If you like dark color plants that produce clean shining leaves. Then you definitely need to choose the Philodendron McDowell plants.
The botanists develop this plant by cross-breeding philodendron pastazanum and philodendron gloriosum. It is a hybrid plant that needs minimal care and less attention. Philodendron McDowell produces large heart-shaped leaves with white vines.
These leaves look beautiful in low-light conditions. The darker green color and white veins look attractive to everybody.
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About the plant
The good news is you can easily place the plant pot in any part of your house. Because this plant only grows 2 feet tall. With its large leaves and long stems, it spreads in 6 feet area. Grow it where you need to cover the large corners because it needs less light.
Indoor plant growth depends on main factors like light, temperature, water, fertilizer, and humidity. You need to take care of all the basic growing needs.
Well-draining soil that attains moisture in its particles for a long time is beneficial. For best results add perlite to the formula.
Light Needs
A partially sunny place is good to care for the Philodendron McDowell plant. No strong light, no direct sun rays are required. The hybrid generation of plants is designed to grow in low-light conditions.
Leaf burn is the main problem with direct natural sunlight. To grow it outdoors first locate a place where the strong sun rays cannot fall on the ground. Then plant it there in the soil.
Do not grow it in a completely dark space. Because it needs some amount of light to produce its food. Light energy is the main ingredient that is required for photosynthesis.
Normal garden soil and clay soil are not recommended for the healthy growth of McDowell philodendrons.
Potting Soil
For your Philodendron McDowell, you need soil that retains water without being extra wet. To have this quality, your soil must have the ingredients like perlite, coco coir, peat, etc.
If you have potting soil experience then you can easily prepare such soil at home from different ingredients.
A fast-draining soil can save your plant in overwatering situations. But you also need to choose the plant pot with a draining hole.
The draining hole is required to drain out the extra water out of the potting soil.
The material of the plant pots also impacts the draining power. I like to use terracotta pots they are porous in nature and nowadays we have lightweight terracotta pots.
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Fertilizing
The best fertilizer will be the miracle grow philodendron liquid fertilizer. You should choose the organic type it may cost a little more than the synthetic type. But it is totally safe to use on plants. Your plant can tolerate a little bit of its overdosage.
I fertilize my McDowell 3 times a year but only in the spring and summer seasons. Because it stops growing in cold weather and I do not like to waste costly fertilizers.
I always choose organic fertilizers. They have natural ingredients and release nutrients at a slower rate.
Watering
A little bit of moisture in the soil for 365 days is good for healthy plants. If your plant has large leaves but looks dull and dry. Then less watering is the main cause. This problem is common in the summer season.
To keep the soil well moist water your plants when they feel thirsty. Do not just stick to a regular routine. Every plant acts differently in plant pots.
Therefore, the golden rule of watering is simply checking the soil moisture. After that decide whether your plant needs water or not.
Use drinkable water for your McDowell plant. This water is safe for plants and does not contain any amount of heavy minerals.
Temperature & Humidity
The recommended temperature range for Philodendron McDowell is 55 to 85 degrees F. But you should try to keep the temperature above 60 degrees F. This keeps the plant roots warm and healthy. The cold temperature freezes the roots and they become unable to transfer the essential nutrients.
Temperature is the only concern that you need to be worried about.
As long as humidity is required you do not need to worry about it. Because our botanists designed this plant to stay happy in low to moderate humidity.
If the air in your home is dry and it causes skin problems then you immediately need to increase it. Place the plant pot where you install the room humidifier.
Repotting
Frequent repotting is required until your plant reaches its full maturity. At first 6 to 8 inches wide pots are enough. Later you will need 15 to 20 inches pots and after that, no repotting is required.
Generally, we do not use large size pots in our home. They are suitable when you need to grow plants outside. Or you have to move them in your garage due to changing weather.
When you repot the plant, you should also change the soil. This will increase the life of a plant also protect it from different pests and problems.
Terracotta pots are my favorite pots that I believe are best for houseplants.
Propagation
Spring is the best time for propagating the plant. When you take out the plant from its pot inspect the roots for any damage. Use shears to cut the damaged part of the roots.
Then divide the rhizomes and plant them in different pots. Keep the soil moist for the next 30 days. This will help your plant to easily adapt to its new home.
For stem-cutting propagation make a cut just below the node, and choose the healthiest stem.
Here you should use a glass of water instead of potting soil. Put the cutting in the glass and place it in a highly humid place.
Change the water once in 5 days or when it became unclear.
Conclusion
Philodendron McDowell is a plant that has large size green leaves with white thick veins. To grow it perfectly give it proper light and maintain a warm temperature at home.
Despite its large size and leaves, you can easily manage this plant.
Grow it simply like you grow your other philodendron plants. All the varieties of this species need similar care.
