Philodendron Pedatum Laciniatum is a variety of philodendrons with oak-shaped leaves. This plant needs support to grow upwards. Use a moss pole or other support to hold its structure.
The number of leaves per stem makes it a heavyweight plant. Therefore, it needs good support.
In the first few months of growth, the leaves do not look like oak leaves. They gain their final shape near their maturity.
This is the reason people also called Oak lead philodendron.
It is a beginner’s plant means if you are new to indoor gardening, you should start your carrier with this plant. Or if you just want to gain some experience in growing plants then you definitely choose this plant.
To add this beautiful plant to your collection you need to know about its growing needs. Below is the complete guide to Philodendron Pedatum Laciniatum care and propagation.
About the Plant
As is said you need to give it support of a moss pole or bamboo stick to support its structure. But the interesting part is you can also grow it in hanging baskets.
It is a fast-growing plant and under normal growing conditions, this plant grows very tall. It achieves 8 feet in height and its leaves grow near about 1 foot.
This height is not possible in small to medium size pots. Also, in hanging baskets it stays under 5 to 6 feet with very good care.
Leaves are its most beautiful parts. To grow them to the large possible size. Boost the plant’s health with a little bit of fertilization and take care of light needs. Then your Philodendron Pedatum will develop 15 inches long leaves.
Light needs
Bright indirect dappled light is necessary for a disease-free healthy Pedatum.
It can grow in low light but it will not develop long-size beautiful leaves. To get bright shining leaves light energy is the first thing that is required.
When the leaves of the Pedatum start turning yellow and brown. Also, your plant demands frequent watering application. This means the light that it is getting is very sharp. You need to move it to a safe place to reduce light stress.
Within a few days, your plant will start acting like a normal philodendron.
Potting Soil
Well-draining soil with excellent aeration qualities is required for the better health of the Pedatum.
The soil you are going to use must have peat, perlite, or coco coir. All these ingredients are good for growing houseplants.
They improve the quality of the soil. Perlite helps soil store water content for a long time without being wet. This prevents many roots fungus-like diseases. It also protects your Pedatum plant leaves from leaf fungus.
Do not use soilless mixtures they are not good for growing philodendron plants. You can use the normal soil by amending it with compost.
Compost adds all the necessary nutrients to the soil. Also, improve aeration and make enough room for the roots to spread.
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Watering Pedatum
Watering is the main part of this course. Because a little bit of overwatering can cause serious harm to your plant. You need to learn the right watering technique.
I water my philodendron by using the water and soak method, this is a technique where you deeply water your plant. Then let the top inches of the soil dry, then water it again.
This method of watering reduces the work of a gardener.
Some people take a glass of water and give it to its base. This way you need to water it more frequently than the water and soak method.
At last, the quality of water also affects the health of your plant. If your tap water contains unwanted minerals. Then do not use it for watering Pedatum.
Use rainwater or filtered water for watering applications.
Fertilizing
Spring to fall is the fertilizing time. Because this is the active growing season of the plant. In this time frame, it develops its stems and leaves.
Prefer organic nutrient supplements over synthetic ones. Because they are mild in nature and accidental overdosage will not harm the plants.
Whereas synthetic supplements are hard on plants.
A little bit of overdosage will cause serious harm to the plant. Fertilizer burn is common with synthetic nutrients.
Before diluting the liquid fertilizer read the instruction of the bottle. This will help you to pour the correct amount of fertilizer into the plant.
Temperature & Humidity
All philodendron plants need the same temperature range for good health. 60 to 80 Degrees F is the comfortable temperature range for the plants.
Like other plants in his family, this plant cannot tolerate frost and cold weather. Bring the plant pot inside to save its life.
Never put your plant near the AC vents or near the heating radiators.
If your home is dry then you can use a plant humidifier to relax your plants. These devices are easy to buy from Amazon.
Repotting
Repot your plant in the early spring season so that it can grow from spring to summer.
For repotting use size bigger pots and new fresh soil. Do not think about repotting unless you see roots on the top surface of the soil.
The pot should have a draining hole. It is necessary to drain out the extra water from the plant pot.
Propagation
I always prefer highly successful propagation methods that need less work and less time. In this case, stem cutting is the advanced propagation method.
You need to cut a 6 inches long stem with a few leaf nodes. If the stems have aerial roots do not remove them.
Dip the cut in the rooting hormone and plant it in the moist potting soil. Spray water to keep the soil moist. Place the plant pot in high humidity. Within a few days your stem will develop new roots.
Conclusion
This oak leaf philodendron is easy to care for and maintain. Grow it in well-draining soil and give proper lights.
Fertilize when you think the potting soil lost all its nutritional values.
Propagate it in the spring season. Protect it from direct light waves and your plant will stay healthy and happy for years. To prevent diseases and pests spray neem oil on the plant.
