Philodendron Lupinum is an expensive tropical houseplant. Most plant lover wants to grow it.
If you too want to add it in your indoor plant collection. But are confused about its growing needs. And don’t want it to die due to any negligence in its care.
Then this post will help you to grow your Philodendron Lupinum plant without facing problems. you’ll also learn about its propagation methods.
There are some common problems with Lupinum philodendron. You can prevent them in a few steps.
Let’s start the process of caring for Lupinum.
What is Philodendron lupinum?
Lupinum philodendron is one of the rare expensive houseplants. It grows velvety large-size leaves with maroon undersides and velvety top surface.
In the initial stage of growth, it grows arrow-shaped leaves. As the plant grows its leaves start changing their shape.
This unique behavior of this plant makes it a famous and costly plant.
In ideal growing conditions Lupinum grows 10 to 15 inches long glossy velvety leaves. The vines grow 5 to 10 feet long.
The size of this plant depends on various factors like:
- Humidity
- Light in grow room
- Availability of nutrients.
- Type of potting soil and moisture
It is a philodendron that does not produce flowers and releases a fragrance. But it helps to purify the indoor air.
Most of our furniture releases toxic gases like formaldehyde. The leaves of lupinum absorb these harmful gases from the indoor air.
And release fresh oxygen into the environment.
So, by growing this plant you get two things one is pure fresh air and a rare beautiful plant.
How to Care for Philodendron Lupinum?
Lupinum is a plant that you can grow as an indoor plant or as a tree cover. I am growing it in a beautiful hanging basket.
Below are its growing requirements.
Light Needs of Philodendron Lupinum
A moderate amount of bright indirect light is enough to grow it in plant pots. Direct sunrays are harmful to this plant and can result in sunburned leaves.
To prevent sun damage, place it few feet away from a sunny window.
It needs 275 to 380 FC of light. Use a light meter to measure the amount of light it is getting.
If you are going to grow it outdoors or as a tree wrap. Then make sure the direct sunshine cannot fall on its leaves. Grow it under the shadow of large trees.
Morning sunlight is beneficial and can prevent many diseases. But intense sunlight is not recommended.
To grow it in dark places use 250 watts LED grow light.
Watering Philodendron Lupinum
Moderate water and high soil moisture are required for caring for Lupinum Philodendrons. It is only possible if you are using a soil formula that contains perlite in it.
Its watering needs are similar to Philodendron Snowdrift and Little Phil Philodendron.
Secondly, give your plant moderate water, and before watering it check the soil condition. If the top surface of the soil has enough moisture, then no need to water it.
But if the top 2 inches of potting soil are dry then give clean water to your plant.
How does Water affect its Health?
The tap water contains chlorine in it. When you use tap water the chlorine and other unwanted salts get settle near the roots.
They stick to the plant roots and block their normal function of roots.
This prevents the proper absorption of moisture and nutrients.
Hence your plant becomes weak and droopy. The only fix is flushing the soil with clean water until you see clear water coming from the drainage hole.
To prevent this problem use filtered water for watering your plant.
Potting Soil
Lightweight soil is perfect for growing philodendron lupinum plants. I use perlite + peat moss + compost + orchid barks.
Perlite holds enough moisture for long hours without being wet. The roots absorb moisture from tiny pores of perlite when they need it.
It also makes the potting soil fluffy and airy.
Peatmoss is an excellent growing medium for growing philodendrons.
Compost is naturally rich in organic nitrogen. It gives an instant organic supply of nitrogen.
Lupinum needs a high amount of nitrogen than potassium and phosphorous. Because it only grows leaves not flowers.
Temperature
Philodendron Lupinum is not frost resistant. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 55 degrees F. If you place it in a cold room, it will go into dormancy period and stops growing.
But, a temperature above 90 degrees f is damaging for the plant leaves. In hot weather, the plant starts using more water to keep its temperature in control.
This increases the number of watering sessions per week.
Keep in mind that warm weather and high humidity invite many bacterial diseases.
To prevent diseases, keep the grow room temperature between 55 to 90 degrees F. Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of your grow room.
Humidity
High humidity is the first thing that it needs to grow into a healthy thriving plant.
Many blogs tell placing it in the bathroom to full fill its humidity needs. But this practice is totally wrong. Your plant will die due to bacterial infections.
Because in bathrooms no doubt the air moisture is high. But what about the aeration?
Lack of flow of fresh air in the bathroom results in bacterial infections. Thus, choose other options to increase humidity.
Pebble tray
It is a tried and trusted technique for increasing general home humidity. Take a tray and fill it with water and small rocks, place your plant pot over it and you are done.
The evaporating water drops add a good amount of moisture to the room air.
