Philodendron Asperatum is a beautiful and unique plant that is sure to add interest to any room. Its dark green leaves are covered with tiny white hairs, giving it a soft appearance. This plant thrives in indirect light and does not require a lot of maintenance. If you are looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant, Philodendron Asperatum is a great choice!
What Does Philodendron Asperatum Look Like?
The Philodendron Asperatum plant is a species of a tropical plant native to Brazil. The most notable feature of this plant is its leaves, which are large and glossy with deep lobes. The leaves are typical of philodendrons, but it is easily distinguished by their dark green hue. The plant can grow up to three feet tall and produces white flowers that bloom in the springtime.
It is a popular houseplant due to its easy care requirements and striking appearance. These plants are typically propagated by stem cuttings and will thrive in humid environments with indirect light. With proper care, Philodendron Asperatum can make a stunning addition to any home.
Other Features
Drought Tolerance
It is drought-tolerant, meaning that it can withstand periods of dryness and is a hardy plant that does not require much water to survive. It can go for long periods of time without water and will not wilt easily.
Air Purification
This plant is also known for its ability to purify the air. It filters out harmful toxins and chemicals, making it a great choice for those with allergies or respiratory problems. It is also known to improve the quality of the air in general.
Maintenance
It is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much care and it can be left to grow on its own and will only need to be watered occasionally. It is important to keep the leaves clean and free of dust to prevent the plant from becoming unhealthy.
Toxicity
It is toxic to animals if ingested, so it is important to keep it out of reach of pets and children. If the plant is eaten, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect your animal has ingested this plant, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Dormancy
This plant goes through a dormant period in the winter months. During this time, it will shed its leaves and stop growing. It is important to not over-water the plant during this time as it can lead to root rot. The plant will start to grow again in the springtime when the weather becomes warm again.
Philodendron Asperatum Care
Philodendron Asperatum care involves giving the plant indirect light and water when the soil is dry. It is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much fertilizer. It can be propagated by stem cuttings and will do well in humid environments. With proper care, this plant can thrive indoors or outdoors.
Quick Guide
| Soil | Moist, well-draining |
| Light | Indirect |
| Water | When soil is dry |
| Fertilizer | Monthly during the growing season |
| Humidity | Between 40-50% |
| Temperature | Between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Pruning | As needed |
| Repotting | Every two years |
Soil
It grows best in moist, well-drained soils. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH and does not tolerate alkaline soils. The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including sandy loams and heavy clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. It is also tolerant of salt.
Soil pH is an important factor in plant growth. The ideal pH for most plants is between six and seven, which is slightly acidic. Alkaline soils have a pH of eight or higher.
Light
It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. If you are growing your plant indoors, place it near a window where it will receive plenty of filtered sunlight throughout the day. Avoid direct sun exposure as this can scorch the leaves.
The light should not be direct. It can cause the leaves to burn. It needs to be bright, but not in direct sunlight. A little sun is better than too much.
Water
This plant does not like to be waterlogged, so make sure the soil has adequate drainage and only water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Allow the plant to thoroughly dry out between watering sessions. Over-watering is one of the most common causes of death for this species.
Overwatering can cause the leaves to yellow and drop off, and eventually, the entire plant will collapse. If you think you have overwatered your plant, stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. Once the soil is dry, give the plant a good soaking and then allow it to drain thoroughly before returning it to its spot.
Humidity
It is native to the Amazon rainforest, so it’s no surprise that this plant loves humidity. In fact, it thrives in humid environments and can suffer in dry conditions. If you live in a dry climate, you’ll need to take special care of your plant to make sure it doesn’t suffer. The best way to do this is to mist the leaves regularly or set the pot on a tray of pebbles and water. Either way, make sure the pot has good drainage so the roots don’t rot.
Temperature
It grows best in temperatures between 60-70°F. If the temperature falls below 50°F, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. During the winter months, you can move your plant to a spot that receives indirect sunlight to prevent the leaves from burning. If you live in a colder climate and the temperature drops below freezing, it’s best to bring your plant indoors.
