Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata Care Indoors, Propagation and Common Problems
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Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata also called Mottled Ilsemanii is a rare, evergreen, climbing Philodendron variety and features large, slender, pointed leaves with green and white variegation, which emerge in deep-green and develop the variegation as they mature. The variegation varies from leaf to leaf.
Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata like Spadeleaf Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum), Finger-leaf Philodendron (Philodendron elegans), Blushing Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens) and Silver Sword Philodendron (Philodendron hastatum) can be grown as a climber on a trellis or moss pole where it can beautifully display its variegated leaves. Firm support needs to be provided for the stems to prevent the plant from toppling over.
On account of its growth habits and spectacular foliage, Mottled Ilsemanii is one of the popular plants for the office space where it will create a delightful first impression as well as be a great conversation starter.
Botanical name: Philodendron ilsemanii 'Variegata'
Family: Araceae
Common name: Mottled Ilsemanii
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.
Is Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata toxic?
Yes. 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 the plant away from the reach of children and pets.
Where to buy
If you would like to acquire Mottled Ilsemanii, you may obtain these plant online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata Care Indoors
To care for Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata indoors, provide bright indirect light, warmth of 20-280C, humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soils coupled with regular feeding in 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 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
Water Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata liberally in spring and summer while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Keep the soil moderately moist and take care not to overwater to prevent rotting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.
Lessen watering in fall and winter to keep the soil slightly moist since growth is reduced at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely to avoid wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf fall.
Use water that is at room temperature to avoid cold shock which can result in stunted growth and leaf loss. Ensure that the water is chlorine-free to prevent browning of leaf edges.
Select a pot that has a drainage hole and well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging as it can lead to root-rot and death of the plant. Always empty the bottom saucer of the excess water so that the plant does not sit on water.
Light Requirements
Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata thrives in bright indirect light (filtered light); place it near a large, bright, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunlight or instal a light curtain to diffuse the sunrays to prevent scorching the leaves.
Insufficient light for this plant will result in leggy growth, small-sized pale leaves and loss of leaf variegation. Therefore, if the natural light is too low, consider investing in full spectrum grow lights to supplement it.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth as well as prevent legginess.
Temperature & Humidity
Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata prefers a warmth of 20-280C. Keep it away from drafts to prevent extreme temperatures which can result in reduced growth, yellowing, drooping and eventual death of the plant.
Mottled Ilsemanii thrives in a humidity of 60-70%. Too little humidity for a prolonged period will result in curled leaves and brown leaf tips and edges. To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, group the plants together or use a cool mist humidifier. Maintain proper ventilation to minimize fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Feed Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) for lush growth. Stop feeding in the cold season (fall and winter) to prevent fertilizer burn as growth is reduced at this time.
Regularly, leach 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 clear most of the salts.
Potting Soil
The best potting mix for Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata should be rich in organic matter and free-draining 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 the 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 rotting. Check out these pots with drainage holes on Amazon.
The large Mottled Ilsemanii 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 & Maintenance
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, 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.
Clean the leaves regularly by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and to discourage pest infestation.
Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata Propagation
Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata propagation is best done at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings. The stem cuttings can be rooted either in water or in soil.
1. Propagating Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata from stem cuttings in water
- 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.
- 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.
- Place the set up in a well-lit place away from direct sunlight.
- Change the water every 5-7 days until roots have developed.
- Transfer the new plant into individual pots in moist, well-draining soil when the roots are about 4 inches long.
- Maintain the soil moist until new growth has emerged on the new cuttings.
- Allow the new plant to be well established before placing the pots in their permanent position after which you can begin routine.
2. Propagating Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata from stem cuttings in soil
- 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 to expose the stem.
- Insert 2-3 inches of the stem into moist, free-draining soil while ensuring that at least one leaf node is below the soil.
- Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.
- Keep the soil moist until new growth emerges.
- Allow the new plant to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.
Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata Problems
Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata problems are yellow leaves, dropping leaves, brown leaf tips and edges, 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 ilsemanii Variegata are inconsistent watering, soggy soil, low light, nutrients deficiency, salts buildup or aging.
How to fix it
Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule; water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out.
Soggy soil: Use a well-draining soil and a pot with a drainage hole.
Low 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 stop feeding in fall and winter.
Salts buildup: Occasionally flush out excess salts by running a stream of water through the soil until it flows out through the drainage hole.
Aging: Naturally, the older leaves turn yellow and drop as the plant matures.
Dropping leaves
Dropping leaves on Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata are 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 the plant 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 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 adequate.
Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier, group the plants together to increase humidity.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like AC units, windy doors, drafty windows, heat sources 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 Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata are caused by low humidity or 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 upscale humidity.
Being pot-bound: Repot the plant into a pot 1 size larger with a drainage hole and well-draining soil to avoid waterlogging.
Pests
Common pests of Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata are aphids, scales and mealybugs and are common in dry air conditions.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected plant to minimize spread to the rest of the plants.
- Treat the affected plant with neem oil or an insecticidal soap as recommended by the manufacturers.
- Maintain the plant well pruned to discourage the pests.
- To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a humidifier or group the plants together.
Diseases
Philodendron ilsemanii Variegata 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
- Remove the affected leaves and discard to reduce spread to other parts of the plant.
- Treat the affected plant with neem oil as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Ensure a good air circulation for the plant.
- Do not mist the plant and avoid wetting the foliage during watering.
2. Leaf spot disease which is characterized by brown, moist leaf spots. The disease is prevalent in overwet conditions coupled with poor air circulation.
How to fix it
- Remove and burn the affected parts to minimize spread to the other plants.
- Treat the affected plant with neem oil as indicated by the manufacturer.
- Keep the plant on the dry side and do not mist it.
- Maintain a good air flow to discourage the disease.
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