rotting. Check out these ceramic pots with drainage holes on Amazon.

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

Pruning & Maintenance

Pruning Silver Sword Philodendron involves removal of yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and also reduce pests and diseases.

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 at the beginning of the growing season to rejuvenate growth.

Once in a while, clean the leaves by damp-wiping to get rid of dust and to discourage pest and disease infestations.

Philodendron hastatum Propagation

Philodendron hastatum (Silver Sword Philodendron) propagation is best done during the growing season from stem cuttings or by plant division. The stem cuttings can be rooted either in soil or in water.

1. Propagating Silver Sword Philodendron from stem cuttings in soil

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


2. Strip off the lower leaves to expose the stem.


3. Insert 2-3 inches of the stem into moist, well-draining soil while ensuring that at least one leaf node is below the soil.


4. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.


5. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges.


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

2. Propagating Silver Sword Philodendron from 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 with sterilized scissors. 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 roots have developed.


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.

3. Propagating Silver Sword Philodendron by plant division

1. During repotting, divide a large plant into several sections. Ensure each section has adequate healthy roots.


2. Plant the sections in individual pots in moist, free-draining soil.


3. Place the set up in a warm, brightly-lit place away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching.


4. Maintain the soil moist until the new plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.

Philodendron hastatum Problems & Solutions

Silver Sword Philodendron (Philodendron hastatum) common problems are yellow leaves, leaf drop, 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 hastatum are low light, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, nutrients deficiency, salts buildup or aging.

How to fix it

Low light: Position the plant in bright indirect light or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.

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

Soggy soil: Use a well-draining soil and a pot that has a drainage hole.

Nutrients deficiency: Feed the plant with a balanced, water soluble fertilizer every 3-4 weeks in spring and summer but withhold feeding in fall and winter.

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

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

Leaf drop

Leaf drop on Silver Sword Philodendron is caused by dry air, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, too little light, temperature stress, use of cold water among others.

How to fix it

Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier, group the plants together to upscale humidity.

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

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

Too little 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 enough.

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

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

Brown leaf tips and edges

Brown leaf tips and edges on Silver Sword Philodendron are caused by low humidity and being pot-bound.

How to fix it

Low humidity: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray, group the plants together or use a cool mist humidifier to increase humidity.

Being pot-bound: Repot the plant into a pot 1 size larger that has a drainage hole and well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.

Leggy growth

Leggy growth and small pale leaves on Silver Sword Philodendron is due to insufficient light.

How to fix it

Position the plant in a brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.

Pests

Common pests on Silver Sword Philodendron are aphids, scales, whiteflies and mealybugs which are common in dry air conditions.

How to fix it

1. Isolate the affected plant to prevent 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, use a humidifier or group the plants together.

Diseases

Silver Sword Philodendron is prone to the following diseases:

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

How to fix it

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


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


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


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

2. Stem-rot disease which is prevalent in humid conditions coupled with too little warmth.

How to fix it

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


2. Reduce the frequency of watering in fall and winter to depress occurence of the disease.

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