It is known for its distinctive oak-shaped leaves and air-purifying qualities. The Philodendron pedatum has made its way into the homes of plant enthusiasts worldwide. Not only does keeping this Amazonian plant help with the conservation of its species, but it can provide a pleasing touch to your room. The Philodendron pedatum is a suitable plant for beginners and an excellent plant for gifts for your friends or family.
As a passionate plant enthusiast myself, I have had the pleasure of owning a Philodendron pedatum for a few years now. This stunning tropical plant has been a breeze to take care of and I have learned a great deal about it over time. The key to keeping this plant happy is providing it with the correct amount of light, water, and humidity.
This article will delve into the world of the Philodendron pedatum and explore its popularity, care, and why it is such a sought-after addition to the indoor jungle!
Table of Contents
- How Much Light Is Required?
- How Often Should I Water the Philodendron Pedatum?
- What Soil Is Best?
- What Are the Temperature Requirements?
- What Is The Best Humidity Range?
- What Fertilizer Works Best?
- How Do I Propagate the Philodendron Pedatum?
- What Pests and Problems May Occur?
- Is the Philodendron Pedatum Toxic?
- About the Philodendron Pedatum
- FAQ
How Much Light Is Required?
The Oak leaf Philodendron thrives in bright, indirect light for 6- 8 hours daily. However, the philodendron pedatum can tolerate some direct sunlight, but it’s ideal for protecting it from the harsh sun rays. Position your Philodendron pedatum near an east or north-facing window. If the light is too bright in your home, you can use a sheer curtain or drape to diffuse the light.
Some signs your Philodendron is not receiving enough sunlight are yellowing leaves, leggy growth, stunted growth, and slow or no leaf production. If your Philodendron pedatum starts to stretch towards a specific direction, this is a sign that it is reaching for the sunlight. You can rotate the pot to even out the growth and position it where it will get adequate lighting.
After you buy Philodendron pedatum for the first time and bring it home, try a few spots first to see where it is best. The lighting in your home will be different from where it has come from, so it may take a bit of trial and error before finding the perfect spot.
My Oak Leaf Philodendron is hanging in my kitchen, away from the direct sunlight that comes through the patio doors but still receives enough bright indirect light. The kitchen is also a great place to experience the humidity it needs too- I will touch on that further in the article!How Often
Should I Water the Philodendron Pedatum?
When it comes to watering the Philodendron pedatum, it’s best to check the soil at least once a week. Generally, the Philodendron pedatum doesn’t mind drying out a little between watering, but you should avoid letting it get bone dry. When soil becomes super dry, it can become hydrophobic, making it challenging to retain moisture later.
Check the soil by sticking your finger into the first top 2 inches (5cm). If the soil is dry, your finger will come out clean. This is the time to give your Philodendron pedatum a drink. When you water the Oak Leaf Philodendron, let the excess water drain out of the drainage holes for a few minutes before putting it back on its tray.
The philodendron hates to be sat in a water reservoir and can cause root rot and eventually kill the plant. Overwatering is a common mistake when we take on houseplants; we can sometimes overdo our duty of care or simply think more water leads to more growth…
Anyhow avoid over-watering; the Philodendron plants are susceptible to root rot. This means that if they are overwatered, the soil clogs up and starves the roots from oxygen.
Ensure all the drainage holes in the pot are available for the water to pass through and that there are no blockages. Once you get into the swing of a good watering regime, it will become second nature, and your plants will showcase all your efforts!
What Soil Is Best?
Philodendron pedatum is easygoing when it comes to the soil department! Provide your Oak Leaf Philodendron with a well-draining soil mix that allows water to drain away quickly.
Create a chunky lightweight soil mix using 1-part Peat moss, ¼-part perlite, and ½-part vermiculite with a 1-part potting mix. You can use a regular store-bought potting mix from the garden center or department store. When measuring the parts, use a yogurt tub or small pot to measure them out and stick to the ratio for the best results.
The orchid bark provides a chunky texture to the soil and keeps the substrate airy and light. Vermiculite and perlite are great for holding moisture and also improve drainage.
The soil’s pH level is vital for these tropical plants’ health. The Oak Leaf Philodendron prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.0-6.0. This is a typical range for an all-purpose potting mix in a bag from your gardening store. Therefore you shouldn’t need to make any amendments.
If you have potting soil left from a while ago that you want to reuse, you can test the pH using a pH test kit from the garden store or online. These are very simple to use, so don’t worry about not having a science degree to suss it out!
What Are the Temperature Requirements?
When we consider the native habitat of the Oak Leaf Philodendron in the tropical areas of South America, we can understand it is well adapted to warm and humid conditions.
The ideal temperature range for the Philodendron pedatum is 60-85 F (15-29C). This range is achievable when the typical temperatures of our homes are 60F (20 C).
