Philodendron sagittifolium Care Indoors, Propagation and Common Problems
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Philodendron sagittifolium grows best in bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions, and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Philodendron sagittifolium a vigorously-growing, climbing Philodendron variety 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.
Is Philodendron sagittifolium toxic?
Yes. 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 the plant 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
To care for Philodendron sagittifolium indoors, provide bright indirect light, warmth of 18-250C, humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained 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 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 in spring and summer while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Maintain the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering to prevent rotting, yellowing and leaf loss.
Cut down on watering in fall and winter to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is reduced at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely to avoid drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.
Use water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking this tropical plant as it can result in stunted growth and leaf fall. Water with chlorine-free water like rainwater to prevent brown leaf edges.
Do not let the plant sit on soggy soil. Therefore, use a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil to prevent root-rot and eventual loss of the plant.
Light Requirements
Philodendron sagittifolium thrives in bright indirect light (dappled light); position the plant infront of a large, well-lit, sunless window. Keep it away or shield it from direct sunlight to prevent scorching the leaves.
Too little light will result in leggy growth and small-sized pale leaves. Therefore, if the lighting in your home is inadequate, consider installing full spectrum grow lights to complement it.
For even growth, turn the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides as well as prevent legginess.
Temperature & Humidity
Philodendron sagittifolium prospers in a warmth of 18-250C. Keep it away from drafts to prevent sudden temperature changes to prevent reduced growth, drooping, yellowing and eventual death of the plant.
Philodendron sagittifolium needs a humidity of 60-70% to thrive. Inadequate humidity for a prolonged period will 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 upscale humidity. Ensure that there is good ventilation to minimize fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Feed Philodendron sagittifolium with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season to encourage a lush growth. Stop feeding in the cold season to prevent fertilizer burn as growth is minimal at this time.
Regularly, flush out excess 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 Mix
The best potting medium for Philodendron sagittifolium should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent waterlogging while providing the required nutrients. A mix of 2 parts of all purpose potting mix and 1 part perlite is good for this plant.
Repotting
Repot a 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 & Grooming
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.
Clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and to discourage pest and disease infestations.
Philodendron sagittifolium Propagation
Philodendron sagittifolium propagation is best done at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings. The stem cuttings can be rooted either in soil or in water.
1. Propagating Philodendron sagittifolium 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.
- Place 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.
2. Propagating Philodendron sagittifolium 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.
- Position 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 positioning the pots in their permanent position after which you can begin routine.
Philodendron sagittifolium Problems & Remedies
Philodendron sagittifolium common 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
The causes of yellow leaves on Philodendron sagittifolium are inconsistent watering, soggy soil, nutrients deficiency, salts buildup, low light or aging.
How to fix it
Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule; water the plant when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out.
Soggy soil: Use a fast-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 do not feeding in fall and winter.
Salts buildup: Occasionally, leach out excess salts by running a stream of water through the soil until it flows out through the drainage hole.
Low light: Position the plant in bright indirect light or use a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.
Aging: Naturally, the older leaves turn yellow and drop as the plant matures.
Dropping leaves
Dropping leaves on Philodendron sagittifolium are caused by inconsistent watering, soggy soil, dry air, temperature stress, too little light, 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 a well-draining soil.
Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier or group the plants together to raise humidity.
Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from drafts like AC units, windy doors, drafty windows, heat sources among others.
Too little light: Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or instal a grow light if the natural light is not enough.
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 sagittifolium are caused by dry air and being pot-bound.
How to fix it
Dry air: 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 with a drainage hole and free-draining soil to avoid waterlogging.
Pests
Common pests on Philodendron sagittifolium are mealybugs, scales and aphids especially in dry conditions.
How to fix it
- Isolate the affected plant to reduce spread to the rest of the plants.
- Treat the affected plant with neem oil or an insecticidal soap as indicated by the manufacturers.
- Keep the plant well pruned to discourage the pests.
- To elevate humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a humidifier or group the plants together.
Diseases
Philodendron sagittifolium is prone to to the following diseases:
1. Powdery mildew and is prevalent in damp conditions coupled with poor air circulation. The disease presents as whitish-gray mold on the leaves.
How to fix it
- Remove the affected leaves and discard to minimize spread to other parts of the plant.
- Treat the affected plant with neem oil as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Maintain a good air flow 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. It is prevalent in overwet conditions coupled with poor air circulation.
How to fix it
- Remove and burn the affected parts to prevent spread to the other plants.
- Treat the affected plant with neem oil as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Keep the plant on the dry side and do not mist it.
- Ensure good air circulation to discourage the disease.
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