The strawberry shake philodendron, also known by its scientific name Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Congo’, is a unique and stunning houseplant. This philodendron variety features green leaves with pink variegation that develops as the plant matures. With proper care, the strawberry shake philodendron can grow quite large and become the focal point of any indoor garden. Read on to learn more about growing and caring for this eye-catching philodendron variety.

Light Requirements

The strawberry shake philodendron thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Some morning or late afternoon sun is beneficial, but avoid prolonged direct sunlight which can scorch the foliage. An east or west facing window is ideal for providing the right amount of light this plant needs.

If natural light is limited, supplement with artificial grow lights. LED full spectrum grow lights work well, providing 12-14 hours of daily exposure. Rotate the plant frequently so all sides receive equal light exposure. Insufficient light will result in slower growth and less vibrant leaf coloration.

Soil Needs

Use a well-draining potting mix for the strawberry shake philodendron. A quality potting soil containing ingredients like peat moss, perlite, vermiculite and bark will provide the quick drainage these plants require.

Soil pH between 5.5-6.5 is ideal. You can test the soil pH with an at-home kit and amend as needed. Adding organic material like compost improves nutrient content and moisture retention in the soil.

Potting

Choose a pot that’s 2-4 inches larger in diameter than the current roots. These philodendrons have vigorous root systems and prefer being slightly root-bound. Too large of a container can hold excess moisture leading to root rot.

Use containers with drainage holes and place some gravel, pebbles or other coarse material over the holes to prevent soil from washing out. Gently loosen up the root ball before placing into the new container to encourage outward root growth.

Watering

Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. The strawberry shake philodendron cannot tolerate overly wet soil. Water less frequently in winter when growth slows.

Water thoroughly until it drains freely from the pot’s base. Pour off any excess water that collects in the saucer so the pot isn’t left sitting in water.

Established plants may only need watering every 7-10 days while younger plants need more frequent watering. Judge watering needs based on soil dryness, not on a fixed schedule. The soil should not remain bone dry for extended periods.

Use room temperature water, avoiding overly cold water from the tap which can shock the roots. Filtered or distilled water is best to prevent mineral buildup. Allow the potting mix to almost completely dry out before watering again.

Humidity

High humidity is essential for growing healthy strawberry shake philodendrons indoors. Ideal levels are 60-80%. Use a humidifier to increase moisture in the surrounding air. Group plants together to create a mini greenhouse effect.

Set pots on pebble trays filled with water, keeping the bottom of the pots above the waterline. Mist leaves frequently with a spray bottle. Increase air circulation with fans to prevent fungal or bacterial leaf diseases in humid conditions.

Temperature

Daytime temperatures of 65-80°F and above 60°F at night suit the strawberry shake philodendron best. Avoid drafty areas as these tropical plants do not tolerate sudden temperature changes or cold drafts well.

During winter when indoor heating dries the air, use a humidifier to maintain the needed humidity. Move plants away from hot and dry heat sources like fireplaces, radiators and heating vents.

Fertilizer

From spring through fall, fertilize monthly using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted by half strength. Reduce application to every 6-8 weeks in winter when growth naturally slows.

Apply water-soluble fertilizer when irrigating, taking care to avoid getting it directly on the foliage. Slow release pellets or spikes can be incorporated into the potting mix at planting time to provide nutrients over several months.

Pruning

Prune off any dead, damaged or diseased foliage as needed to maintain an attractive appearance. Removing spent leaves also encourages new growth.

Pinching or snipping off the tips of long trailing stems induces bushier and more compact growth habit. Pruning regularly shapes the plant and prevents legginess.

Propagation

The strawberry shake philodendron is easily propagated by stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings in spring using a sharp, sterile knife or pruners. Remove the lower leaves and place the cut end into water or moist potting mix.

Once roots develop in a few weeks, transplant the new plant into its own container using fresh potting mix. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy while it establishes. Propagation through division of mature plants is another effective method.

Common Problems

Overwatering and improper light exposure are two of the main issues that affect these philodendrons. Signs of overwatering include dropping leaves, mushy stems, and root rot. Allow soil to dry out between waterings and water less in winter.

Insufficient light leads to sparse foliage growth and lack of vibrant variegation in the leaves. Move to a brighter location or use supplemental lighting to improve conditions.

Underwatering, low humidity, insect infestations, and temperature extremes can also cause issues. Identify and correct these stressors before they worsen and compromise plant health.

FAQs About Strawberry Shake Philodendrons

How big do strawberry shake philodendrons get?

Given proper care and time to grow, strawberry shake philodendrons can reach heights of 3-4 feet indoors. The long trailing stems allow them to spread out horizontally across several feet as well. Outdoors in ideal tropical conditions, they may grow up to 20 feet tall when climbing up tree trunks.

What are good strawberry shake philodendron companions?

