Philodendron Birkin – Problems, How to Grow and Care

One of the many beautiful philodendron plants used for ornamental purposes, Philodendron Birkin is another great addition to the collection. The gorgeous green, glossy leaves have slight variegation on them as they mature. This makes their appearance unique and helps them stand out from the crowd. Apart from this, the plant has pretty easy care routines and minimal requirements. To learn more, keep on reading!

Classification

• Family: Arum
• Subfamily: Araceae
• Genus: Philodendron

About the Genus Philodendron

Even though the genus is not taxonomically well-known and there are many species still undescribed, Philodendrons are popular for their beautiful foliage. Most of the plants are, hence, grown and bought for ornamental purposes. Currently, the genus has 489 reported species and is the second-largest genus in its family. ,

Philodendrons are very diverse in terms of their growing habits. They can grow as epiphytes, hemiepiphytes, or terrestrial plants. Some even grow as a combination of two of these habits based on where they are growing. However, all of them have large, imposing leaves; sometimes cut, lobed, or pinnate. Some of the most popular plants of this genus are Philodendron Paraiso Verde, Philodendron Jose Buono, and Lemon Lime Philodendron.

Origin and Distribution

The first Philodendrons were discovered back in the 1600s. Ever since then, plant enthusiasts have discovered many other species, hundreds even, and added them to the collection. Heinrich Wilhelm Schott named the collection Philodendron, meaning “tree hugger” in Greek.

Philodendron plants are commonly found in America and the West Indies. Here, they grow in tropical and subtropical areas, preferring warmth, shade, and lots of humidity.

Philodendron Birkin Plant Features

Foliage and Stem

The plant is famous for its gorgeous, stunning foliage. It has dark green leaves with a glossy finish and variegation on its surface. They have hints of green and cream color creatively merged in the form of stripes. The said leaves can grow as long as 20 centimeters and are oval-shaped.

Evergreen

The plant has evergreen foliage and its leaves stay intact throughout the year.

Philodendron Birkin Full Size

Under good conditions, these plants can grow from one and a half feet to three feet at maximum

Temperature Tolerance

These plants are very tolerant of temperate environments. However, they don’t do well under cold, frosty temperatures.

Humidity Tolerance

These plants are more tolerant of humidity. Because they come from humid, tropical environments, they love to have the same amount of moisture indoors as well.

Flowers

Even though flowers are not its primary feature, the plants can grow flowering spathes as they mature.

Drought-resistance

The plant requires lots of humidity and regular watering. Thus, it will not do well under water-deficient conditions. Try to keep it as well-hydrated as you possibly can.

Pressure Tolerance

The leaves of a Philodendron Birkin are large but not tough. Keep them away from pets and other sources of external pressure.

Growth

These plants are slow-growing so you have to be very patient while cultivating them and growing them.

Toxicity

Philodendron Birkin plants consist of a crystal called calcium oxalate. These crystals are accumulated in all parts of the body. Thus, on ingestion, taken cause mild to severe symptoms based on the quantity taken. Make sure that you keep the plant away from your children and pets.

Lifecycle

Philodendron Birkin has a perennial life cycle, making it highly durable as ornamental plants.

Maintenance

In terms of its care, this particular species is very easy to maintain. It does not demand a lot of your time, effort, or money.

Philodendron Birkin Care

Philodendron Birkin care is not a hectic task. All you have to do is give it lots of moisture in the air, a well-hydrated, damp soil, and warm temperatures from 60-75 degrees Farenheight. Just keep it away from direct sunlight and fertilize it every month.

Water Requirements

The soil must remain damp but not wet. Keep the plant well hydrated at all times and ensure maximum drainage. The balance between draining excess water and retaining the right amount of moisture is essential. Watering the plant once or twice a week is enough. Just make sure that the soil is dry on top before you water it again. These requirements become even more specific during the winter season. While you can go with a little moisture in the soil during the spring and summer seasons, in the colder months, you must make sure the soil has dried completely before another watering session.

Best Soil for Philodendron Birkin

Well-drained soil with lots of nutrition is optimum for proper Philodendron Birkin care. Adding moss to the mixture is a good idea. Just make sure the potting mix is high-quality and resistant to waterlogging.

Philodendron Birkin Light Requirements

These plants like to live under bright but indirect lights. Direct sunlight is a no-no since that can damage the leaves and ruin their appearance. Always use a barrier or shade cloth between your plant and the sun. Keep it behind sheer curtains or in well-lit corners of your house.