If you live in a cool area and your house temperature drops, try to keep your indoor plants in a place with natural heat from sources such as cooking or electronic appliances. Avoid keeping the Oak Leaf Philodendron near drafty spots like windows or entryways. These temperature fluctuations can cause confusion and stress.
More often than not, tropical plants are generally happy with the same temperature as humans. You only need to adjust the temperature if you feel the chill yourself!
If you are lucky to live in a warm climate or hardiness zones 9-11, you can plant your Philodendron pedatum outdoors. Be sure to grow it in a shady spot and protect it from direct sunlight and any risk of cold weather.
What Is The Best Humidity Range?
The humidity range for these beautiful houseplants is between 40-60%, and luckily this is pretty close to the average household level of 30-40%. You can hold off from turning your house into a sauna!
In the winter months, when the air tends to dry out, you can adjust the humidity by following some of these simple steps:
- Humidifiers- these are low-cost and easy to run. They also provide us with excellent health benefits too!
- Pebble tray – use a pebble tray with water under your plants. The water will transpire and provide moisture around the immediate area. Remember to change the water every few days to avoid any pests.
- Group your plants- if you have a collection of plants, keep them together. They will create a small microclimate and keep each other happy!
- Mist the plants- use a spray water bottle of distilled water. This adds moisture to the air but is not the longest-lasting method.
- Keep in the bathroom, laundry, or kitchen- these rooms naturally produce steam, so they can thrive without you having to make any changes!
Keep an eye on your plants; they will let you know when they are in incredibly dry air. For example, the leaves start to crisp at the edges. Correct the humidity of their environment, and they will maintain their gorgeous looks!
What Fertilizer Works Best?
An essential part of Philodendron pedatum care is fertilizing; it helps to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients to grow strong and healthy. The Philodendron pedatum is not a heavy-feeding plant, so you can apply liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month to keep it looking classy.
Reduce fertilizing during winter when the plant naturally slows down growth. You can stop altogether depending on the climate conditions and watering schedule.
A simple sign to tell if your Philodendron pedatum needs fertilizer is if the mature leaves are pale green-yellow. Nitrogen controls the amount of chlorophyll in the deep green leaves, so keeping that lush green look will require a small dose now and then. When looking for fertilizer, try choosing one that is balanced and provides all the essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Most garden centers will provide you with a suitable product or purchase it online. Follow the diluting instructions on the label to avoid over-fertilizing. Over-fertilizing can cause the leaves to burn at the edges and create excess soil mineral build-up.
A vital factor to consider when fertilizing the Philodendron pedatum is the type of soil it has grown in. If the soil is nutrient rich with compost or organic manure, it may not need fertilizing as often or at all. If the leaves are bright, vibrant green, it likely has all the nutrients it needs.
How Do I Propagate the Philodendron Pedatum?
Suppose you want to increase your collection of these air-purifying plants. It’s a fun, pretty much priceless skill to learn, and you can end up doubling up your plant collection in no time!
There are a few ways to propagate the Philodendron pedatum. This includes stem cuttings, division, and rooting in water for example.
I am always a fan of stem cuttings the most. I’m a little heavy-handed for division, and when I try to root in water, I need to remember to refresh the water. Otherwise, it turns pretty gross!
Stem Cutting
This is one of the simplest methods of propagating Philodendron pedatum.
To do this, simply take a cutting about 4-6 inches (10-15cm) in length from the mother plant. Make sure you choose a healthy stem with a few leaves attached and a couple of nodes (the part where the leaves come out).
Remove the lower leaves from the stem leaving just a few at the top. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone (or cinnamon or honey). This is an optional step but will help to speed up the rooting process.
Then take your pot full of the same soil mix used for the mother plant and gently push the cut end of the stem into the soil.
Keep the soil moist and place the pot in bright indirect sunlight (like the mother plant). The roots will begin to grow in a few weeks, and finally new growth should appear at the top of the stem.
Division
Another method of propagating Philodendron pedatum is through root division. This method is best used when the mother plant has become too large and has a few stems growing from the base.
To divide the plant, you will firstly need to remove it from its pot gently. To loosen the root ball, tap around the edges of the pot before turning it upside down.
Carefully tease away the soil on the roots and loosen up the root system. You will then start to see which stems the roots belong to, and you need to separate these stems from one another.
Each stem can be potted up individually and will continue to grow as a separate plant.
I wish I weren’t so heavy-handed when it comes to dividing plants. They look fully mature when you propagate them like this. This in turn makes them ready instantly to be shared with friends or given as a gift for instance.
Rooting in Water
Finally, the Philodendron pedatum can be propagated by rooting in water. Simply take a cutting 4-6 inches (10-15cm) in length from the mother plant.
Place it in a glass or jar filled with water. Ensure the cut end of the stem is fully submerged in water, and keep the glass or jar in bright but not direct sunlight.
Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. In a few weeks, the roots should begin to grow from the bottom of the stem.
