If you are looking for a unique philodendron that is not very common. Then Philodendron Asplundii must be your choice.
Because this philodendron is hard to find in garden stores. Only a few luckies see this plant in their life.
Today I’ll explain how you can grow this plant without damaging it. What are its growing needs and how you can propagate?
About Philodendron Asplundii plants?
Philodendron Asplundii is a flowering philodendron. But it only grows them in its natural habitat. Do not expect bloom from indoor growing Asplundii plants.
It needs high humidity above 75% and warm weather without temperature changes for flowering. It is not possible to maintain this environment indoors.
Long green shining leaves with unique patterns are its real beauty. The normal size of its leaves is 7 to 10 inches.
This perennial needs some support to climb and if you allow it to climb. Then your plant will grow more than 1 meter tall with multiple leaves per stem.
Moderate bright light, moist soil, nitrogen-rich fertilizer, and high humidity are the growth factors that you need to focus on.
Unfortunately, it cannot tolerate drought. Follow the bottom watering technique so that the soil can stay moist for a long time with fewer watering sessions.
Philodendron Asplundii Care Needs
Light Needs of Philodendron Asplundii
My Philodendron Asplundii is sitting on my sunny window. It enjoys bright indirect light for 7 to 8 hours per day.
Whereas my newly propagated Asplundii is thriving under the light of a LED grow light. I am using 300 watts of grow light for 3 plants.
Asplundii Philodendron
250 foot candles is the light energy that it needs for survival. 300 to 450 FC is a perfect amount of light for growing a thriving Asplundii plant.
Keep in mind that it is a delicate plant with a soft leaf texture. Therefore, its leaves cannot tolerate direct sun rays.
They are sharp enough to burn its leaves.
But in some cases, you can expose your plant to morning sunlight. After 10 am move your plant to filtered light.
I place my plants in the sun when I accidentally overwater them. Or when the potting soil stays moist for a long time.
Watering Philodendron Asplundii
The best method of watering Asplundii is the bottom watering method. Because with this technique you can send enough amount of water to its root in few seconds.
They absorb enough water and stay hydrated for days.
Bottom Watering Steps:
- Take a tub and fill it with clean water.
- Gently lift your plant and place it in the tub
- Make sure the water level stays 2 to 3 inches below the plant container edges.
- Let it absorb water for 15 minutes.
- Now lift your plant and place it in a dry place.
- Let it drain extra water and it will take 50 minutes to do so.
- Empty the bottom tray and you are down with watering your plant.
When to Water:
There is no rule or a specific time for watering plants. You should check the soil moisture level before thinking about watering sessions.
To check it poke your finger in the soil and if the top 2 inches of soil are dry, water your plant.
Or
Use a soil moisture testing meter if you like digital readings. This tool will tell you the exact percentage of moisture in potting soil.
Potting Soil
The right percentage of moisture in the soil is very important for a thriving philodendron plant. Philodendron Asplundii needs soil that contains some organic material.
Because organic material gives nutrients and also holds some amount of moisture. Peat moss and perlite are the two best organic substances to add to the soil mixture.
Soil formula:
Equal amounts of potting soil, peat moss, perlite, and compost make well-draining soil. This mixture is organically rich, airy, and lightweight.
Do not use normal soil for growing it. The reason is garden soil becomes waterlogged after watering. This increases the chances of root rot and leaf fungal spots.
Moreover, garden soil is not airy and fluffy. It puts good pressure on plant roots. This inhibits the natural functions of roots, resulting in droopy and weak plants.
Temperature Range
Temperature sickness is the main problem with Philodendron Asplundii plants. They cannot tolerate frequent changes in grow room temperature.
To prevent temperature damage, keep the growing environment temperature between 50 to 85 degrees F.
50 degrees f is safe below limit. Whereas above 90 degrees F is considered hot for the plant.
It can survive in it but then start using more water. High-temperature shift plant energy to keep its temperature cool.
It stops growing new leaves and starts losing its natural shine and glossiness. Below 50 F pushes the plant to a dormancy state.
Humidity
Asplundii Philodendrons need humidity above 70%. But this range is not possible to maintain at home throughout the year.
This does not mean you cannot grow it at home. The good news is it can survive in moderate home humidity between 40% to 55 %.
It will be best if you keep humidity above 45%.
I use the pebble tray method on low-humid days. I also have a humidifier and it is only useful when the humidity drops 10% or more.
In 5 % to 7 % drop, fill water in a pebble tray and add some rocks. Place your plant over it. The evaporating water adds a good amount of moisture to grow the room.
If you are looking for a humidifier for your plants. Choose a portable plant humidifier instead of a normal home humidifier.
Pruning
Pruning depends on the way you are growing it. If you are growing it in medium size pot then it will grow 3 to 5 feet. In this case, seasonal pruning is required.
