Philodendron Crassinervium is not a popular plant. It is less common in indoor gardens but grows very beautiful sleek leaves.
Most philodendrons grow wide leaves in different shapes. Only a few philodendrons grow long leaves not more than 2 inches wide.
They are hard to find in garden stores but are not very expensive.
If you are interested in growing Philo Crassinervium. Then read the below guide to know everything about its care and common problems.
About Philodendron Crassinervium
Philodendron Crassinervium is a tropical plant native to Brazilian rainforests. There it grows more than 3 meters tall with large size leaves.
But when we grow it indoors in a plant container. This philodendron only grows 15 to 20 inches tall with 6 to 8 inches long leaves.
The changes in its growing environment put a high impact on its average size.
Its leaves are green and shining but not glossy. You can grow this plant to add some greenery to your home.
P. Crassinervium is able to filter indoor air by absorbing all the pollutants. It also releases fresh oxygen into the air.
But this plant is not a true air-purifying plant. Grow rubber plants if you are concerned about your indoor pollution.
It is an excellent plant for purifying the home air.
How to Care for Philodendron Crassinervium?
To grow a thriving Philodendron Crassinervium you must take care of its growing needs. It needs less moisture than other philodendrons.
This makes it a little different and easy for us to grow.
Below are its care needs, read carefully:
Light Needs
Place your plant close to a sunny window. So, that it can get some morning sunlight and then indirect bright light.
Do not expose it to direct sunlight for too long. Because the intense sunlight can burn its leaves. Pale yellow leaves mean there is too much bright light in the room.
In this condition, move your plant to a less bright place.
It is an adaptable plant means you can easily grow it in moderately bright light. But then don’t expect long leaves from it.
Philodendron Crassinervium is a slow-growing plant and we all know slow houseplants need less light.
In the absence of natural light use grow lights. 200 watts led grow light is sufficient to full fill its light needs.
It will be a good idea if you find a suitable for this plant with the help of your light meter. The minimum light requirement is 250 FC.
Watering Philodendron Crassinervium
It needs less moisture than Philodendron Goldiana and Philodendron Sodiroi.
Too much water in the potting soil can kill your plant in a few days. It has a soft root ball and root rot can eat its roots in 4 to 7 days.
This means you have to water it very carefully to prevent root fungus.
I follow the soil check method for watering. Poke your finger in the soil to check moisture. Water only when the top 2 inches of the soil become dry.
Next comes the quality of water.
Use fresh filtered water for watering your plant. Do not use tap water because the high chlorine content can damage the plant roots.
Potting Soil
General potting soil with good drainage power is excellent to use for this plant. No need to buy expensive potting soil mixes.
Just make sure the soil formula that you are going to buy contains perlite in it.
It is an important ingredient and has the ability to store a good amount of moisture. The best part is it does not make the soil wet or waterlogged.
It is a natural organic material with tiny pores in it. Perlite increases its size after absorbing the water. This makes the soil fluffy and reduces the weight stress on plant roots.
Do not use garden soil for growing this plant. Because it holds lots of water and this plant cannot handle it.
Ideal Temperature
The best temperature for the good health of this philodendron is above 55 degrees F and below 85 degrees F.
This range is perfect and your plant will thrive in it.
In most cases, people lose their plants due to temperature stress. Frequent fluctuations in the grow room temperature are damaging.
Use a thermometer to measure the room temperature of your grow room. Set alarm to 55 degrees F.
This way you will know when the temperature is dropping below the safe limit.
Humidity
It is an important growth factor. Because in low humidity Philodendron Crassinervium leaves start turning brown.
Plants absorb a good amount of moisture from the air through their leaves.
Each leaf has a number of pores that helps to suck moisture from the air.
In the absence of sufficient humidity, plants start using moisture that is stored in their leaves. As a result, they lose their glossiness and size.
To prevent humidity issues, choose a place with humidity above 45%.
How to deal with low humidity?
Group your plants together to make a humidity balloon around them. Or use a pebble tray method.
Fill it with water and put your plant pot over it. This method is very helpful.
If you want a permanent solution to low humidity. Then you have to invest some money in a plant humidifier. It is a device that is portable and specially designed for plants.
Place it next to your plants and turn it ON.
Pruning
Pruning is not required because it is a slow-growing plant. Trimming is necessary for fast or medium-growing plants.
For the good health of your plant, you have to maintain hygiene. In short keep, the plant leaves dust-free by wiping them with a damp cloth.
Also, keep the plant pot neat and clean.
Fertilizing Philodendron Crassinervium
The use of nutritional supplements is important because it directly impacts the overall size and health of philodendrons.
To grow your plant healthy, you must use liquid synthetic fertilizers.
They are less expensive and easy for plants to absorb. Synthetic fertilizers are fast-acting supplements and safe for houseplants.
For the best growth of your plant use nutritional supplements only in spring and summer.
Dilute the recommended quantity in fresh water.
To prevent the overuse of fertilizers stop feeding in cold weather. Don’t use more than the recommended dose.
Toxicity
It is toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The plant sap contains calcium oxalates. It is a harmful and toxic substance.
It can use skin irritation, redness, vomiting, stomach pain, excessive drooling, nausea, etc.
Call the doctor for medical help.
Philodendron Crassinervium Propagation
Philo. Crassinervium propagation is similar to Philodendron Mcdowell and Philodendron Birkin.
- Cut a 5 inches long healthy stem with 1 or 2 top leaves.
- Dip the cutting in the rooting hormone.
- Use water for rooting instead of soil for fast results.
- Take a glass jar and fill it with water
- Put the cutting in it and store it in a warm and humid place.
- Change the water regularly.
- Transport cutting in potting soil when you see 1-inch-long new roots.
Repotting
Frequent repotting is not required because it is a slow-growing plant. Therefore, repot it once in 2 years to refresh the potting soil.
- Unpot your plant and remove old soil from its roots.
- Wash the roots with water.
- Take a new pot and add fresh soil to it.
- Place your plant in it and fill the remaining pot with soil.
- Give some water to your newly repotted plant to add moisture.
Troubleshooting
Pest Problems
Pests are common on plants that are unhygienic and weak. Fertilize your plant on time to prevent pest infestations.
Nutritional supplements make houseplants strong.
In case your get infected immediately rinse it with insecticidal soap. Then spray neem oil on it. keep it separate from other healthy plants.
Fungal Leaves
Dark spots on leaves indicate fungal bacteria. This disease can be treated with copper-based fungicides. Spray it on your plant and wait for the results.
To prevent it keep your plant clean and do not mist water on its leaves. Because warm weather and wet leaves for a long time result in leaf fungal diseases.
Powdery Mildew
White powder-like substance on leaves is powdery mildew. It is not harmful to the plant and you can manually clean your plant with a damp cloth.
It is the result of too much moisture.
To prevent it, move your plant to a bright place. Morning sunlight is the perfect treatment for this problem.
Green Algae on Soil
Algae indicate too much moisture in the soil and slow the respiration rate of plants. In this case, remove the algae and unpot your plant.
Mix new soil in the current soil and replant your philodendron.
Your plant will get better in a few days.
Conclusion
Philodendron Crassinervium is rare green plant. Bright light and moderate water are secret to healthy growth.
Keep your plant leaves clean and use neem oil to prevent fungal problems.