Once the roots are about an inch long, the cutting can be potted up in the soil and cared for the same way as the mother plant.
What Pests and Problems May Occur?
Like other Philodendron plants, the Oak Leaf Philodendron is susceptible to pests and diseases that can affect its growth and health. Here is a rundown of the common pests and problems and how you can control them:
Spider Mites
Identified as tiny spiders, they feed off the plant’s sap and cause yellow and white speckling on the leaves. You can use a neem oil and soap solution to control them, and they will eventually disappear. Mix 1 teaspoon of neem oil with 4 drops of dishwashing soap and a liter of water in a spray bottle. Spray the plant and soil surface once a week until you no longer see the spider mites.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are tiny white fuzzy insects that feed on the plant’s sap. They wander around the plant in clusters and cause yellowing on the leaves and stunted growth. To control mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them or use a neem oil and foliar soap spray.
Root Rot
A common problem for the Oak Leaf Philodendron occurs when the roots are left sitting in wanted for extended periods. A foul smell coming from your plants is a common sign of root rot. You can check the roots for any discoloration. Reddish brown roots indicate root rot and therefore should be removed to recover the plant.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. To prevent leaf spots, keep the leaves dry and avoid over-watering.
Yellowing Leaves
If your Oak Leaf Philodendron leaves are turning yellow, it could be a sign of over-fertilization or a lack of indirect sunlight. Adjust the fertilization schedule and move the plant into a brighter location to remedy this problem.
You can take action immediately by checking your plants regularly for any signs of pests or disease. You can control most of these problems in the early stages, which will keep your plant healthy and prevent problems from becoming more serious.
Is The Philodendron Pedatum Toxic?
The Philodendron pedatum is toxic to humans and our four-legged friends. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause a range of symptoms if ingested, including oral irritation, burning, and swelling of the mouth and throat. Keep your Philodendron out of the way of anyone that may eat it.
I keep my Philodendron out of reach in a hanging basket. This way it’s not accessible to any of these curious creatures. It also makes sure that no one damages it too!
About the Philodendron Pedatum
One significant aspect of the Philodendron pedatum is its ability to purify the air. The plant is known to remove toxic substances and chemicals, including formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. These are common pollutants found in the air.
The Philodendron pedatum is grown as an evergreen pedatum and is commonly referred to as the Oak Leaf Philodendron. As part of the Araceae family, the Philodendron pedatum is an avid climber that stretches to 9 feet (274cm) in its natural environment. Additionally, when grown indoors for example, it will reach up to 3 feet (91cm) in height and 1 foot (30 cm) in width. Making it ideal as a stand-alone plant.
You can express creativity when potting the Philodendron pedatum by planting it in hanging baskets or letting its aerial roots climb a moss pole. My Philodendron is planted in a hanging basket where its foliage cascades down the corner of the room- it looks super elegant!
The dark green multi-lobed leaves of the Oak Leaf Philodendron have smooth green petioles (stalk that joins the leaves to the stem). The young leaves have lighter green leaves than the mature leaves. The Philodendron pedatum is an aroid plant (a plant that displays distinctive blooms with a spathe and spadix). It is usually grown for its foliage rather than blooms.
The blooms of the Philodendron pedatum are similar to other Philodendron plants as they grow with a spathe (modified leaf to protect the spadix) and spadix (waxy spike). Many people confuse the spathe with the flower; instead, the spadix is where the tiny flowers are formed. If you get the opportunity to witness your Philodendron pedatum flower, then as a result rit is a sure sign your plant is happy!
FAQ About the Philodendron Pedatum
Is the Philodendron pedatum rare?
The Philodendron pedatum is not considered rare, but it can be more challenging to get your hands on than other Philodendron species.
Is Philodendron pedatum the same as Florida?
No, Philodendron pedatum and Philodendron Florida are different plants. They are both members of the Philodendron genus but have different growth patterns, leaf shapes, and cultural requirements.
Is the Philodendron pedatum a fast grower?
The Philodendron pedatum is in fact a slow-growing plant. It trails or climbs up to 3 feet (91cm) in length depending on its growing conditions.What is the common name for Philodendron Pedatum?
The common name for the Philodendron pedatum is Oak Leaf Philodendron. But it mostly goes by its scientific name.
Purify The Air with Philodendron Pedatum
The Philodendron pedatum is a stunning tropical plant worth adding to your indoor garden. It has unique foliage, can purify the air, and has relatively low maintenance requirements. It makes an excellent choice for plant enthusiasts of all levels.
In the end, taking care of the Philodendron pedatum has been a real eye-opener for me, and I have gained a newfound appreciation for this beautiful tropical plant.
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It is not the only the Philodendron pedatum we have preached out. With so many Philodendrons to choose from you can prepare to add some sass to your space by checking out the care pages on our houseplant hub.
There are plenty of tools for you to take the plunge to bring some nature indoors. Get ready to turn your house into a jungle oasis one plant at a time!