Some great companion plants that share similar care needs include pothos, monstera, anthurium, calathea, and other philodendron varieties like Brasil and Micans. Grouping compatible plants creates an attractive indoor tropical garden.

How do I fix leggy strawberry shake philodendrons?

Legginess is caused by insufficient light. Providing brighter filtered sunlight, turning the plant frequently, and regular pruning will help keep growth compact. Take cuttings from leggy stems to propagate new fuller plants.

Why are my philodendron leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves usually indicate overwatering. Check that the soil is drying out adequately before watering again. Yellow leaves can also be from underfertilization. Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer to nourish the plant if needed.

What causes brown spots on philodendron leaves?

Brown leaf spots are typically a sign of bacterial or fungal infection. Overly wet soil, high humidity, and poor air circulation promote these diseases. Improve growing conditions, remove affected leaves promptly, and use neem oil sprays to treat outbreaks.

Should I mist my strawberry shake philodendron?

Misting provides added humidity that these tropical plants appreciate. Avoid getting water directly on the leaves which can cause issues. Maintain airflow after misting to prevent disease problems in humid conditions.

Caring for Strawberry Shake Philodendrons: Final Thoughts

With its stunning pink-speckled foliage, the strawberry shake philodendron definitely makes a statement in any indoor plant collection. Provide this tropical philodendron variety with warm temperatures, bright filtered light, high humidity, and well-draining soil for it to thrive.

Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot, and fertilize regularly during the growing period. Prune when needed to shape the plant and propagate by stem cuttings for more plants. Address issues promptly and care for these philodendrons properly to enjoy their unique beauty for years to come.

How to Grow and Care for Strawberry Shake Philodendron

Growing and caring for strawberry shake philodendrons requires providing the right indoor environment to mimic their tropical origin. With bright, filtered light, high humidity, warm temperatures, and proper watering, this unique philodendron will flourish. Here is a detailed guide on how to successfully grow strawberry shake philodendrons in your home.

Provide Bright, Indirect Light

Strawberry shake philodendrons need consistent bright, indirect light to support strong growth and vibrant leaf coloration.
East or west facing windows work well to provide the right light levels these plants prefer.
A couple hours of early morning or late afternoon direct sun is beneficial but avoid prolonged mid-day sun exposure.
Supplement with grow lights if natural light is insufficient, providing 12-14 hours of daily exposure.
Rotate the plant periodically so all sides receive equal light to prevent lopsided growth.

Use a Well-Draining Potting Mix

A quality potting mix provides the quick drainage strawberry shake philodendrons require.
Look for ingredients like peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and bark to improve aeration and moisture control.
Soil pH between 5.5-6.5 is ideal. Test and amend the pH as needed.
Add compost or worm castings to enrich nutrient content in the potting soil.
Repot every 1-2 years in spring into a slightly larger container with fresh potting mix for optimal growth.

Provide Consistent Moisture

Water thoroughly until it drains freely from the pot’s base, taking care not to oversaturate the soil.
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Use your finger to test moisture levels.
During winter when growth slows, reduce watering frequency. The soil should not remain bone dry for extended periods.
Strawberry shake philodendrons are sensitive to tap water chemicals. Use filtered, distilled, or rain water for best results.
Pour off any excess water collecting in the saucer after watering. Do not leave plants sitting in water.

Increase Humidity Levels

Strawberry shake philodendrons thrive in 60-80% relative humidity.
Use a humidifier nearby to increase moisture levels around your plant.
Set the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, keeping the pot above the waterline.
Group plants together to create a greenhouse effect.
Mist leaves frequently using a spray bottle.
Ensure adequate air flow to prevent disease issues in humid conditions.

Maintain Warm Temperatures

Ideal temperature range is 65-80°F during the day and above 60°F at night.
Avoid drafty areas and prevent exposure to cold winter drafts.
In dry indoor air during heating season, use a humidifier to supplement moisture.
Keep plants away from hot radiators, vents, or other heat sources that can dry out the air.

Fertilize Regularly

Fertilize monthly in the growing season using a balanced houseplant food diluted to half strength.
Reduce fertilizing frequency to every 6-8 weeks in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Apply water-soluble fertilizer when watering, avoiding direct contact with the foliage.
Slow release fertilizer spikes or pellets can also be incorporated into the potting mix.

Prune to Maintain Shape

Prune off any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage to keep plants looking their best.
Pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushier, more compact growth habit.
Snip off spent leaves down to the stem to promote new leaf growth.
Regular pruning helps shape the plant and prevents stretchy, sparse appearance.

Propagate With Stem Cuttings

An easy propagation method is taking stem tip cuttings in spring and rooting them in water or potting mix.
Remove lower leaves and cut just below a node. Place the cutting in water or moist soil.
Once roots develop in a few weeks, transplant into a pot with fresh potting mix to grow a new plant.
Mature plant division is another effective propagation technique for strawberry shake philodendrons.

