Philodendron McDowell 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 | Hybrid – No Specific Native Area |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Summary from Customer Reviews
I’ve looked through a bunch of different reviews for the philodendron McDowell 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:
The reviews for the McDowell were amazing. One of the biggest things that stood out was how surprised people were with the size of the plant. Based on images, most people were not expecting the plant to be so big. Just about every product review mentions being pleasantly surprised with how big the plant is.
The customers were all extremely excited about their McDowell. Not only was the size a big topic of conversation, but the overall health of the plant is great too. Most people noticed new growth within days of receiving the plant, which is a great sign as far as the health of the plant.
A few people mentioned that the leaves of their plants were a little droopy, but that the plant recovered quickly and is in perfect condition now. Based the reviews, the philodendron McDowell appears to be a relatively easy plant to care for as well.
Philodendron McDowell Care
Light
The McDowell should be in an area where it can get bright, indirect light. Putting it near a window with filtered sunlight will help it to grow and develop its beautiful foliage. Direct sunlight can cause damage to its leaves, so it’s best to avoid placing it in direct sunlight. A good rule of thumb is to provide the plant with bright, indirect light for about 6 hours each day.
If the plant doesn’t receive enough light, it may struggle to produce new leaves. It’s important to find the right balance of light to keep the plant healthy. If you notice that the plant’s leaves are turning yellow or brown, it may be a sign that it’s not getting enough or too much light, and you should adjust its placement accordingly.
Water
Make sure that your plant is slightly moist but not overly wet. During the growing season, which is usually from spring to fall, the plant needs to be watered more frequently to keep the soil evenly moist. I would say about once a week is a good frequency to shoot for. It’s important not to let the soil dry out completely between watering as this can lead to leaf drop and other issues. Overwatering is a little more dangerous, so it’s important to find a balance and avoid keeping the soil too wet.
One way to determine if the plant needs to be watered is to check the soil moisture level. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil and feel the moisture level. If it feels dry, then it’s time to water the plant. Alternatively, you can also use a moisture meter to determine the moisture level in the soil. Using room temperature water is going to work best when watering plants so that you don’t shock the roots.
Soil
A soil mix that includes peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is a great option. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as the plant can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is constantly wet.
Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid overwatering. The McDowell philodendron plant can also benefit from a layer of mulch on top of the soil to help retain moisture and provide additional nutrients as it breaks down.
Temperature
The philodendron McDowell plant should be in a temperature range between 65 to 80°F. These plants are tropical in nature, and they enjoy warm and humid conditions. It’s essential to avoid extreme temperatures, because that can shock the plant and cause a lot of issues. If the temperature drops below 50°F, the plant may suffer from cold damage or even die.
Humidity is also a factor to consider when caring for the McDowell plant. These plants should be kept in humid environments between 60-70% humidity. Dry air can cause the leaves to dry out and lead to pest infestations. You can increase the humidity levels around your plant by placing a humidifier nearby, grouping it with other plants, or placing a tray of water near the plant. You can also mist the leaves to help out too.
Fertilizer
During the growing season, the plant should be fertilized every two to four weeks. An NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 will work great. When applying fertilizer, be sure to follow the instructions on the package, since they can all be a little bit different.
During the winter months, the McDowell enters a period of dormancy and requires less fertilizer. fetilizing once a month during this time, would probably be ideal. It’s also a good idea to give the plant a break from fertilization every few months to prevent any salt buildup in the soil. This buildup can cause burning of the roots and harm the plant.
Propagating
Your plant can be propagated by stem cuttings. To propagate the plant, you need to cut a stem that has at least one node, which is where the roots will develop. The stem cutting should be around 4 to 6 inches long, and you should remove the bottom leaves. Then, you can dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot with a soil mix. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect, which will help to keep the humidity high. You should water the soil only when it is dry to the touch. The cutting will root in around 4 to 6 weeks, and you can remove the plastic bag once the roots are established.
Another method of propagation is through air layering. This involves making a small cut in the stem of the plant, and then wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. Once roots have formed in the moss, you can cut the stem below the roots and pot up the new plant. Air layering can take longer than stem cutting propagation, but it can be a good option for larger plants or for those that are hard to propagate through stem cuttings. Propagation can be done at any time of the year, but it is best to do it when the plant is actively growing well.
Pruning
The philodendron McDowell plant requires should be pruned ocassionally to maintain its shape and size. Pruning can help to promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming too tall. The best time to prune the plant is during its active growth period, which is typically in the spring and summer months.
Avoid cutting too much of the plant at once, as this can shock the plant and cause stress. Regular pruning can help keep the plant healthy and attractive, while also preventing any potential pest or disease problems that may arise from overcrowding or dead leaves.
Potting
The McDowell can grow well in a bunch of different pots, but you should choose a pot with proper drainage holes to avoid waterlogging. They should have a well-draining and aerated soil mix that can hold moisture while allowing excess water to drain out quickly. The plant should be potted in a pot that is one size larger than its current pot to allow enough space for the roots to grow.
When potting, choose a location that receives bright indirect light. The pot should be placed in a location that is not too cold or too hot, since extreme temperatures can damage the plant. The pot should be placed in an area with good air circulation to help prevent disease and pests. It is also important to avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight.
Common Problems
Root rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and yellow.
Pests: The McDowell is prone to spider mites and other insects, which can damage the leaves and cause the plant to decline.
Leaf browning: Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause the leaves to brown and curl.
Nutrient deficiency: If the plant is not receiving adequate fertilizer, it may develop yellow leaves or stunted growth.
Yellowing leaves: If the plant is overwatered or underwatered, the leaves may turn yellow and drop off.
FAQS
Is Philodendron McDowell rare?
The philodendron McDowell is considered a relatively rare plant and isn’t available in most garden centers.
Does Philodendron McDowell climb?
The philodendron McDowell is a climbing plant that naturally attaches itself to other plants or structures in its environment.
How much does a McDowell plant cost?
The philodendron McDowell is typically more expensive than more common philodendron varieties. You can find them for around $90.
What pests do Philodendron McDowell get?
The philodendron McDowell can get a bunch of different pest like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
What humidity should a philodendron McDowell be?
The philodendron McDowell should be in higher humidity levels around 60-70%.
Fun Facts
- The philodendron McDowell is named after Dr. Richard T. McDowell, a well-known botanist.
- The leaves of the Philodendron McDowell can grow up to 3 feet long.
- The philodendron McDowell is a favorite for plant collectors due to its striking appearance and its relatively easy care requirements.
