Philodendron Brandtianum, also known as Philodendron Silver Sword, is a tropical plant native to Brazil. With its eye-catching silver-green foliage, this philodendron species makes an excellent houseplant and is relatively easy to care for. This comprehensive guide provides tips on how to grow and care for Philodendron Brandtianum to help the plant thrive indoors.
Overview of Philodendron Brandtianum
Philodendron Brandtianum is a vining philodendron variety that grows upright at first, then trails as it matures. The foliage is unique – new leaves emerge with a rose-pink hue, then turn silver-green as they harden off. Mature leaves can grow up to 12 inches long and have a velvety texture.
This philodendron species is known for its tolerance to low light conditions, which makes it suitable for indoor growing. It enjoys moderate to high humidity and average room temperatures. With the right care, Philodendron Brandtianum makes an elegant hanging plant or trailing centerpiece in any home.
Light Requirements
Philodendron Brandtianum thrives in bright, indirect light. Some morning or late afternoon sun is fine, but avoid prolonged direct sunlight which can scorch the foliage.
An east, west, or north facing window is ideal for this plant. If keeping it further away from a window, consider supplementing with a grow light to give it enough illumination to grow well. Make sure to rotate the plant regularly to prevent uneven growth on one side.
Too little light will cause leggy and sparse growth. Slow growth and small leaf size are signs your Philodendron Brandtianum needs more brightness. Monitor the plant and adjust its location accordingly through the seasons as light intensity changes.
Watering Needs
It is important to develop a proper watering routine for Philodendron Brandtianum and adjust this based on factors like season, growth rate, and lighting conditions. Here are some general tips to follow:
- Water thoroughly once the top inch or two of soil has dried out. Check by inserting your finger into the potting mix to gauge moisture.
- During the warmer and brighter months, water every 7-10 days when the soil partially dries out. Reduce frequency to every 10-14 days in the winter or darker conditions.
- Pour room temperature water gently into the soil until it runs out the drainage holes at the bottom. Avoid getting water on the foliage itself.
- Let excess water drain fully from the pot after irrigating to prevent soggy soil. Empty out any water in the decorative outer container too.
- High humidity levels from misting or a pebble tray can lengthen the time between waterings. Adjust schedule as needed.
- Drooping leaves, brown tips and slow growth indicate underwatering. Overwatering may cause leaf drop or root rot.
Soil Needs
Philodendron Brandtianum does best in loose, well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture but also allows excess water to flow out the bottom. Here are some tips for choosing suitable soil:
- Use a high quality, commercial potting mix specifically for indoor plants, not garden soil.
- Incorporate perlite or bark chips to improve drainage. Aim for a roughly 40% amendments to 60% potting mix ratio.
- Peat-based mixes work well to maintain acidity ideal for philodendron plants.
- Re-potting every 2 years into fresh soil encourages healthy growth. Prune any diseased roots at re-potting time.
- Check soil pH periodically and amend if needed – target slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Humidity Preferences
Native to tropical forests, Philodendron Brandtianum thrives in high humidity of 50-70%. In drier indoor air, take these steps to increase moisture around the plant:
- Group plants together to create a self-contained humid microclimate.
- Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, making sure the pot itself does not sit in the water.
- Install a humidifier nearby to release moisture into the indoor space.
- Mist leaves occasionally using room temperature purified water. Avoid cold water shock.
- Increase humidity in the bathroom by placing the plant there if you have sufficient lighting.
- Showering or running household appliances like dishwashers can also boost ambient humidity.
- Drooping or curled leaves indicate insufficient humidity. Adjust levels accordingly if needed.
Temperature Needs
Philodendron Brandtianum grows well in average household temperatures between 60°F to 80°F. It can tolerate a brief drop to 50°F, but sustained cold drafts below this can harm the foliage.
Avoid placing this plant near heating and cooling vents, open doors/windows, or other drafty locations. Move it to warmer, more temperature-stable areas of the home if needed.
Leaves that turn reddish-purple may indicate too cold conditions. Yellowing leaves can signify overheating. Monitor the plant and adjust placement accordingly as seasons change.
Fertilizer Needs
To support healthy growth and luxuriant foliage, fertilize Philodendron Brandtianum regularly during the active growing season from spring through summer:
- Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer. Look for an NPK ratio like 20-20-20.
- Dilute to half or quarter strength the recommended dose to avoid fertilizer burn.
- Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during warmer months, scaling back to monthly in winter.
- Flushing the soil monthly with water prevents buildup of salts.
- Lesser foliage growth indicates the need for more fertilizing. But never over-fertilize.
