Philodendron Lynamii is a tropical vining aroid that you might mistake for an artificial plant at first glance. This Philodendron has beautiful foliage, consisting of pink and green leaves. Its leaves turn their color from deep pink to dark green as they mature. Due to its enchanting appearance, this plant is grown widely as a houseplant. Many people assume that this plant might require special care, considering it is a rare species, but it is not valid. This plant requires minimal care. It is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plant. Let’s learn some more impressive features of this exquisite Philodendron.
Philodendron Lynamii Classification
- Family: Araceae
- Subfamily: Aroideae
- Genus: Philodendron
Philodendron Lynamii Origin
This plant is native to the rainforests of Peru and Tarapoto. It is named after the famous plant collector Ralph Lynam.
Appearance
Foliage
Lynamii Philodendron has broad, heart-shaped leaves. Its leaves are warm pink-colored in their juvenile stage. As the leaves mature, they start to lose their pink shade and turn green. The mesmerizing transformation of its leaves makes this plant a fascinating houseplant.
Size
Its mature height is 3 feet indoors. In its natural habitat, it grows taller than 3 feet.
Philodendron Lynamii Care
Philodendron Lynamii care involves regular fertilization and weekly waterings. Regular houseplant fertilizer should be used for this plant. It should be placed in a well-lit spot and planted in well-draining soil. The humidity should be regulated above 70% for this plant, and the temperature of 13°C to 33°C.
Quick Guide
- Watering: 1-2 times per week.
- Soil type: Rich, organic, and fast-draining.
- Sunlight: Medium to bright.
- Temperature: 13°C to 33°C.
- Humidity: 70% or above.
- Fertilizer: Houseplant fertilizer twice a month.
Let’s discuss these care needs one by one.
Philodendron Lynamii Watering Requirements
This plant should be watered just after its topsoil gets dry. If the above 2 inches of soil are dry, no watering is required. In the growing season, its watering frequency should be set to once per week. During summer, its watering needs increase due to the high temperature. You should water and mist the plant 2-3 times in the summer.
This plant does not need as much watering in winters. Water it just 2 to 3 times throughout the month. You should use lukewarm distilled water to water this plant. Do not use softened water to water it.
Soil Requirements
This plant is not fussy about its potting mix. However, there are some basic rules. The potting mix used for this plant should be well-draining, well-aerated, loose, and rich in organic matter. All these features are present in a potting mix having perlite and potting soil. If you want to increase the soil drainage, even more, add a little pumice to it.
Make sure the potting soil remains acidic as this plant cannot grow in an alkaline medium. To lower the pH of the soil, spray it with diluted vinegar once or twice a week.
Sunlight
Choosing the right spot for your Philodendron Lynamii is a tricky task. It prefers to grow in a spot where the light intensity is not too bright nor too low. A medium or partly-shaded place is the perfect spot for this plant. The places that are 6 feet away from your south, west, or east-facing window are ideal for the placement of this Philo.
If you have a north-facing window, you can place this plant on its windowsill. It is because a north-facing window does not receive too much direct sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is not frost-hardy; it cannot tolerate low temperatures. The lowest temperature that it can survive is 13°C. This plant prefers to be placed in a warmer room, where the temperature does not fluctuate much and stays around 13°C to 33°C.
If exposed to too much heat, the leaves of this plant start to curl up and turn brown. The leaves can actually burn if placed under the scorching sun. It is why you should never put this plant outdoors in extreme summer or extreme winter. It is better to place it in a greenhouse in winter and a cool bathroom in summers.
Philodendron Lynamii Humidity
Every Philodendron species needs high humidity to survive. The ideal humidity level for this tropical Philodendron Lynamii is 70% or above. If it is not provided with a highly humid environment, its leaves will lose their rich colors and appear dull.
Humidity levels can be regulated by installing a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray. Misting is also an effective method for increasing humidity; however, it also increases the risk of a pest infestation. Humidity levels can also be increased by grouping all the plants together in a room.
Fertilizer
The same basic houseplant fertilizer used for Philodendron Sodiroi and Philodendron Birkin can also be used for Philodendron Lynamii. It should be fertilized regularly in spring and summer when the plant is growing actively. Cease its fertilization in winters during the dormancy stage.
Always water the plant before adding the fertilizer so that the roots don’t get burnt due to the strong chemicals.
