Philodendron Snowdrift is a variegated foliage plant. This plant is not for beginners because it needs little extra care.
Not all snowdrift plants get the same type of variegation. Some plants show lime yellow-golden variegation while some are white-golden.
In this article, you’ll learn how to grow a healthy and thriving Snowdrift Philodendron with minimal care.
What is the Philodendron Snowdrift plant?
Philodendron Snowdrift is a warm climate plant. It needs high humidity and bright light to live indoors. Well-draining soil and terracotta pots with drainage holes can protect them from overwatering.
The normal height of this plant is 2 to 3 feet depending on care methods.
Snowdrift heart-shaped waxy leaves are soft to the touch and develop variegation in bright light.
Repot it once a year to encourage it to grow tall and spread wider. Also, give it the proper care and the best fertilizers.
My Snowdrift is not very tall and I am happy with it. It is growing in medium size terracotta pots and is well-variegated.
I don’t have enough time to spend with my houseplants. Therefore, I always choose easy-to-grow plants.
It is toxic to humans and animals. Ingestion of its parts results in toxicity. To prevent toxic effects grow it away from the reach of your pets.
Seek medical help immediately.
Light Needs
Because it is a variegated plant it has a thin layer of chlorophyll pigment. This means it needs light energy for long hours.
Place your plant on a sunny window or use grow light to full fill its light needs. 350 FC is the minimum amount of light that it needs to grow.
Remember, it will only develop variegation if you place it in bright light. Sunlight is not recommended for it.
It is too harsh for the soft waxy shining leaves. Direct sunlight can burn its leaves. Do not expect the same type of color variegation on all leaves.
70% of my plant leaves are variegated and 30% are lime green.
Potting Soil
You are going to grow it indoors in a plant pot. So, you need well-draining potting soil. That also contains some organic substance and holds moisture without being wet.
Mix peat moss, perlite, and compost in equal parts. This mixture of potting ingredients makes excellent soil for philodendrons.
Do not use orchid bark if you are using compost. Also, don’t use your garden soil or any other heavy soil formula.
Some people recommend succulent soil for snowdrift plants. You should not use it at any cost. Succulent soil cannot hold moisture for a long time. This can result in dehydrated snowdrift plants in summer.
Stick to the tropical plant soil mixes.
Watering Philodendron Snowdrift
Waxy leaves of snowdrift philodendrons required lots of moisture. This means you have to water it many times a week.
The problem is a high number of watering applications increase the risk of root rot.
Therefore, to prevent root rot due to overwatering you should follow the soil check method. Before watering your plant poke your finger in the soil.
If the top 2 inches are dry then water your plant otherwise wait until the soil gets dry.
You can take the help of a soil moisture meter to get the exact reading of available moisture in the soil. These devices are easily available on Amazon.
Don’t Use Tap Water:
The city water is not good for philodendrons because it contains chlorine and fluorides. In some parts of the country tap water contains heavy minerals.
These unwanted substances in water chock the plant roots.
Your plant will stop absorbing essential nutrients, become weak and die in a few days.
The best water for watering your snowdrift is filtered water. The water you use for drinking is excellent for your plant.
Fertilizing Snowdrift Philodendron
Soil gets depleted over time and you need to refill nutrients in it. Fertilizers are an excellent way to keep the nutritional value of the soil up to the mark.
For particularly this philodendron you should use liquid fertilizers. This type of supplements contains all the essential nutrients in an easy-to-absorb form.
All you have to do is follow the instructions of the nutrient bottle and dilute the solution in the water. Always use clean water for diluting nutrients.
How to Prevent Overfertilization?
To prevent an overdose of fertilizers only use them in spring and summer. Once in 30 days is enough for the plant.
Do not exceed the recommended dose. High concentrated solution can burn the plant roots. It will not make any difference in the growth rate and size of the plant.
The genes of the plant decide its height and leaf size.
Ideal Temperature
The best temperature range for growing philodendron snowdrift is between 55 to 85 degrees F. Do not allow the temperature of grow room to drop below 50 degrees F.
Because in cold temperature philodendrons starts drooping leaves. Cold weather also slows the absorption of water.
This directly affects the rate of photosynthesis.
Do not place your plant near the doorways, large windows, and airy rooms in the winter season. Also, don’t place it close to the heat vents to give it warmth.
Artificial heat is damaging to its internal system. It results in a brown crispy plant.
Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the snowdrift growing room.
Humidity
Its shining leaves need high humidity to stay beautiful. Above 55% is generally recommended but my plant is happy in 45% humidity.
