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Philodendrons are not only the second largest genus in theAraceaefamily , but they ’re also one of the most popular among houseplant fancier .
One popularspecies of Philodendronsthat can be tough to find on the market isPhilodendron mexicanum(fil - oh - DEN - dron meks - sih - KAY - num ) , a wonderful perennial that originate in Chiapas , México but establish throughout Central America and as far in the south as Columbia .
The plant is commonly refer to as Mexican philodendron , Méxican philodendron , and mistakenly asPhilodendron latisagittum .
Méxican Philodendron Care
Size & Growth
This is a fast cultivator , reaching its maximal indoor top of 6.5 ’ to 7′ foot tall in only two years when given right supporting and a little higher when grow outdoors .
Of course , the real draw is the foliage , with leaves that change as they grow and can reach a length of 2′ feet and width of 1′ groundwork at maturity .
The foliage begin their life in a more lanceolate or ellipse shape with a glossy , light light-green hue .
As they develop older , the farewell broaden at the base , and the coloration darkens .
The leaves have become tri - lobed and are a leathery , glossy dark green by maturity .
The shape is often compare to floppy dog ears , and the undersurface are an attractive dark magenta to maroon color .
Flowering And Fragrance
As with other philodendrons , this mintage rarely flower indoors , and the inflorescence is in general unremarkable .
The inflorescence itself has modest gullible spathes and a white spadix with a ruby ruddy center and flower that are general y too humble to be identify by the nude centre .
The Missouri Botanical Garden once report they were able to get a crop solicitation to bloom twice in one year , once in March and again in October .
However , even if you are growing the flora under tightly controlled conditions , you will likely only get it to bloom once between February and May .
Light & Temperature
As with all aroids , Mexican philodendron is adapted to live under a forest canopy and will scorch easy in the harsh midday Lord’s Day .
As a result , you will require to keep it in bright , indirect sunlight , which can let in :
Normal family humidity levels of 40 % to 60 % will do work well for this plant . However , it can handle level as low as 20 % percent or as gamey as 80 % percent ( while it can see much higher stage , this is not recommended due to the increased risk of fungal infections ) .
you’re able to expend a pebble tray to augment the works ’s humidity or group it with other plants .
If you select to use a humidifier , aim for a 24 to 24 % percentage daytime humidness range and a 60 % to 80 % percent nighttime humidity scope .
This species can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11 or bring onto a patio during warmer month as far north as geographical zone 4a .
The plant prefers a temperature range of 65 ° to 85 ° degrees Fahrenheit and should be brought inside if temperatures dunk below 60 ° degrees Fahrenheit .
Your philodendron will suffer terms if disclose to temperatures below 55 ° degrees Fahrenheit or above 86 ° degrees Fahrenheit .
Likewise , avoid unwrap it to sources of sudden drafts , such as venthole , air conditioners , or frequently used doors .
Watering And Feeding
Always use the soak - and - ironic method for philodendrons , as this method is arguably the most effective for indoor and outdoor industrial plant .
Stick your fingerbreadth in the soil and water if it feels ironic 1″ inch down .
Using way temperature distil water or instinctive rainwater , pour easy and evenly , working your way around the plant to control upright dispersion .
Stop water when you see moisture seep from the drainage gob or the soil can no longer absorb at the same charge per unit you ’re pouring .
Mexican philodendrons are aerophyte , meaning they get many nutrients directly from the air .
As a result , you wo n’t take to habituate a muckle of plant food on them .
A calibre , balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser diluted to half strength is gross when used monthly during the spring and summer .
or else , you may use a eminent nitrogen portmanteau of 20 - 10 - 10 to encourage more outstanding , riotous foliation .
Be trusted to turn out back on fertilizer and water during the fall and wintertime when the plant life is enroll its hibernating phase .
Soil & Transplanting
Any loamy , well - drain soil will work , although you may wish to aim for a succulent mix amended with perlite .
This flora can handle an all-encompassing range of sourness , from pH 5.0 to 7.0 , and you may wish to keep it closer to a slightly acidic 6.5 if you ’re growing it in a garden space so the acidity wo n’t harm your nearby plant .
Alternatively , you could create a soilless commixture by using an equal portmanteau of coconut coir , orchid bark , peat moss , and perlite .
you could also add a bit of activated charcoal gray or worm cast to improve this mixing ’s quality further .
These industrial plant can get quite heavy , so always practice a sturdy container , such as one made from terra cotta , to shrink the peril of it tipping over .
The speedy growth rate intend you will be repotting the plant every outflow ( every two age if you ’re lucky ) .
During this time , check off for theme poking out of the drainage hole or potting spiritualist .
If you see them , you ’ll call for to calibrate one larger container .
Keep in thinker that you should replace your potting medium whenever you repot to replenish nutrients and obviate any toxic mineral saltiness buildup .
Grooming And Maintenance
You ’ll call for to pass over the leaves down occasionally to prevent dust buildup .
Other than that , you will rarely have to perform any maintenance on the plant outside of take away damaged or morbid leaves as necessary .
How To PropagatePhilodendron Mexicanum
This plant ’s most common means of propagation is through stem cuttings , using either water supply or soil for the rooting medium .
More adventuresome agriculturalist can utilise tune layering , and those favorable enough to get bloom can also try their deal at propagating from the seeds .
Mexican Philodendron Pests Or Diseases
This specie of philodendron has no extraordinary resistance to environmental conditions or disease , although it stay rare for a sizeable plant life to suffer from plague or disease .
The most common pests are aphids , fungus gnat , mealy bug , musical scale , and thrips .
Depending on your region , shore flies or moth larvae can also be a problem for out-of-door specimen .
Fungal infection usually pass due to ( or influence the appearance of pest .
This plant ’s most common disease are Erwinia blight , powdery mildew , genus Pseudomonas folio spot , root rot ( bacterial or fungal ) , and sooty mold .
As with most fresh gentle wind plants , this species contains mellow grade of atomic number 20 oxalate , which is turn over toxic to humans and pets if consume .
symptom tend to be balmy but can become severe if large quantity of crystals are consumed .
These symptoms will appear more quickly in little animate being and can be most dangerous to cats and frank .
Philodendron Mexicanum Uses
These plant life are complete for filling a medical examiner in a sunny elbow room or allow it to rise the side of a wooden bookshelf .
They can also be kept in part or dorms if sufficient light is present .
Due to the amount of Ca oxalate crystals is consider a clean zephyr plant and will aid hit airborne toxins such as methanal from your home .