Pruning
Pruning means trimming the overly grown plant parts including dead parts. Do pruning in spring or in summer.
Use sharp shears to trim your plant.
Cut the yellow-turning leaves, brown leaves, leaves with dark spots, and dry vines.
After pruning your plant throw the trimmed parts in the garbage. If possible, spray neem oil on your plant to prevent any infection.
Fertilizing Philodendron Lupinum
The moderate use of fertilizers helps in growing beautiful lupinum plants. Use all-purpose liquid fertilizer to help your plant in spring and summer.
All-purpose fertilizers contain a high percentage of nitrogen. Which is a good thing for your growing philodendron.
Dilute the solution in clean water and pour it onto the soil.
Keep in mind that the overuse of fertilizers is harmful to plants. Your plant cannot tolerate concentrated high doses of fertilizers.
High doses can burn its roots and leaves.
Repotting
Repotting is a must to keep your Lupinum healthy and strong. But before doing anything you must check for the repotting signs.
Visible roots over the soil surface and roots sneaking out the drainage hole are the two sure signs of repotting.
In this case, gently unpot your plant and repot it in a new large pot by using fresh soil.
I use terracotta and ceramic pots for my plants. The material of these pots helps me to prevent overwatering.
Moreover, terracotta pots are inexpensive and easily available. Ceramic pots are for my expensive and rare houseplants.
Toxicity
The bad news is this philodendron lupinum is toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and horses. Grow it away from the reach of your kids and pets.
Also, wear garden gloves while propagating or pruning your plant.
Skin redness, irritation, sore throat, and stomach pain are a few common toxic signs. Ingestion of its parts results in toxicity due to its toxic sap.
Philodendron Lupinum Propagation
Air layering and stem cutting are two methods of propagating philodendron lupinum. In my experience stem cutting is a better technique.
It gives fast results and has a 95% success rate.
Whereas with this plant air layering method is not very successful. Moreover, it needs some gardening experience to perform.
A wrong cut at the wrong angle can ruin your plant. So, I will stick to the stem-cutting technique.
Stem Cutting Method:
- Choose a healthy stem with few leaves.
- Cut 5 to 6 inches long stems, and make a clean cut 1 inch below the leaf node.
- Remove bottom leaves.
- Apply rooting hormone on the edge and dip it in a glass of water.
- Make sure the leaves stay above the water.
- Store the glass in a warm place in moderately bright light.
- Change the water in the glass jar when it gets dirty.
- Transfer stem cutting to potting soil once the new roots grow 1 inch long.
Troubleshooting
Pest attacks
Aphids, Spider Mites, and Mealy bugs are three common enemies of this plant. They attack unhygienic plants.
To protect your philodendron, keep the plant surroundings clean. Also, use neem oil spray over the entire plant. Neem is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. It prevents many fungal diseases.
In case your plant is already infected then use pest-killing soap and rinse your plant. If there are holes in leaves then propagate it immediately.
Use copper-based fungicide and hopefully you can save your dying plant.
Powdery Mildew
Too much moisture in the soil and the presence of mild fungus result in powdery mildew. It is a white powder-like substance.
It is not harmful and you should manually remove it from your entire plant.
Move your plant to a place where it can get some morning direct sunlight. It will heal itself in a few days.
Yellow Leaves
Last spring, I saw 5 to 6 yellow leaves on my plant. They are on the top part of it. When I dig into the problem, I found that the soil is saturated in water.
This clears that yellow leaves indicate too much moisture in the plant soil.
Remove the bottom yellow leaves and unpot your plant. Cut the infected roots and apply fungicide on the roots.
Replant your lupinum in the same pot after washing it with warm water and dishwashing soap. Use fresh soil and discard old plant soil.
Dark Spots on leaves
Black spots on lupinum leaves indicate leaf bacterial disease. The fungal bacteria on leaves start making holes in them to suck the sap.
These tiny holes look like dark black spots on green leaves.
To prevent this problem, use a neem oil spray.
To cure this problem spray copper fungicide on plant leaves. Only use a light copper fungicide.
How to Save Dying Philodendron Lupinum?
A dying philodendron means something went wrong with your care techniques. In most cases, watering and pest infestations are the causes of dying plants.
Expose your plant to moderate bright light for 6 to 7 hours per day. Check the soil and repot it if you find waterlogged soil.
Look under the leaves to inspect for pest infestations.
Improve the relative home humidity and keep it above 50 % for good health.
Conclusion
Lupinum is a beautiful plant that needs moderate care. Bright light and limited watering are the secrets to success.
Keep the plant and grow room clean to prevent pests and diseases.
Use neem oil spray to grow disease free healthy thriving plants.
