Philodendron Moonlight, also known as lime Philodendron, is a lovely hybrid from the Araceae family. It has large, chartreuse-green leaves that turn dark-green as the plant matures. These spear-shaped leaves grow on multiple stems that originate from a single base. This adorable hybrid is a non-vining plant that does not climb. That is why it can be grown in smaller places too.
Philo moonlight is a popular houseplant that can be grown on tabletops, in hanging baskets or patios. Its small and compact size makes it an adorable addition to indoors.
Common Names
- Lime Philodendron
Classification
- Family: Araceae
- Subfamily: Aroideae
- Genus: Philodendron
About the Genus Philodendron
Philodendron is a genus of flowering plants that are popular for their large and striking leaves. This genus is 2nd largest genus of the Araceae family, and it includes 489 plant species. All of these plants are widely grown as houseplants. Most of the species are epiphytes or hemiepiphytes; several are terrestrial plants too.
Origin and Distribution
Philodendron Moonlight is a hybrid that was first cultivated in tropical America. It is a tropical plant, and it is widely distributed in the tropical regions of America and the West Indies.
Philodendron Moonlight Features
Foliage and Stem
This hybrid of the Philodendron genus has variegated leaves. The leaves are yellow-green in their early stage, but they turn green as they mature. The younger, neon-green leaves are present at the top of its foliage, while the mature, dark-green leaves grow below them. The elliptical leaves are large in size but grow closer to each other.
Philodendron Moonlight Flower
This plant has the most beautiful blooms than the other species of Philos. It has small flowers that bloom for a longer period. Its inflorescence consists of a pinkish-red spathe and a white spadix. The spadix is 5 inches long. The stem of the Philodendron moonlight flower is as thick as the stem of this plant.
Philodendron Moonlight Size
This beautiful plant has a maximum height of 2.5 to 3 feet. Its foliage has a width of 12-16 inches. The plant does not exceed this size. Philodendron moonlight size makes it a perfect tabletop plant; it can also be grown in small hanging baskets.
Philodendron Moonlight Mature
If you stan the chartreuse-colored leaves of this Philo, but you worry that your plant will turn all-green upon maturing, then there is good news for you. Philodendron moonlight matures only with its height and width; it does not stop growing new, lime green leaves. Its leaves will still bud out in the colors of lime-green, even when the plant is past its mature age.
Evergreen
This adorable Philo is an evergreen plant that keeps its leaves throughout the year; it does not flow the ‘shedding trend’ in autumn. Its leaves only fall down when they are old enough to hold onto their stems. As soon as a leaf falls, a new bud takes its place.
Temperature Tolerance
No plant wants to be burnt or frozen to death; every plant has limited tolerance for temperature. The Philodendron moonlight plant cannot grow at temperature extremes. It is not frost hardy nor heat-tolerant. It cannot tolerate temperatures lower than 15°C. That is why it must be moved indoors in winters. If the temperature exceeds above 30°C, move your plant to a cooler spot to protect its leaves from being scorched.
Humidity Tolerance
High humidity is the prime requirement of leafy, tropical plants. Tropical plants cannot tolerate low humidity, and thus, the humidity levels must be regulated for them. This lovely Philo, however, can survive in average household humidity. It can grow properly even when the moisture in the air fall below 50%. This does not mean that you place your plant in the path of dry drafts. You still have to mist it frequently to provide it with the necessary moisture.
Drought Resistance
Philodendron moonlight does not like to be over-watered if you are going on a long vacation. This beaut is a drought-resistant plant that can survive through days of low water availability. It can retain some water in its stem and leaves. In case you forget to water it, it consumes this stored water.
Disease and Pest Resistance
This pretty plant is not prone to many diseases or pests. If you want to be 100% sure and do not want any harmful pests to roam around your Philo, rub its stem and leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil from time to time.
Growth
It is a fast-growing plant that reaches its mature height faster than other houseplants. The USDA recommended growth zones are 9-11.
Toxicity
Like other Philodendrons, this plant also has insoluble and toxic calcium oxalate crystals in its leaves that are quite poisonous to animals and humans. You should never leave your toddler or your nibbling pet alone in a room where this beautiful but poisonous plant is growing.
Maintenance
Philodendron moonlight is the easiest houseplant to grow as a beginner because it is a low-maintenance plant. If you want to start growing plants in your home, grow this Philo first, because this easy-to-care Philo can help you learn the basics of growing a houseplant.
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Philodendron Moonlight Care
Philodendron moonlight care involves weekly watering and frequent misting. It must be grown in well-drained, rich, loose, and slightly acidic soil. The soil’s pH must be in the range of 5.6-6.0. The preferred humidity level is above 50%, and the optimum temperature range is 18°C to 25°C.
Water Requirements
The watering schedule of Philo moonlight should be kept consistent because only the right amount of water makes sure that its leaves stay fresh and shiny. This adorable plant should be watered weekly. The general rule of watering is to stick the index finger into its soil; if the top 1 inch of soil is dry, it is time to water this plant.
