How to Grow, Care and Propagate Philodendron sagittifolium
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Philodendron sagittifolium grows best in bright indirect light, average warmth, above average humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Philodendron sagittifolium is one of the vigorously-growing, climbing Philodendron varieties whose large, arrow-shaped leaves are pale-green on top and the undersides are dark-green with light green spots.
Philodendron sagittifolium has a variegated cultivar which has yellow and green variegated leaves. The flower is an erect, flat, green spathe tinged with red on the inside.
The Philodendron sagittifolium can be grown as a climber on a trellis or moss stick where it can display its magnificent, large leaves. It is among the best large-leafed plants that make a bold statement in any space. The stems require a firm support to prevent the plant from toppling over.
Botanical name: Philodendron sagittifolium
Family: Araceae
Origin
Philodendron sagittifolium is native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, Mexico and Peru where is grows as an epiphyte on trees. an epiphyte is a plant that grows upon another plant merely for physical support and does not hurt the plant.
Size
Philodendron sagittifolium is a drought tolerant plant which can grow to a height of 10 feet in a few months. The leaves are about 24 inches long by 12 inches wide. On account of its size and spectacular foliage, Philodendron sagittifolium is one of the best large low-light plants for the living room.
Toxicity
The National Capital Poison Center, indicates that Philodendron sagittifolium like other Philodendrons is 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 it away from the reach of children and pets.
Where to buy
Are you looking to add Philodendron sagittifolium to your collection? You may obtain these plants online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Philodendron sagittifolium Care Indoors
Philodendron sagittifolium grows best in bright indirect light away from direct sunlight, average warmth of 18-250C, humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, all purpose soils coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Philodendron sagittifolium requires regular pruning to keep the plant neat, encourage a compact, 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
Water Philodendron sagittifolium liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Cut down on watering during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time. Use water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking this tropical plant.
To avoid soggy soil, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole. Soggy soil can lead to root-rot and eventual loss of the plant.
Light Requirements
Philodendron sagittifolium grows best in bright indirect light (dappled light). Keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching the leaves.
Too little light will result in leggy growth and small-sized pale leaves. Therefore, if the light in your home is inadequate, consider installing grow lights to supplement it. Check out these full spectrum grow lights available on Amazon.
For even growth, turn the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides as well as prevent legginess.
Temperature and Humidity
Philodendron sagittifolium thrives in average warmth of 18-250C. Keep it away from drafts to prevent extreme temperatures. Too high temperatures may cause yellowing and leaf drop while too low temperatures can result in reduced growth or even death of the plant.
Philodendron sagittifolium needs above average humidity of 60-70% to thrive. Low humidity for prolonged periods can result in curled leaves and brown leaf tips and edges. Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity.
Clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and to discourage pest and disease infestations. Ensure that there is good ventilation to minimize fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Feed Philodendron sagittifolium every 3-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to encourage a lush growth. Stop feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time and feeding at this time can result to fertilizer burn and death of the plant.
Potting Mix
The best potting medium for Philodendron sagittifolium should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. All purpose potting soils are ideal for this plant.
Repotting
Repot young Philodendron sagittifolium annuallly 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.
Ascertain 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 and saucer on Amazon.
Large plants 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 Philodendron sagittifolium involves removal of yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and reduce pests and diseases infestation.
To encourage a bushy and compact growth, regularly 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
Philodendron sagittifolium 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 sagittifolium from stem cuttings in soil
Take a stem cutting of about 4-5 inches long from a healthy Philodendron sagittifolium by cutting the stem below a leaf node. Strip off the lower leaves.
Insert the cutting in moist, free-draining soil while ensuring that at least one leaf node is below the soil surface.
Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges.
Allow the new Philodendron sagittifolium to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.
How to propagate Philodendron sagittifolium from stem cuttings in water
Take a stem cutting of about 4-5 inches long from a healthy Philodendron sagittifolium by cutting the stem below a leaf node. Strip off the lower leaves.
Place the cutting in a jar of clean water while ensuring that 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 develop.
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 sagittifolium Problems
The main growing problems in Philodendron sagittifolium are yellow leaves, dropping leaves, brown leaf tips and edges, rotting, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Rotting stems
Rotting stems in Philodendron sagittifolium are caused by 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. Read more on how to treat stem-rot disease in houseplants.
Diseases
Philodendron sagittifolium is 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 plants 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 sagittifolium are mealybugs, scales and aphids. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per the manufactuer's instructions.
Yellow leaves
If many leaves are affected and there are signs of wilting and rotting, overwatering is the cause of yellow leaves in Philodendron sagittifolium. Be cautious in watering. Water the plant liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Reduce the amount and frequency of watering during the cold season to maintain the soil barely moist. To avoid soggy soil, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is free-draining (drains easily). Learn more on how to water indoor plants the correct way.
If there is no wilting and rotting, underfeeding is the cause of yellow leaves in Philodendron sagittifolium. Feed the plant every 3-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer. Do not feed in the cold season to avoid fertilizer burn and death of the plant. 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 fix the problem, water the plant thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in the cold season 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. Protect or keep the plant away from direct sunlight.
Leggy growth and small pale leaves
Too little light is the cause of leggy growth and small pale leaves as Philodendron sagittifolium 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 lighting is not adequate. Have a look at this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Dropping leaves
As the plant ages, the lower leaves in Philodendron sagittifolium will drop but if there is an abnormal leaf drop, the cause is sudden change of the growing conditions. Avoid moving the plant to a new growing position before acclimating it. Move the plant gradually to a little brighter conditions over a period of time.
If the leaves turn brown and dry before they drop, then too high temperature is the cause of leaf drop. Philodendron sagittifolium prefers average warmth of 18-250C. Keep it away from hot drafts emanating from hot air vents, heat source and others. 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 Philodendron sagittifolium. One possible cause of brown leaf tips and edges is dry air (low air humidity).< To remedy the problem, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom and other moist areas in the home.
The second possible cause of brown leaf tips and edges in Philodendron sagittifolium is that the plant is root-bound. Repot the plant into a pot 1-2 sizes larger. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
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