If you give your plant good nutrients in the form of fertilizer. Then it can survive in general home humidity.
On low-humid days, I use a pebble tray because misting water on its leaves leads to bacterial leaf spots.
Add small rocks to the tray and fill it with clean tap water. Place your plant in it and that’s it. Now your plant is safe.
The evaporating water drops add a good amount of moisture to the grow room air.
The second option is a plant humidifier. Buy a small portable humidifier and place it next to your plants and turn it ON.
It will maintain the humidity up to the mark.
Pruning
Snowdrift philodendron is a moderate grower so it does not need frequent pruning. Removing dead leaves and yellow leaves encourages new growth.
Cleaning leaves with a soft damp cloth prevent many pests and diseases.
Use sharp shears to trim your plant. Do not forget to sterilize your tools before trimming your plant.
Pruning is recommended in the spring season.
Repotting
It is a short-height plant and does not need frequent repotting. But you must repot your plant once every year.
This way you can refresh the potting soil. This puts new life in your plant. You will see new shining growth and your plant live a long life.
Before shifting your plant to a new pot you must check for repotting signs.
Roots growing out of drainage holes and roots sneaking out of the soil are two sure signs of repotting need.
How to Repot Snowdrift Philodendron?
- Water your plant a day before repotting.
- Buy new soil and new pot 2 inches wide and deep than the old pot.
- Use your fingers and lose the soil, tilt the plant pot and take your plant out of its pot.
- Remove the soil from its roots and wash them with clean water.
- Cut the dry, damaged, and brown roots
- Fill 2 inches of the new pot with fresh soil.
- Place your plant in it and add the remaining soil, tap around the plant.
- Give some to add moisture in the soil and you are good.
- To prevent repotting stress, complete this process in less than 15 minutes.
Philodendron Snowdrift Propagation
Propagation method:
- Choose healthy stems and make a clean cut right under the leaf node.
- Cut 2 to 3 stems 5 to 6 inches long with 1 to 2 top leaves.
- Apply rooting hormone on the edge and dip the cutting in a glass of water.
- Leaves must stay above the water level.
- Store the glass in a warm and humid place.
- Regularly change the water when it gets dirty
- Cover the bottom of the glass with paper, this will prevent algae build-up
- Once the roots grow 1-inch long transfer the cuttings into potting soil.
Troubleshooting
Pest Infestations
Aphids, Spider Mites, and Scales are common enemies of Snowdrift plants. If you keep the surroundings clean. Your plant will stay protected.
I use neem oil on all indoor plants to prevent diseases and insects.
But in case you see insects on your plant. Immediately use pest-killing liquid soap and rinse your plant.
Use tap water to wash your plant and keep it separate.
Do not follow home remedies they will not work once you find colonies of pests under the leaves.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves of Philodendron Snowdrift indicate root rot and overwatering. In this condition, check the soil before doing any treatment.
If the soil is waterlogged then take the plant out of its pot and cut the decaying roots.
Throw the old soil and wash the current pot with soap and warm water. This will kill the root fungus bacteria.
Then add new soil to the pot and place your plant in it.
Put the plant pot in bright light and add a few ounces of water to add moisture.
Your plant will heal in 10 to 15 days.
No Variegation
No variegation on leaves means there is low light in the grow room. The only way to correct this problem is to correct the light.
Move your plant to bright light and it will heal itself.
It is best if you expose your plant to morning direct sunlight from 8 am to 10 am. This will speed up the healing process.
Powdery Mildew
The white powder-like substance over the potting soil and over the leaves is called powdery mildew. It is a fungal disease.
First, remove the powdery mildew as much as you can, it is not toxic to humans.
Then use copper fungicide all over the plant. To heal it fast shift your plant to a bright place where humidity is between 45 % to 55%.
High humidity and cold temperature are the ideal environments for powdery mildew.
Droopy Leaves
Generally, high temperatures and hot air are the main causes of droopy leaves. Sometimes when you forget to water your plant for days.
It shows its thirst by drooping its leaves.
To prevent droopy leaves, maintain the right temperature in grow room and regularly add water to the potting soil.
Protect it from hot air and you will never see your plant drooping its leaves.
Conclusion
Philodendron Snowdrift is easy to grow but not recommended for beginners. Expose it to bright light for 7 to 8 hours per day.
Keep the humidity above 45% to a thriving happy plant.
Use neem oil spray once in 15 days to prevent fungal diseases and pest infestations.