Troubleshoot Common Issues

Overwatering can cause root rot – allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Low humidity leads to brown leaf edges – use a humidifier to increase moisture levels.
Leggy growth indicates insufficient light – move to a brighter location.
Leaf spots may signify a fungal or bacterial infection – remove affected leaves promptly.
Yellow leaves can mean overwatering or underfertilizing – adjust watering and fertilizer as needed.

Final Thoughts

With high humidity, bright indirect light, proper soil, warm temperatures, and attentive care, strawberry shake philodendrons can add vibrant tropical appeal to indoor spaces. Their pink-speckled foliage is sure to make these plants the highlight of any plant collection. Address issues promptly and provide consistent care for these beautiful philodendrons to flourish.

How to Grow and Care for Strawberry Shake Philodendron

Introduction

The strawberry shake philodendron, also known as Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Congo’, is admired for its striking pink-speckled foliage. This exotic houseplant is gaining popularity for its tropical appeal and ease of care. With the right growing conditions, the strawberry shake philodendron can become a focal point in any indoor garden.

This guide covers how to grow and care for strawberry shake philodendron, outlining its light, soil, water, temperature, humidity, fertilizer, and propagation needs for successfully raising this eye-catching plant. Read on for tips to keep your philodendron healthy and looking its best.

Light Requirements

Strawberry shake philodendron thrives in bright, indirect sunlight
A few hours of morning or evening direct sun is ok
Avoid prolonged midday sun which can burn leaves
East or west facing windows are ideal
Supplement with grow lights if natural light is low
Rotate plant for even light exposure on all sides

Insufficient light leads to sparse, weak growth. Place in the brightest spot available without direct hot sun exposure. Light is crucial for the pink variegation in the leaves to develop properly.

Soil Needs

Use a well-draining potting mix for philodendrons
Look for ingredients like peat moss, bark, perlite, vermiculite
Soil pH between 5.5-6.5 is optimal
Add compost to enrich nutrition and moisture retention
Repot annually in spring to refresh potting soil

Proper soil drainage prevents soggy conditions that cause root rot. A quality potting mix tailored for tropical plants provides the quick drainage strawberry shake philodendron requires.

Watering

Water when top few inches of soil are dry
Water less frequently in winter when growth slows
Water thoroughly until it flows from drainage holes
Use room temperature filtered or distilled water
Avoid dry or soggy soil extremes
Allow pot to drain fully after watering

The key is allowing the soil to dry out adequately between waterings without remaining bone dry too long. The foliage will indicate when it needs water by drooping slightly.

Humidity

Strawberry shake philodendrons prefer 60-80% humidity
Use a humidifier to raise moisture levels
Group plants together to create a greenhouse effect
Set pots on pebble trays filled with water
Mist leaves frequently with a spray bottle

High humidity mimics the tropical conditions this plant naturally grows in. Low humidity causes browned leaf tips and margins.

Temperature

Ideal range is 65-80°F during the day and above 60°F at night
Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature drops
Keep away from hot and dry heating vents
Use a humidifier near plants in dry indoor air

As tropical plants, strawberry shake philodendrons thrive in warm, consistent temperatures. Cooler conditions can slow growth while hot dry air causes stress.

Fertilizer

Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with balanced houseplant fertilizer
Dilute liquid fertilizers to half strength before applying
Reduce feeding frequency to every 6-8 weeks in fall and winter
Follow label directions to avoid buildup and burn

Fertilizing ensures strawberry shake philodendron receives the nutrients it needs for lush growth. Ease off fertilizer in the cooler months when plants are less actively growing.

Propagation

Propagate new plants from stem tip cuttings taken in spring
Remove lower leaves and cut just below a node
Place cutting ends in water or moist potting mix
Transplant with roots established in a few weeks
Can also divide mature plants when repotting

Propagation allows you to multiply your strawberry shake philodendron to create an attractive coordinated collection. Both cuttings and division are relatively simple and effective.

Common Problems

Overwatering causes droopy leaves and root rot
Low humidity leads to dry leaf tips and margins
Insufficient light produces sparse, leggy growth
Pests like spider mites cause stippling damage
Leaf spots indicate a fungal or bacterial infection

Identify and promptly address any issues before they worsen. Providing good care helps keep strawberry shake philodendrons healthy and resilient.

Tips for Success

Provide bright, indirect light
Use well-draining potting mix
Maintain moderately humid conditions
Water thoroughly when soil dries out
Offer good air circulation
Keep temperatures consistently warm
Fertilize regularly during growing season
Prune to maintain shape and promote new growth

Following these simple care guidelines will keep your strawberry shake philodendron thriving in your indoor space. Enjoy watching this exotic tropical plant grow!

Final Thoughts

With its vibrant pink-splotched leaves, strawberry shake philodendron is sure