- Stop fertilizing entirely in the fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Pruning Needs
Pruning is beneficial for maintaining an attractive shape, encouraging bushier growth, and removing any damaged foliage:
- Snip off dead or dying leaves at the base of the stem using clean scissors.
- Trim stalks back by a few inches just above a node to promote branching.
- Pinch off the growing tips to contain size and create a fuller, bushy plant.
- Remove yellowed leaves promptly to improve appearance and stop disease spread.
- Propagate by taking 4-6 inch stem tip cuttings in spring or summer.
- Wipe blades with alcohol between cuts to avoid transmitting disease.
Support Needs
As a vining plant, Philodendron Brandtianum benefits from some form of support structure as its stalks lengthen and get heavier over time. Here are some options:
- Insert a moss pole into the pot for the stems to cling to and climb upwards. Keep moist.
- Provide a trellis or wire frame for stems to weave through and wrap around.
- Attach twist ties loosely to stabilize drooping stems that need support. Avoid constricting the stalks.
- As stems grow, gently guide them back towards their support using loose plant ties if needed.
- Rotate the entire plant often so all sides develop evenly in the direction of the support structure.
How to Propagate Philodendron Brandtianum
Propagating Philodendron Brandtianum through stem tip cuttings is quite straightforward. Follow these simple steps:
What You’ll Need
- Healthy mother plant
- Clean scissors or shears
- Small pot or container with drainage holes
- Potting mix
- Rooting hormone (optional)
Step 1
Identify a healthy stalk around 6 inches long near the tip of the plant. Cut just below an aerial root or leaf node using clean scissors.
Step 2
Optional – dip the freshly cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage faster root growth. Tap off any excess powder.
Step 3
Fill your container with moist potting mix, create a hole, and insert the cutting so at least 2 nodes are buried in the soil. Firm the mix gently around the stalk.
Step 4
Cover the container with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect. Place it in indirect light.
Step 5
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Check for signs of roots after 3-4 weeks by giving the cutting a gentle tug. When rooted, remove the bag and treat as a new plant!
Common Problems and Solutions
Philodendron Brandtianum is quite resilient but can encounter issues if care guidelines aren’t met. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
Problem: Yellowing leaves
Solution: Usually indicates overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Remove affected leaves.
Problem: Brown leaf tips
Solution: Sign of low humidity. Increase humidity levels around the plant.
Problem: Leaf drop
Solution: Can result from too little water, too much water, or cold drafts. Adjust care accordingly.
Problem: Slow growth
Solution: Plant may need more light or fertilizer to encourage new growth.
Problem: Leggy growth
Solution: Give it more light exposure to promote compact growth habit.
Problem: Root rot
Solution: Repot in fresh mix. Water less frequently and improve drainage. Remove affected roots.
FAQs about Growing Philodendron Brandtianum
What type of light does a Philodendron Brandtianum need?
Philodendron Brandtianum thrives in bright, indirect light. Some early morning or late afternoon sun is fine. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight.
How often should you water this plant?
Water thoroughly once the top inch or two of soil has dried out. This is typically every 7-10 days in warmer months. Reduce frequency in winter.
What’s the best potting mix for these plants?
Use a high quality potting mix meant for indoor plants, ideally with peat moss to retain moisture and perlite or bark to improve drainage.
How do I increase humidity for my Philodendron Brandtianum?
Misting the leaves, using a pebble tray, placing it in a humid room like the bathroom, and grouping with other plants can all help increase humidity.
What temperature range do these plants prefer?
Philodendron Brandtianum grows best in average household temperatures from 60°F to 80°F and can tolerate brief drops to 50°F.
Should I prune my Philodendron Brandtianum?
Occasional pruning to remove dead leaves, shorten leggy stalks, and pinch back tips encourages a bushier, more compact plant.
How do I propagate this philodendron variety?
Take 4-6 inch stem tip cuttings in spring and summer. Dip in rooting hormone, plant in potting mix, cover to retain moisture, and keep warm until rooted.
Why are the older leaves on my plant turning yellow?
Yellow leaves usually indicate overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out more between waterings and remove any affected foliage.
What causes drooping or curled leaves on this plant?
Insufficient humidity is the most common cause of drooping or curling foliage. Increase humidity around the plant and mist leaves occasionally.
Final Thoughts
With its stunning silver-green leaves that emerge pink when young, Philodendron Brandtianum makes a spectacular yet easy-care houseplant. Provide this tropical philodendron species with bright indirect light, frequent watering, high humidity, average room temperatures, and periodic fertilization. Propagate new plants by taking stem cuttings. Correct any issues with lighting, moisture, or humidity if the foliage fails to thrive. By following the growing tips outlined above, you can enjoy the unique beauty of Philodendron Brandtianum for many years.