Water this plant thoroughly until some of it starts to tickle from the drainage hole. The watering frequency must be decreased in winters, and the soil must be allowed to go dry between waterings.
Soil Requirements
As you will be thoroughly watering this plant, this Philo needs well-draining soil, so the excess water drips out of the pot. Regular potting mix that has loose, rich, and well-draining soil will do fine. You can also use a cactus mix. Cactus mix contains just the right amount of sand to increase aeration. You can also grow Philodendron moonlight in 100% sphagnum peat moss.
The pH of the soil must be around 5.6-6.0. This means that the soil must be kept slightly acidic to ensure the rich growth of this plant. Acidic soil allows the plant to absorb more nutrients.
Moonlight Philodendron Light Requirements
Philodendron moonlight variegated requires bright, indirect light that is necessary for the good coloration of its leaves. Just like other Philodendrons, this plant also does not prefer direct sun rays. Moonlight Philodendron light requirements must be considered during its pot’s placement. You should never place this plant in a spot where direct sun rays touch its vibrant foliage. An east-facing or north-facing window is recommended because these receive indirect light. You can also place this plant under the direct sun in the early morning or late afternoon as sunlight is less scorching during these hours. However, never leave your Philo outside under the burning sun during midday.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature range for the proper growth of Philodendron moonlight is 18°C to 25°C. Luckily, this is the normal room temperature on regular days in the tropical regions. You can easily grow this beautiful hybrid inside your home without the need to change the temperature. If you are growing this lovely plant outdoors, watch out for temperature drops in winters. If the temperature falls below 15°C, move the plant indoors immediately. You can also increase the temperature in cooler months by placing a radiator inside the rooms. However, keep this plant away from it so that it is safe from the hot drafts.
Humidity Requirements
Philodendrons are all about showy and striking leaves. These plants prefer high humidity to maintain their deep colors. The Philodendron moonlight plant is also a fan of high humidity levels. It prefers 50% or more amount of moisture in the air. However, it can also survive in an environment where the humidity is lower than this proportion. Normal household humidity will also do fine. However, you should mist the plant often to increase the moisture level around it. Frequent misting will promote the lush growth of its foliage.
Fertilizer
If you feel that your plant is not growing at the normal pace despite all the provided conditions, you should consider feeding it with an appropriate fertilizer. You can either feed it with liquid fertilizer or granular, slow-release fertilizer. Philodendron moonlight care involves monthly feeding. The slow-release fertilizer must be added every month during the growing season. But if you are using liquid fertilizer, it must be added only twice during the growing season, once in spring and once in late summer. Always dilute the liquid fertilizer to weaker its strength to 1/4th part. Moistening the soil before fertilization protects the roots from burning.
Grooming and Pruning
Philodendrons do not have bushy foliage that needs occasional pruning. However, you must prune the old and yellow leaves at the beginning of each growing season. Pruning prevents the plant from getting a leggy appearance. Yearly grooming is necessary to provide more space for new growth and to prevent the plant from getting extra bigger. If you want to keep your plant in a certain size, prune out the upper growth.
Re-potting
Philodendron moonlight stays in the same pot for almost a year. After a year, when it outgrows its pot, it must re-potted in a bigger pot. The new pot must be about 2-3 inches bigger than the previous one. If you notice any outgrowth of roots out of its drainage holes, before a year, re-pot your plant right away. The new pot must have drainage holes at its base that allows the excess water to drip away. You can pot this lovely Philo in a ceramic-glazed or plastic pot.
Propagation
Philodendron moonlight hybrid cannot be propagated through seeds. It is not a true species. However, you can grow a new Philo moonlight through divisions or stem cuttings.
Through Divisions
You can propagate this plant while you are re-potting it to a new pot. However, this method of propagation can only be carried out once a year when you are moving your plant to a new pot.
- Take the plant out of its pot.
- Shake off the excess soil.
- Using your fingers, gently untangle the roots.
- Take a sharp knife, sterilize it, and cut the plant into two halves.
- Plant both parts in separate pots with a proper potting mix.
- Keep the pots in a bright spot, and keep the soil moist.
- Within 2-4 weeks, these plantings will come out of stress and start growing again.
Through stem Cuttings
- Take a sharp blade and sterilize it.
- Cut a stem cutting of 5-6 inches.
- Make sure that it still has 2-3 leaves.
- You can either plant it into soil or water medium.
- Place the cutting into the growing medium; in such a way that its leafless part is under the surface of soil or water and its leafy part is above the surface.
- Keep the container in a favorable environment.
Final Thoughts
Growing plants inside a home is never out of trend. In this era of hustle and bustle, every home needs an indoor plant that spreads calm and peaceful vibes. Philodendron moonlight is one such beautiful plant that is popularly grown in homes for decorative purposes and to give indoors a touch of nature. It is a low-maintenance, air-purifying plant that keeps indoors lively and fresh.