Grooming and Pruning
Pruning isn’t necessary until you notice any old yellow leaves still clinging in the foliage. All the old leaves should be removed from the foliage to allow for more growth. You can also prune the plant if you want to limit its size. Any leggy branches that are longer than the rest of the foliage should be trimmed back to encourage more growth. Spring and late winter are the best times for pruning this plant.
How to Propagate Philodendron Lynamii
Propagating a plant is better than buying a new one. Propagation is the best way to increase your plant collection. You can propagate Philodendron Lynamii through its stem cuttings. Various stem cuttings can be taken from a single plant to produce multiple Philos. Here is how you propagate this Philo.
- Disinfect your gardening shears by wiping them with rubbing alcohol or ethanol.
- Use these shears to take a stem cutting from the plant.
- Do not remove its leaves.
- The cutting should be 4-6 inches long.
- Do not take a diseased stem cutting.
- Leave the cutting overnight so that it forms a callus.
- You can also dip it in the rooting hormone.
- Prepare a container having the similar potting soil as the mother plant.
- Plant this cutting into the container. Water it thoroughly.
- Place it in a brightly lit spot.
- After it produces new roots and shoots, move this cutting to a proper pot.
Philodendron Lynamii Basic Features
Growth
This plant matures in 2 to 3 years because it grows at a slow to moderate rate. Its growth rate increases when it is grown in ideal growing conditions.
The recommended USDA plant hardiness growth zones for this plant are 9 to 11.
Air Purification
The beautiful leaves of this plant aren’t just for the decor; they also help you out. Its leaves filter the air and remove maximum pollutants to make your surrounding air clean enough to be breathable for you. It is a natural air purifier that improves the air quality indoors.
Toxicity
Do not let your toddlers or pets get near this plant as it is highly toxic. Its leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals. If swallowed, its leaves can cause swelling of the mouth and diarrhea.
Drought Tolerance
The long, thick leaves of this plant store water by absorbing it through the leaves. It is why this plant can tolerate droughts. In periods of low water availability, it uses its stored water to carry out its essential functions.
Philodendron Lynamii Maintenance
It is a low-maintenance species that does not need much care or attention. It can be easily grown by beginners or new gardeners. So, if you do not have a green thumb, try growing this plant in your home. This way, you’ll get a chance to learn the basics of growing a houseplant.
Dormancy
It stops growing in winters. When days shorten and night becomes super cold, this plant prefers to rest for a while; it enters its dormancy. Its growth rate slows down to almost unnoticeable. It is why no feeding or fertilization is required in winters.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Diseases
Luckily, this Philo is not susceptible to the horrible plant diseases that affect other plants. The only two problems that you might face are root rot and leaf spot. These occur due to overwatering and damp conditions.
To treat these diseases, trim all the infected parts and spray the foliage with a fungicide. If you want to protect your plant against these diseases, never overwater it. And wipe all leaves when the humidity is too high.
Pests
Lynamii Philodendron is resistant to pest attacks. However, mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids can still inhabit its foliage. These are attracted by high humidity or diseased leaves. It is why removing all the infected parts of a plant is essential.
You can get rid of these pests by using insecticidal soap. Some conventional methods are also effective for keeping these pests at bay. Either rub the foliage with rubbing alcohol or neem oil. These two liquids will make sure no pests come near your plant.
Frequently Asked Questions about Philodendron Lynamii
Is Philodendron Lynamii a Rare Plant?
Yes, this amusing aroid is a rare species of the Philodendron genus. It is found in Peru and Tarapoto only.
Why Are the Leaves of My Plant Dropping One After Another?
This plant drops its leaves to show the signs of underwatering or overwatering. You should now track the actual reason from either of these two possibilities. If you have been overwatering, let the soil get dry before watering it again. Stop watering for a few days. And, if you have forgotten to water your plant lately, try to follow the watering schedule. You can set reminders so that you never miss a watering day.
Should I Mist My Plant?
Misting is a necessary evil. Your plant needs high humidity, which is compensated by misting, but misting also leads to more pests. The longer the leaves stay moist, the more pests are attracted. So if you are regulating the humidity levels through misting, never forget to wipe the leaves dry.
Conclusion
In this era of urbanization and elevated pollution, either buy a room air purifier or get a Philodendron Lynamii. This Philo is an incredible plant species that remove toxins from the air in no time! It keeps your surroundings fresh and clean. It is also easy to care for, so it is an excellent opportunity for new gardeners. This gorgeous plant can be grown as a houseplant to add a colorful touch of nature to indoors.
