Philodendron Pastazanum has heart-shaped leaves. At first look, it looks like a heart-shaped philodendron. But the glossy leaves and stable veins make it a different variety.
It is rarely found in small garden stores because it is not a native American plant. Pastazanum comes from Ecuador.
The good thing is it has the same growing requirement as other varieties of philodendrons.
To grow it indoors you need to learn about its growing requirements. They are simple and every single detail is discussed below.
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About the Plant
In perfect growing conditions, it grows 4 to 6 feet long and 3 to 4 feet wide. But as you know we cannot copy the natural habitat conditions.
Therefore, the plant stays smaller in height but the width remains the same. The leaf size remains the same if you give it proper light and water.
Plus, fertilizers help your plant to produce glossy and wide leaves. To encourage a prominent vein pattern expose it to bright light.
The source of light can be a grow light or indirect sun rays. Further growing details are explained below.
Light Needs
Light plays an important role in the development of Philodendron Pastazanum. Glossy looks are only possible when the plant produces enough chlorophyll.
This is only possible when your plant receives plenty of light.
The direct sun rays are not good for its health. They penetrate inside the leaf tissues and evaporate stored water.
This results in burned leaves and brown tips.
According to my experience, an east-facing window will be the best place for it. Your plant will get plenty of indirect bright light in a few hours.
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Potting Soil
Use aroid mixes that contain peat, perlite, and pine or orchid bark. This type of mix drains fasts and also absorbs some amount of moisture.
This moisture is enough to keep the plant hydrated for a long time.
The problem with this plant is, its roots cannot handle the soil pressure. Therefore, you should avoid using regular potting soil.
If you have a great knowledge of potting mixes then you can make your own soil at home.
But making soil for just one plant is not a wise idea. It is inexpensive to buy ready to use potting mixes.
Do not use your garden soil for growing Philodendron Pastazanum. This soil is not suitable for potted plants.
Watering
Pastazanum Philodendron needs less water but it is like moist soil all time. Deep watering is the method with which you can achieve this condition.
Water your plant slowly so that the soil can absorb most of it. Do not stop watering unless you see clear water is coming out of the drain holes.
Before watering it check the soil conditions by poking your finger in it. If it feels dry water your plant otherwise waits for 48 hours and re-check.
Use clean water for watering Philo Pastazanum because the dirty and hard water damages the plant. You can use tap water if it is safe for drinking and does not contain chlorine content.
If it has chlorine in it then fill the bucket of water 24 hours before watering and let it sit overnight. This way the chlorine content settles down at the bottom and you can use the topwater.
Fertilizing
Philo plants do not require fertilizers if there is a good amount of organic material in the soil. But as you can see in the image above this plant has large glossy leaves.
To encourage large-size leaf growth fertilization is a must. Use liquid form balanced organic fertilizer. Dilute it in clean water.
Then give it to the plant, do not pour near the stem. Our aim is to make every single part of the soil fertile and nutrient-rich. The roots can automatically absorb the required amount of nutrients.
Spring and summer are the seasons for a nutrient boost. There must be a gap of 50 days between fertilization applications.
Temperature & Humidity
If your garden is in USDA zone 11 then you can grow it outdoor throughout the year. Whereas in other zones bring it inside when the temperature drops below 55 degrees F.
Because Philodendron Pastazanum needs warm weather to grow. 65 to 90 degrees F is the ideal temperature range.
For humidity, please keep it above 65%. I know this is a challenging task but if you want to grow these Philo plants. Then you have to make arrangements to keep the humidity level on the higher side.
Use an electric room humidifier, place it in the kitchen or bathroom on low humid days of the year.
Or
Use a plant humidifier, misting water on plant leaves helps in the summer season.
Toxicity
Philodendron Pastazanum is toxic to pets and humans. The sap of this plant has toxic effects. On ingestion, it can cause stomach pain, sore throat, vomiting, etc.
Immediately contact the VET doc if you see toxic symptoms in your pets and call your family doctor if your kids ingested plant parts.
For your safety always wear garden gloves while working on it.
Repotting
Repot it once in 3 years because it is a slow grower. Use terracotta pots because they are a bit heavy than plastic or ceramic ones.
Due to the large and heavy size of the plant you need to use a sturdy pot. Terracotta is the only option for this plant.
Moreover, these pots are made up of porous material which means the material has a tiny hole in it. This allows the air to circulate and keep the soil fresh.
This also keeps the plant roots free of diseases.
Propagation
For propagation, you should choose a healthy stem. Cut 5 to 6 inches long stem with few leaves, remove leaves at the bottom.
Then place it in the glass of water and place the glass in a warm and humid place. Make sure the direct sunlight cannot touch the glass.
Check it every day and change the water when it gets unclear.
No need to dip the cut edge in the rooting hormone. within a few days, you will see the new roots at the cut edge.
Once the roots grow 2 to 3 inches long then you can transfer them to the potting soil.
Why my Philodendron Pastazanum is wilting?
Too much light exposure, low humidity, and incorrect temperature weak the plant which results in wilting.
Correct all these growth factors and your plant will never face any problems.
Conclusion
Philo Pastazanum is a rare variety but is easy to grow. All you need to do is just take of light exposure and watering needs.
To encourage the glossiness of leaves give them the proper amount of light, water, and fertilizers. The soil also plays important role in its growth and development.
Choose well-aerated soil that also drains fast.
