How to Grow Philodendron Hastatum Air Purifier Houseplant With
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The Plant, Philodendron Hastatum astonishes everyone by its marvelous silver leaves. Due to its blade-shaped leaves, people also call it the silver sword dendron. Scientists referred to the silver sword as Philodendron Domesticum in former records.
What Is Philodendron Hastatum?
Philodendron Hastatum or silversword refers to an aroid majorly available in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. Due to massive deforestation in Brazil, this plant has gone extinct. Thankfully, this climber is still available in collections, Conservatories, and domestic plantations. Its previous name, Philodendron Domesticum, seems to confuse gardeners due to the vast variation in the Philodendron genus. The clumber, Philodendron, generally reaches 6 feet to 10 feet in height if it comes in contact with a pole. In Colombia, this species seems to grow around 20 feet.
Characteristics Philodendron Hastatum:
Philodendron is the second largest genus in Araceae, which has approximately 489 species under it. Other popular names of this aroid are Philodendron Hastifolium and Philodendron Elongatum. Due to its bluish or silvery foliage, people also call it Philodendron Hastatum silvery-blue & Philodendron Hastatum silver.
Hastatum has relatively short nodes and can grow around 3-inches in a pot. This more comprehensive plant ( more than twice compared to height) has a thicker stem.
Like other philodendrons, it also has a high growth and development rate. Support can influence its climbing habit and healthy foliage.
At their early age, the heart-shaped leaves appear to be dark green or pale grey. A leafy structure called cataphyll protects the baby leaves of Philodendron Hastatum. However, during its juvenile period, it gains arrow-like leaves in metallic grey or silvery blue.
After being mature, this climber blooms numerous white flowers arranged in the spathe. It generally takes a decade to gain such maturity.
Advantages:
The decorative plant, Philodendron hastatum, is majorly found in warm indoor conservatories.
You can use them to decorate plant baskets or pots. Many gardeners prefer to grow them in terrestrial pots along with artificial support.
It performs significantly as an air purifier.
Disadvantages:
Just like other philodendrons, silver sword philodendrons are highly toxic. Ingestion of its leaves may cause throat ulcer or irritation in the oesophagus. Thus, it would be best to keep pets and babies far from this plant.
In order to grow this climbing vine, you need to ensure optimum light, temperature, humidity, and well-drained soil. Check our article below for more detailed guidance.
Light:
Medium and bright, but indirect light is best for the proper growth of Philodendron hastatum. It has an intolerance for direct sunlight. Direct sun can even lead to leaf burn. It can even survive in low light conditions but may become leggy while trying to reach the light. Optimum lighting will enhance the growth rate, and the plant appears to be denser and bushier.
Proper Temperature:
Being a tropical climber, it loves warm weather and high humidity. It shows a high growth rate around 65°F to 78°F. During freezing temperatures, it might be hard for this plant to survive. So, a gardener has to keep it away from locations where the temperature is less than 55°F. So, place your seedling in a warm conservatory before the first frost begins.
Necessary Humidity:
Philodendron hastatum can grow in-home humidity rapidly but has a high intolerance for dry air. Low humidity may result in dropping, and the leaves will become yellow. Just follow several steps to increase the humidity of the conservatory.
Soil Preparation:
Philodendron hastatum loves moist soil, which is mildly acidic to neutral (6.1-7.5). As it has a high intolerance for wet conditions, excess water may cause root Rot. So, maintain proper drainage and don’t water the soil until it seems less moist and dried. Loose soil with high organic content is incredible for enhancing its overall growth.
A gardener can try using sphagnum moss as they are an incredible growth enhancer. However, this moss doesn’t contain macro or micronutrients. So, apply some organic fertilizers along with sphagnum moss.
If homemade potting soil is your thing, utilizing peat, vermiculite or perlite would be a great idea. Many gardeners prefer succulent, cacti, or African potting mix.
Soil Mix For Philodendron
Soil55%
Sand20%
Compost15%
Coco coir10%
Fertilizers Requirement For Philodendron Hastatum:
Fertilize during spring and summer as the warmth of these seasons tends to enhance the growth of Philodendron hastatum. However, avoid fertilizing during winter or low growth period.
Fertilizers with High macronutrients (N, P, K) perform as an amplifier to promote the overall growth of Philodendron hastatum. Calcium and magnesium are essential to ensure their proper growth. Malnutrition may cause pale discolored leaves.
Using too much fertilizer can also damage or burn the plant’s roots. Generally, I prefer 1 teaspoon of chemical fertilizer in 4 liters of water and use half dose during winter.
Pinching Requirements:
Every plant may require pinching near nodes to prevent the death of bare stems and maintain the plant’s best shape. Pinching also helps in maintaining the healthy foliage of Philodendron hastatum. If you already own a lanky silver sword Philodendron, pinching it would be a great idea.
Pruning:
The climber, Philodendron hastatum can grow longer depending on a moss pole or supporter. Pruning a climber might seem unnecessary as it won’t spread mainly in any area.
Removing dead and dry leaves improve the overall appearance of the plant. You can also trim the long stems or leggy portions. Moreover, Pruning keeps the plant healthy by utilizing its resources only on the healthy segments.
Water Requirements: How To Water Philodendron hastatum?
Philodendron hastatum can bear dry soil for a while, but moist soil is best for its growth. Too dry environment or drought can damage the seedlings. In warm seasons ( during summer & spring), you can maintain proper moisture by watering the plants from time to time.
By inserting the finger inside the soil ( 2 inches deep), we can check its moisture. If the soil is well-drained, there shouldn’t be any soggy feeling inside. If the ground feels wet, we would suggest delaying the watering session for a day.