High temperature and low humidity can cause the leaves to develop brown spots. If this happens, increase the humidity around the plant by misting it with water or placing it on a pebble tray.
Fertilizer
This plant is not particularly fussy about fertilizer, but it will benefit from regular feeding during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer applied monthly should be sufficient. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as too much fertilizer can burn the roots.
Over-fertilizing can also cause the leaves to develop brown spots. If you see this happening, cut back on the fertilizer and increase the frequency of watering.
Pruning
Pruning the plant is easy: simply cut back the stems that have become too long. You can prune the plant at any time of year. Pruning not only keeps the plant tidy but also encourages new growth. So if you want your plant to produce more leaves, give it a good pruning!
Here are a few tips for pruning your plant:
- Start by removing any dead or dying leaves. These can be easily identified as they will be brown or black in color.
- Next, trim back any stems that have grown too long. You can cut them back to the desired length using a sharp pair of scissors.
Repotting
It can be easily propagated by stem cuttings. To repot, use a well-draining potting mix and choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Water thoroughly after repotting and place in bright, indirect light. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
Repot when the plant has outgrown its current pot or the roots are visible through the drainage holes. The best time to repot is in spring or early summer.
How to Repot Philodendron Asperatum?
It is a fast-growing plant that can quickly outgrow its pot. When repotting, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and water thoroughly after repotting.
If you notice your plant getting leggy, it is probably not getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location and give it a little extra attention. With the right care, your plant will thrive!
Philodendron Asperatum Propagation
It can be propagated by stem cuttings or by division of the rhizome.
Propagation via Stem Cuttings
For stem cuttings, take a cutting that includes at least two leaves and a portion of the stem. Cut just below a leaf node with a sharp knife or pair of scissors. Remove the bottom leaf if necessary so that the cutting can stand upright in a glass of water. Change the water every few days and keep the cutting in a bright, indirect location. New roots should form within two to four weeks. Once rooted, the cutting can be potted up into the potting mix.
Propagation via Division
Division of the rhizome is best done when you are repotting the plant anyway. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and loosen the root ball. Gently pull the rhizome apart into two or more sections, making sure that each section has at least one leaf. Repot each section in its own pot filled with fresh potting mix. Water well and keep the pots in a bright, indirect location until new growth appears.
Both stem cuttings and division of the rhizome will result in a smaller plant than the one you started with, but with proper care, it will quickly grow to its full size.
Common Problems
One of the most common problems with this plant is its susceptibility to stem and root rot. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including overwatering, poor drainage, and compacted soil. If you suspect that your plant has a stem or root rot, it’s important to act quickly. The first step is to improve the growing conditions.
If the plant is too wet, make sure that the pot has drainage holes and that you’re not overwatering it. If the soil is compacted, loosen it up with a fork or trowel. You can also try repotting the plant into a fresh, well-drained potting mix.
Pests and Diseases
If you suspect your plant has root rot, the best course of action is to remove it from the pot and inspect the roots. If they are mushy or black, your plant has root rot and should be discarded.
There are a few pests that can attack philodendrons, including mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Mealybugs are small, white, scale-like insects that suck the sap from plants. Aphids are small, green insects that also suck the sap from plants. Spider mites are tiny spider-like creatures that spin webs on the undersides of leaves. All of these pests can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases are not common in philodendrons, but they can sometimes be susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot. These diseases are best controlled by keeping the leaves dry and avoiding overhead watering. If you do notice any diseased leaves, simply remove them from the plant.
FAQs
Yes, it is quite rare. It’s native to Colombia and only recently became available to collectors.
No, it’s actually a fairly fast grower. It can reach up to six feet in length within a year or two. It’s best to prune it back occasionally to keep it from getting too leggy.
There are several reasons why the leaves of plants may be wilting. It could be due to too much or too little water, poor drainage, root rot, or a pest infestation.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Philodendron Asperatum is a beautiful and easy to care for plant. If you’re looking for a statement piece for your home, this is definitely the plant for you!
