Philodendron Pedatum Plant

How to Care Philodendron Pedatum Plant:

Watering

In the spring and summer, water your Philodendron Pedatum often enough to keep the soil consistently, evenly moist. Although it can tolerate soggy soil, overly wet conditions have the potential to cause root rot. A common rule of thumb for watering tropical plants is “little, but often.” This means watering often with small amounts of water rather than sporadic, heavy waterings. During the late fall and winter, allow the soil to dry almost completely between waterings. Yellow discoloration is usually a sign that the plant is being overwatered, whereas brown & dry leaves indicate you should increase your watering frequency.

Light

Like most Philodendrons, the pedatum prefers 6 to 10 hours a day of bright, indirect light. Philodendron Pedatum can tolerate lower light environments, but this will significantly reduce growth rate. In zones 4a to 11, this plant can be kept outdoors for part or all of the year. Indoor or outdoor, be sure to avoid direct sunlight, which will burn the leaves.

Climate

Philodendron Pedatum are very forgiving when it comes to humidity levels. They grow fastest in high humidity environments — usually an ambient level of 60% or greater. However, they are forgiving of drier conditions, making them easier to maintain than other Philodendron species. Placing the plant on top of a humidity dish (a tray filled with rocks and a small amount of water) is an easy way to add moisture to the plant’s environment. In the hotter summer months, mist the leaves regularly with purified water to keep them healthy and shiny. Proper temperature is a vital element of Philodendron care, and the pedatum is no exception. Keep the plant in an area that stays above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and avoid placing them near single-pane windows during cold weather. While it may be tempting, avoid placing them near heaters or vents. It may be warmer, but the incredibly dry air will likely damage the plant’s leaves.

Soil

Philodendron Pedatum require a fast-draining soil medium to accommodate frequent watering. Standard potting soil made from a blend of peat moss, pumice, worm castings, and coir will provide proper air flow and moisture retention while fertilizing the plant with rich organic compounds. Avoid any soils that include sand or large amounts of bark, which can suffocate the roots. If you prefer to make your own soilless potting medium, a blend of equal parts peat (vermiculite) and sphagnum moss is an ideal mixture for aeration and water retention. Without creepy crawlies and the natural movements of mother nature, it is common for potted soil to become compacted. Check your plant’s soil often to ensure that the top few inches of soil are loose and easy to move your hand through. If the soil is hard and difficult to break apart, use a hoe to gently loosen the topsoil. Then, use a chopstick, skewer, or other thin piece of wood to carefully poke holes further down into the soil. Be careful not to poke through any roots.

Repotting

Philodendrons prefer to stay in their pots until the bitter end, and should not be repotted until the roots begin to poke out of the bottom drainage holes. When you see roots beginning to protrude from the base, gently remove the plant from the pot, rinse the roots of excess soil, and replant in a pot 3-5” wide and 3-4” deeper than its prior pot. Avoid fertilizing the plant for the next two weeks to allow the roots to recover from any damage sustained during the repotting process. Always use a planter with holes on the bottoms or sides for drainage. Without drainage, the risk of overwatering is increased significantly, leading to root rot and potential premature plant death. If you want to use a ceramic or metal planter that does not have drainage holes, consider leaving the plant in a nursery pot that fits inside the preferred pot (known as a cache pot). This way, the plant can be removed for watering and allowed proper drainage.

Fertilizer

The Philodendron Pedatum is an incredibly fast-growing plant, and therefore requires regular fertilization. For these types of heavy feeder plants, a fertilizer made from naturally-occuring nourishment is always best. Liquid or powdered fertilizer derived from organic materials such as worm castings, manure, or bat guano pose are a safer and more natural alternative to those made from concentrated chemicals. When purchasing any type of fertilizer, look for one with a balanced nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio, such as 10-10-10 or the optimal 20-20-20.