Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata Care Indoors, Propagation and Growing Problems

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Botanical name: Philodendron ilsemanii 'Variegata'
Family: Araceae
Common names: Mottled Ilsemanii

Description

Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata also called Mottled Ilsemanii is a rare evergreen climber which bears slender, large, pointed leaves with green and white variegation.

The leaves emerge in deep-green and develop the variegation as they continue to grow. The variegation varies from leaf to leaf.

Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata can be grown as a climber on a trellis or moss stick. Firm support needs to be provided for the stems to prevent the plant from toppling over.

Origin

Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata origin is not known. It is thought to be a cultivar of Philodendron corcovadense though there is no available documentation to confirm this.

Toxicity

According to National Capital Poison Center, Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata like other Philodendrons are toxic to both humans and pets. The plants 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 your Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata away from the reach of children and pets.

Where to buy

If you would like to acquire Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata, it is available online at Etsy. Here is a Link to Etsy Shops.

Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata Care Indoors

Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata prefers bright indirect light away from direct sunlight, warm and humid conditions and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soils coupled with regular feeding during the growing season.

Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata 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. Continue reading for a detailed account on these conditions and how to achieve them.

Watering

Water Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist.

Decrease watering during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time to keep the soil slightly moist. Use water that is at room temperature 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 disease and eventual death of the plant.

Light Requirements

Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata thrives in bright indirect light away from direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.

Inadequate light will result in leggy growth, small-sized pale leaves and loss of variegation.

Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth.

Temperature and Humidity

Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata prefers average warmth within the range of 20-28⁰C. Temperatures outside this range may harm the plant.

Keep the plant away from cold and hot draughts to prevent extreme temperatures. Too high temperatures may cause yellowing and leaf drop while too low temperatures can result in reduced growth, even death of the plant.

Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata requires a humid environment inorder to thrive. Low humidity for prolonged periods can result in curled leaves and brown leaf tips and edges.

To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.

Clean the leaves regularly by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and to discourage pest infestation.

Fertilizer

Feed Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata every 3-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer for lush growth.

Withhold feeding during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn and eventual death of the plant.

Potting Mix

The best potting mix for Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients.

Multi-purpose potting mixes are ideal for this plant. Buy this quality multi-purpose potting mix from Etsy.

Repotting

Repot young Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata at the beginning of the growing season. Use a pot that is 1-2 sizes larger and loose, free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot and eventual death of the plant.

Large Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata may be impossible to repot due to their enormous size. Therefore, replenish the top 2-3 in. 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 Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata involves removal of yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and also discourage pests and diseases.

To encourage a bushy and compact growth for Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata, 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.

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

Propagation

Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata propagation can be done during the growing season from stem cuttings. The stem cuttings can be rooted in soil or in water.

How to propagate Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata from stem cuttings in soil

Take a stem cutting of about 4-5 in. long from a healthy Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata 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 Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.

How to propagate Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata from stem cuttings in water

Take a stem cutting of about 4-5 in. long from a healthy Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata 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 plants 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 cuttings.

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

Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata Problems

The main problems in Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata include loss of variegation, 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.

Diseases

Apart from stem-rot disease, Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata is also prone to powdery mildew and leaf spot disease which are promoted by overwet conditions coupled with poor air circulation.

Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the rest of the houseplants and spray it with a fungicidal solution. Ensure to cover the entire plant; the leaves and the stems.

To prevent future infestation, avoid wetting the foliage and water from the bottom instead. Also ensure that there is good air circulation for the plant.

Pests

The common pests in Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata are Aphids, Scales and Mealybugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it with Neem oil or Insecticidal soap.

Loss of variegation

Loss of variegation in Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata is due to too little light (inadequate light). The plant requires bright indirect light away from direct sunlight.

Move the Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata to a more brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or instal a grow light where natural light is inadequate.

Yellow leaves

If many leaves are affected and there are signs of wilting and rotting, overwatering Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata is the reason for yellow leaves.

Take care not to overwater the plant. Water the Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings.

Reduce the amount and frequency of watering during the cold season to maintain the soil slightly moist.

To avoid getting soggy soil, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is free-draining.

If there is no wilting and rotting, underfeeding is the cause of yellow leaves.

Feed the Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata every 3-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer and withhold feeding during the cold season to avoid fertilizer burn.

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 Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings 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 Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata or keep it away from direct sunlight.

Dropping leaves

The lower leaves in Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata 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 Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata to a new position before acclimatizing it gradually to prevent leaf drop.

If the leaves turn brown and dry before they drop, then too high temperature is the cause of leaf drop in Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata.

Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata prefers average warmth within the range of 20-28⁰C. Protect it from hot draughts; keep the plant away from hot air vents or near any heat source.

Brown leaf tips and edges

There are two possible causes of brown leaf tips and edges in Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata. 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 raise humidity for the plant.

The second possible cause of brown leaf tips and edges in Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata is that the plant is root-bound.

Repot the Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata into a pot 1-2 sizes larger. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.

Leggy growth and small pale leaves

Too little light is the cause of leggy growth and small pale leaves as Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata will not grow in shade.