Temperature

With an ideal temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, these Philodendron Birkin plants like to live under warmer temperatures instead of frosty ones. Colder temperatures that go beyond this particular range can make your plant look unwell.

Humidity Requirements

Go wild with the moisture in the air. Philodendron Birkin plants enjoy the highest levels of humidity around them because of their tropical origin. Adding a humidifier to their surroundings is the best thing to do. However, you can also put them on a pebble tray filled with water or mist them regularly.

Fertilizer

These plants require good fertilizing routines for maximum growth. It is especially important when the plant is growing new leaves. Fertilize your Philodendron Birkin every month in the spring and summer seasons. Reduce this frequency during the winter season and shift it to every couple of months.

When to Repot Philodendron Birkin

If you feel like the roots have started to suffocate in the soil, forming a tight ball, it is time to repot the Birkin Philodendron plant. Shift the plant into a container a few inches larger than the current one and do this preferably during the late winter or early spring season before the new growths come out.

Grooming and Pruning

Since these plants have a neat growing habit with large, separate leaves, you don’t have to prune them or maintain their shape. You can, however, groom with and keep them clean. Mist and wipe the leaves and check around the plant to see if it’s clear of any bugs, diseases, and other growing problems.

Philodendron Birkin Propagation

The best way to cultivate Philodendron Birkin plants indoors is true stem cuttings. Just follow the simple steps below and grow your healthy Philodendron.

• Choose a healthy Birkin Philodendron plant that has no abnormalities or diseases.
• Cut off a stem of appropriate size using a sharp, clean knife or a pair of scissors.
• Ensure that you have removed all the leaves from these cuttings, leaving out only two or three.
• Place the said cuttings into a pot or container that has moist soil in it.
• Place the pot under indirect sunlight and lots of humidity. Also, make sure that the temperatures remain warm.

Best Indoor Grow Light for Philodendron Birkin

The optimum light for Philodendron Birkin, if you are planning to grow it indoors, is a full spectrum grow light to give the required amount of light and temperature to your beloved plant. There are a few suitable options available in the market when it comes to a grow light for your Philodendron. However, our experts highly recommend you to use the following product to support the growth of your plant to the fullest.

Timeline

Week 1-2: Place the stem cuttings in an appropriate potting mix and put them under suitable conditions.

Week 2-3: You will see sprouting at the end of the second or third week. This is a good sign, as it indicates the successful propagation of the plant.

Week 3-4: If all goes well, you will be able to see proper growth from the plant. Leaves will start to sprout and develop into mature Philodendron Birkin plants.

Philodendron Birkin Growing Problems

Philodendron Birkin Yellow Leaves

Causes

The most common mistake that people make is underrating the moisture level of the soil. If overwatered, the soil tends to become waterlogged and the roots suffocate. This can reduce the efficiency of the plant to maintain its health, resulting in yellow leaves.

Solution

To combat this, make sure that you only water the plant once the top 25% (two to three inches) of the soil is dry. The proper way to make sure that you’re giving enough water to the plant is to see when the water starts escaping the drainage holes. Once you see this happening, stop. If there is a saucer collecting drained water underneath the pot, make sure you empty it. If a pot keeps sitting in it, your plant may suffer the consequences.

Philodendron Birkin Leaves Curling

Causes

Curling leaves are a result of excessively cold and dry environments. Increased and inappropriate air flow can result in such a condition.

Solution

Because these are moisture-loving plants, the more hydrated you keep them, the better. So, make sure you place the pot under humid conditions and keep the air flow to a moderate level. As mentioned before, misting and indoor humidifiers are a good idea for a Philodendron Birkin plant.

Philodendron Birkin Brown Leaves

Causes

Lack of humidity can lead a Philodendron Birkin to be brown. Since these plants thrive in humid and moist environments, being dry and dehydrated can make them look unwell.

Solution

To boost the humidity levels around the plant, there are several different methods you can choose from. Placing your plant in a pebble tray filled with water is one of the best ways to increase moisture in the air around the Birkin. You can also mist the plant occasionally or as needed.

FAQs

When to Water Philodendron Birkin?

Philodendron Birkin prefers to grow in moist soil, so it should be watered frequently. The ideal watering schedule for this plant is to water it once every week in the growing season. You can also determine its watering days using the general rule of thumb: water it when the top 2 inches of its soil get dry.

Final Thoughts

A Philodendron Birkin plant is a beautiful statement plant with large glossy leaves that add a pop of color to any space they are placed in. Like all philodendron plants, this one is also very easy to maintain and grow indoors. If you are looking for a small plant to put on your shelf or coffee table, consider this beautiful piece of art.