Philodendron Domesticum Highlights
| Family | Araceae |
| Light | Bright, Indirect |
| Water | Once per week |
| Temperature | 65-80° F |
| Mature Size | 3-6 Feet |
| Soil Type | Well-Draining, Rich |
| Toxicity | Toxic to People/Animals |
| Native Area | South America |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Summary from Customer Reviews
I’ve looked through a bunch of different reviews for the philodendron domesticum to get the thoughts of real customers on caring for the plant. I looked through all the reviews, and put together a summary based on my findings:
A lot of people that left reviews for the philodendron domesticum were really impressed with the appearance of the plant. The variegated leaves were a favorite among reviewers on this plant. For good reason too, because the leaves are definitely striking.
One plant collector mentioned that their domesticum is the most beautiful plant in their collection now. It’s easy to see just by looking at the plant why people love the visual appearance of the plant so much. So many different people recommend this plant to others.
We know the plant looks amazing, but what about caring for it? Based on the reviews, this is a plant that would be great whether your a brand new plant owner, or a seasoned vet. It does have some requirements as far as its water, light, and soil needs, but it’s pretty flexible and easy to work with.
Philodendron Domesticum Care
Light
Philodendron domesticum plants need indirect, bright light, but can also tolerate low light conditions. The most important part is that it’s not sitting in direct sunlight for too long. Ideally, place your plant in a spot where it can receive filtered or diffused light. The best way to do that is setting it near a window that gets a fair amount of light.
If your philodendron domesticum is not getting enough light, it may lose its characteristic lushness. If it’s exposed to too much direct sunlight, the leaves can turn yellow and develop brown patches. Make sure you read your plant to figure out if it needs more or less light.
Water
The domesticum should have evenly moist soil. The most important part to keep in mind with watering it is making sure you don’t go overboard. Overwatering can ultimately kill the plant. It’s best to let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. The frequency of watering depends on various factors such as the temperature, humidity, and size of the plant. In general, it’s better to underwater than overwater the philodendron domesticum.
The water quality is also important for this plant. The philodendron domesticum is sensitive to fluoride, so it’s best to use distilled or filtered water. Tap water can contain high levels of fluoride and other minerals that can harm the plant. It’s a good idea to use filtered water when watering all of your plants.
Soil
The domesticum should have a rich, well-draining soil. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand is an excellent option for this plant. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. To ensure good drainage, a layer of pebbles or rocks can be placed at the bottom of the pot before adding the soil.
Temperature
The philodendron domesticum should be kept in warm temperatures, ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure the plant doesn’t get under 55 degrees, as that can be too cold of a climate for this plant. It doesn’t tolerate sudden temperature drops, so make sure to keep the plant in a stable, warm environment. During winter, it is best to place it near a sunny window or provide supplemental lighting to maintain that warm climate.
Humidity is also a big factor for this plant. It thrives in high humidity, ideally around 70 percent or more. Low humidity levels can cause leaf browning, tip dieback, and leaf drop. You can increase the humidity around the plant by placing a humidifier nearby or using a pebble tray filled with water. It is also beneficial to mist the plant regularly or group it with other plants to create a more humid climate.
Fertilizer
These plants should have regular fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy growth. An NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is a good choice for these plants. During the growing season, its best to fertilizer the domesticum about every 2 weeks. It’s important to avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can be harmful.
During the winter months, fertilization should be reduced or stopped as the plant’s growth slows down. If the plant is grown in poor soil or in a container, it may require more frequent fertilization to ensure adequate nutrient levels.
Propagating
The philodendron domesticum can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, and air layering. Stem cuttings are the most common method and can be taken at any time of the year. Choose a healthy stem with several leaves and make a cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in water or moist soil until it roots.
Division involves separating a healthy plant into smaller sections and repotting them individually.
Air layering involves making a small cut in the stem and wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss or similar material. Roots will form in the moss and a new plant can be separated from the parent once established.
Propagation works best when it’s done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing and producing new growth.
Pruning
The domesticum doesn’t require much pruning, but it can benefit from some occasional maintenance. Removing yellow or brown leaves or stems can help the plant redirect its energy to healthier parts of the plant. Regularly pruning to remove any overgrowth or to shape the plant can promote bushier growth as well.
To control the size of the plant, pruning should be done in the growing season. The best time to prune is in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. This will allow the plant to recover quickly from the pruning and encourage new growth. However, it is important not to remove too much foliage at once as this can shock the plant and slow down its growth. A good rule of thumb is to never remove more than one-third of the plant’s foliage at one time.
Potting
When potting the plant, choose a container that is slightly larger than the root ball to allow for growth. Use a container with drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating in the soil. When potting, add a layer of small stones or gravel at the bottom of the pot to help with drainage.
The plant can benefit from occasional repotting to refresh the soil and provide more room for root growth. Repotting can be done during the growing season, but avoid repotting during the winter when the plant is dormant.
Common Problems
Overwatering: This is a common problem with the philodendron domesticum plant. Too much water can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. It’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent this issue.
Pests: This plant is susceptible to pests such as spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and weaken the plant. Regular inspection and treatment with insecticidal soap can help prevent infestations.
Leaf yellowing: Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering, but it can also be a sign of nutrient deficiencies. If the plant is not getting enough nutrients, it can cause the leaves to turn yellow. Fertilizing the plant regularly can help prevent this issue. If that doesn’t help, it would be a good idea to cut back on the watering a little bit.
Brown spots on leaves: Brown spots on the leaves can be a sign of fungal or bacterial diseases. These spots can spread quickly, so it’s important to remove any infected leaves and treat the plant.
Root bound: The philodendron domesticum plant can become root bound if it outgrows its container. This can lead to stunted growth and other issues. Repot the plant in a larger container as it grows to prevent this problem.
FAQS
Is Philodendron domesticum rare?
The philodendron domesticum isn’t necessarily considered a rare plant and can be found in many nurseries and garden centers.
Is Philodendron domesticum a climber?
The philodendron domesticum is a non-climbing plant, and instead, it grows upright.
Is the philodendron domesticum expensive?
The price of philodendron domesticum plants can vary depending on their size and availability, but it’s generally an affordable plant.
Where is the philodendron domesticum native to?
The philodendron domesticum is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, specifically Brazil.
How big do philodendron domesticum plants get?
The philodendron domesticum can grow up to 3-6 feet in height and 2-3 feet in width when mature.
Fun Facts
- This plant is not only beautiful but also has air-purifying properties. It can remove pollutants from the air, such as formaldehyde and benzene.
- This plant is native to the rainforests of South America.
- The philodendron domesticum is often used in interior design because of its tropical look and the bold statement it makes in any room.