But if you are growing it in a large size pot and allow it to crawl on the ground or climb on the walls. Then your plant will easily gain 9 to 10 feet in height.
In this case, the long vines grow more leaves and you have to prune them frequently.
Pruning Steps:
- Identify the yellow, dry and dead parts of your plant.
- Take sharp shears and sterilize them with rubbing alcohol.
- Carefully cut the dead parts.
- Collect all the trimmed parts, put them in a bag and discard.
- Grab a damp cloth and clean the plant leaves and plant pot including the bottom tray.
Toxicity
Ingestion results in toxicity because of calcium oxalate present in its sap. It is equally poisonous to humans, cats, dogs, and horses.
Excessive drooling, stomach pain, and sore throat are a few common symptoms.
Seek medical help immediately.
Fertilizing
Adequate feeding is the key to success. I fertilize my plants once in 40 days and it is thriving like crazy. Use general-purpose foliage houseplant fertilizer.
You can also use the balanced liquid fertilizer that you have at home.
Nutrient supplements increase the size and number of leaves per stem. Nutrients help plants to maintain their appearance and shine.
To prevent a fertilized burn, always read the instructions before diluting the solution.
For dilution use distilled water or rainwater. In rainy areas, people use Rain barrels to collect rainwater for their gardens.
Repotting
Repot this philodendron only when you see roots poking out of the soil. The second sign is roots growing in a circle around the pot.
Water your plant a day before repotting. Then on the next day lose the soil and pull it out gently. Remove soil from roots and wash with clean water.
Grab a new large pot and add fresh soil to it. Place your philodendron in it and fill the remaining portion of the pot with soil.
Add some water and place it back in its permanent location. Do not add fertilizer until you make sure your plant is out of repotting stress.
It will take 2 to 3 days to completely come out of pot shifting stress.
Philodendron Asplundii Propagation
Propagation is a must if you like to add more similar plants to your plant collection. Every propagated plant is 5% different from the mother plant.
Propagation Method:
- Choose a healthy stem and cut 5 to 6 inches long with a few leaves at the top.
- Apply rooting hormone at the cut and dip the stem cutting in a glass of water.
- Use clean filtered water for propagating Philodendron Asplundii.
- Store this glass in moderately bright light in good humidity.
- Change the water once in 4 days.
- Within a few days, your plant grows new roots.
- Shift stem to potting soil when the new roots grow 1 inch long.
Troubleshooting
Pest Problems
Keep your plant and its surroundings clean to prevent pests. Also, use neem oil spray for further protection.
Neem is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It prevents various fungal diseases and insects.
Inspect your plant leaves at the time of watering. This way you can catch the problem before it becomes worst.
Once you catch the pests use rubbing alcohol to wipe each leaf.
Or
If they are all over the plant then cut the damaged parts and use insect-killing soap to rinse.
Take your plant outdoors to wash it and use tap water.
Curling Leaves
Too much bright light increases the leaf surface temperature. This increases the moisture evaporation from plants.
To hold the moisture in sharp light. Plants automatically curl their leaves for protection.
To unfurl its leaves, move your plant to a less bright place. Also, record the temperature of grow room.
If you use a light meter to find a suitable place for your plants. You will never face leaf curling and sunburned leaves issues.
Small Leaves and long Stems
Small leaves and long leggy stems are a result of low light. Philodendrons stretch their growth toward the light source.
They do so to full fill their light needs.
Plants stop growing leaves and leaf size. Instead, they use their energy to grow long vines. This gives them a leggy appearance.
The solution is moving your plant to a bright place. Where it can easily get at least 300 Fc of light. Use a light meter to check the amount of light your plants are receiving.
To heal your plant in a few days expose it to morning sunlight.
Root Rot
Yellow leaves on the top part indicate a problem with its roots. When you give more than enough water to your plant.
The soil holds lots of water and plant roots stay in waterlogged soil.
A warm environment and waterlogged soil invite fungal diseases. The roots start decaying and the leaves start turning yellow. The soil releases a rotten smell.
Treatment:
- Take your plant out of the pot and remove the soil from the roots. Cut the damaged and decaying parts of roots with sterilized shears.
- Wash the old pot with dishwashing soap and warm water. Add new soil and plant your philodendron back in it.
- Add water for moisture and you are done with the treatment. Place it in morning sunlight for quick healing.
Brown leaf tips with Cracks
Low humidity and high-temperature result in cracked leaves with brown tips. To prevent this condition of your plant. Use a hygrometer to measure humidity once a day.
For treatment, move your plant to a high-humidity place or turn off the plant humidifier.
Keep in mind that at this stage none of the traditional methods will work. Do not mist water or you will definitely see dark spots on leaves.
Conclusion
Philodendron Asplundii is the rarest plant with glossy tongue-like leaves. It is easy to grow it with moderate care and attention.
Neem oil is highly recommended to protect your plant from various diseases and pests.
