The Philodendron Mexicanum is such a cool plant. Its long, leathery leaves with those amazing maroon undersides are a real showstopper. While it’s pretty easy to care for, it’s good to know exactly what it needs to truly thrive. I’ve gathered all the best tips from plant experts and online forums to create this comprehensive guide for you. Think of this as your go-to resource for keeping your plant happy and healthy.
Light Needs
Light is a big deal for this plant. It’s originally from rainforests, where it grows under big trees. This means it loves bright, indirect light.
Keep it out of direct sun: don’t put it right in front of a sunny window. That intense light will burn the leaves and make them lose their color.
Find the right spot: A great place is a few feet away from a south- or west-facing window. An east-facing window is also perfect because the morning sun is softer and not as intense.
Signs of a problem: If your plant isn’t getting enough light, the new leaves will be smaller, and the stems will get long and leggy as it stretches to find more sun. If you see burnt or faded spots on the leaves, it’s getting too much direct light.
Using a grow light: If your home is a bit dim, a grow light can help. Just turn it on for 8-12 hours a day.
Watering
This is where a lot of people run into trouble. Like most tropical plants, your Philodendron Mexicanum wants its soil to be moist, but never soggy. Soggy soil is a disaster and a major cause of root rot.
The easiest way to check if it’s time to water is to use your finger. Just stick it into the soil about an inch or two deep. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. If it still feels moist, wait a few more days. The amount of water your plant needs will change with the seasons. You’ll water more often in the hot summer months and much less in the cooler winter months.
A note on water quality: while tap water is usually fine, some experts recommend using filtered or distilled water if your tap water has a lot of chemicals like chlorine.
Potting Soil
Let’s talk about soil. This is the real foundation for a healthy plant. The Philodendron Mexicanum likes soil that’s rich in organic material but also drains really fast. You want it to be light and airy, not dense and heavy like mud.
A great way to do this is to mix your own. A good recipe is:
1 part potting mix
1 part orchid bark
1 part perlite or pumice
This mix prevents the soil from getting waterlogged, which is a major cause of root rot. The orchid bark and perlite create air pockets, which the roots need. If you don’t want to mix your own, just look for a pre-made “aroid mix” or “chunky soil blend” at your local garden center.
Humidity & Temperature
Since this plant is from a tropical area, it likes things warm and humid. The best temperature range is between 60°F and 85°F. You should move your plant indoors when the weather gets cold because it won’t survive temperatures below 60°F.
For humidity, normal household humidity is usually okay. But if you live in a very dry place, your plant might like a little extra. You can increase the humidity by using a humidifier or by placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Fertilizing
To get those big, beautiful leaves, you’ll want to give your plant a little boost with fertilizer. I recommend using a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer. You should only fertilize your plant during its growing season, which is usually spring and summer.
Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and give it to your plant about once a month. Don’t overdo it! Too much fertilizer can burn the roots. Remember, it’s always better to use too little than too much. You can skip fertilizing completely during the winter when the plant’s growth slows down.
Repotting
You only need to repot this plant when it’s outgrown its pot. The best way to tell is if the roots are starting to poke out of the drainage holes at the bottom.
When it’s time to repot, get a new pot that’s one size bigger than the old one. Fill it with a fresh, airy soil mix and carefully move your plant over. I like to use a terracotta pot because it’s heavy and will support the large leaves and a moss pole if you decide to add one.
Growth & Support
The Philodendron Mexicanum is a vining plant, and in its natural habitat, it climbs up trees. To get those big, beautiful leaves that you see in photos, you’ll need to give it something to climb.
A moss pole is the perfect solution. As the plant climbs, it will mature and produce larger foliage. Simply secure the main stem to the pole with plant ties and mist the moss to encourage the roots to grow into it.
Propagation
Propagating this plant is a great way to make more of them! The easiest way is with stem cuttings.
Find a healthy stem and look for a leaf node. This is a small bump on the stem where a leaf and new roots will grow.
Cut the stem about half an inch below the node.
You can place the cutting in a glass of water or directly into a pot with a chunky soil mix. Make sure the node is in the water or soil.
Keep it in a bright spot, and you should see new roots start to grow in a few weeks!
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Here are some quick solutions to common issues you might run into:
Yellow Leaves: This is most often a sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out more between waterings.
Brown, Crispy Tips: This usually means the humidity is too low. Try misting the plant or using a humidifier.
Small Leaves and Leggy Growth: Your plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter spot.
Pests: Look out for pests like spider mites or mealybugs. If you see them, you can wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or treat the plant with insecticidal soap.
Conclusion
The Philodendron Mexicanum is a stunning plant that’s not too difficult to care for. The most important things to remember are to give it plenty of bright, indirect light, use a well-draining soil mix, and don’t overwater it. If you follow this comprehensive guide, your plant will grow big and beautiful for years to come!