Philodendron Xanadu is an expensive green foliage houseplant. It is also famous as Thaumatophyllum Xanadu. For proper philodendron, Xanadu care gives it indirect light minimum for 4 hours.
Fertilize it once or twice a month as per the plant condition and growing stage. Maintain the room temperature between 65 degrees F to 85 degrees F.
In this article, I’ll explain how to grow and properly care for philodendron Xanadu.
You May Also Like: How to Care for Philodendron Bipennifolium?
About the Plant
You will be surprised to know that in 2018 this plant was renamed Thaumatophyllum Xanadu. Because the botanists find some important DNA evidence of this plant.
It is naturally found in the jungles of Brazil.
It is easy to grow as an indoor plant but then it will not produce flowers. It only produces flowers when grown in its natural home.
While growing it at home you need to be very careful. Because the sap of the plant is toxic to humans and pests. In sensitive skin people, the sap can cause skin redness and other irritations.
The good part is Thaumatophyllum Xanadu is pest resistant. Root rot is the only problem that you can only face when overwatered your plant.
Light Needs
This plant grows perfectly in indoor light conditions. Do not put it on the sunny window sill. Because direct sunlight can damage the plant leaves.
Place it a few feet away from the window. Make sure the direct sun rays cannot fall on its leaves.
Too low light also triggers many problems. The first and most common sign of low light is leggy growth. Immediately move it to the bright place once you see stretchy growth.
Remember that Xanadu philodendron is a low-light plant. Therefore, you will not need to install grow lights. The normal ceiling lights are enough to maintain its health. And to full fill its light needs.
You May Also Like: Leggy Polka Dot Plant SOlutions
Potting Soil
It needs well-draining soil like every other plant. You are also free to choose inorganic substances like perlite and pumice. Because it needs a good amount of fresh air.
We all know the organic substances in the soil decrease the airflow as they breakdown. Therefore, you need to mix inorganic substances in the potting mix to make the balance.
Moreover, Thaumatophyllum Xanadu does not care about the pH of the potting soil. A 5.5 to 7.6 pH range is good for it. This means you can choose a wide variety of substances to mix in the potting soil.
Compost, perlite, Coco Coir, and Pumice are a few good options.
Watering
For the best Philodendron Xanadu care, you need to keep the soil moist. But make sure you do not make the soil wet. this will result in root rot.
Once your plant gets infected by root infection, you need to follow the long list of steps. This process takes time and gives no guarantee of success.
Therefore, while watering your plant check the soil conditions. Water your plant only if the top 2 inches of the potting soil are dry or about to dry.
Do not water if the soil has some moisture.
Also, make sure the plant pot has a bottom hole to save your plant from accidental over-watering.
Fertilizing
Fertilize your plant only in its active growing season. This means starting light feeding in the spring and gradually increasing the amount as the weather heats up.
In the summer season fertilize once in 30 days if the plant is old enough. Twice in a month for new young plants.
Overfertilization results in plant loss or root burn. In both conditions, you will lose your plant.
Therefore, choose mild liquid fertilizer made from organic substances. The benefit of such a type of fertilizer is it does not burn the leaves in case of accidental overdosage.
In short light, fertilization is the key to success.
Temperature & Humidity
Keep the room temperature above 55 degrees F and below 85 degrees F. Your plant will grow perfectly fine and without facing any problem.
This clears that Thaumatophyllum Xanadu likes warm weather to grow. Also, the summer season is its active growing season.
USDA hardiness zone 10 to 11 is good for growing it anywhere. Because the temperature in these regions is perfect for philodendron Xanadu Care and propagation.
The normal home humidity is perfectly fine for growing and caring philodendron Xanadu. To maintain consistent humidity, use a water tray or plant humidifier.
Repotting
Frequent repotting is not good for plant health. It will result in improper growth and fewer leaves. Sometimes due to unnecessary repotting the plant leaves turn yellow and fall off the plant.
There are some signs that you need to look for before repotting it. Below is the list.
Roots will come out through the bottom hole
You will see roots are coming over the top surface of the soil.
Slower growth
The plant does not absorb water
The draining hole is blocked with roots
Repot it in the early days of spring to give it a head start in the coming growing season.
Propagation
There are two successful propagation methods. One is the division technique and the second is stem cutting. Both methods are explained below. Choose any method because both are equally successful.
Division
Take out the plant from its pot and look for the natural divisions. Do not use any sharp tool to cut the roots.
Separate the root into parts and plant each section in a different pot.
Then water the soil to give it moisture and place the pots in indirect bright light.
You are done with the first method of propagation.
Stem Cutting Technique
Look for the healthy stem and cut it from the plant.
Remove all the leaves except the one left at the top section.
Dip it in the rooting hormone and plant it in the new pot.
At this stage, it needs high humidity therefore cover the pot with a plastic cover.
Make sure the cover does not touch the plant.
Conclusion
Now that you know all the necessary things about the philodendron Xanadu care and propagation. You can easily maintain it at your home.
If you are facing a problem with any particular aspect of the plant. please feel free to share with us. One of our team members will contact you and try to solve your problem.
I feel my Xanadu plant needs to be divided and repotted now. Do I need to wait until Spring? I have three separate tubers (?) in one large pot. It is doing well except will occasionally have a yellow leaf or two. It also sits in a saucer of gravel, and is indoors, having brought it off the screened porch in light of the coming winter chill. I am in zone 8.
If your plant is large enough and the top is heavy for the pot. Then you can divide and repot it. Generally, we recommend spring because the temperature and moisture in the air become perfect for the task. And growers don’t need to worry about the warmth and humidity. Zone 8 has mild winters with a Low-temperature range of 8 to 20 degrees F. In this region you can divide and repot your plant at this time of the year but only if the plant is large for the pot. Just make sure the cold winds cannot touch it. It needs a warm location and less water as compared to spring.
Having 1 or 2 yellow leaves at the bottom of the plant is not a problem. It is called the natural leaf shedding process. If the yellow leaves are on top or on sides then the sharp light or indirect bright light for long hours is the problem.
How do I tell if my plant has caught fungal from snap dragon plant