Liven your living room with the rare and elegant Philodendron sp. Colombia. Here’s an extensive guide to help you!
Native to the tropics of Colombia, Philodendron sp. Colombia is highly sought after due to its large, heart-shaped foliage, intricate texture, and rare availability. Learn everything about growing this elegant houseplant indoors with this Philodendron sp. Colombia Care Guide!
Learn about Growing Philodendron melinonii Indoors here
What is Philodendron sp. Colombia?
A member of the Araceae family, Philodendron sp. Colombia is a rare species prized for its large, heart-shaped foliage—the signature feature of philodendrons! What sets this plant apart is the intricate, deeply marbled veins that run from the midrib of the leaves to its edges. The striking contrast of dark green veins against medium green leaves makes for a fantastic foliage show.
Standing at a medium height of 1-1.5 feet, the sprawling leaves compensate for the plant’s low height, while the thick stem sends out aerial roots, helping it crawl through nearby surfaces. So, you may support it with a moss pole to multiply the plant’s beauty.
Ideal Pot Size
The ideal pot size for a Philodendron sp. Colombia will depend on the plant’s root balls. Pick a pot that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant. This will allow the roots to have enough space to grow while preventing the soil from staying wet for a long.
For a young plant, a 4-6 inches pot with ample drainage holes would be a good size to start with. As the plant grows, you can gradually increase the pot size to 1-2 sizes larger as you see the roots coming out of the drainage holes.
Propagating Philodendron Colombia
The easiest way to propagate Philodendron sp. Colombia is through stem cuttings. You’ll need a healthy, disease-free plant, a well-draining potting mix, and sharp clippers for successful propagation.
- Choose a healthy stem with several nodes and leaves.
- Cut the stem just below a node using sharp, sterile clippers.
- Leave the stem at a dry place to callous over and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone, shaking off the excess.
- Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining medium, combining peat moss and perlite.
- Place it at a warm, bright location and mist it regularly until roots form.
The roots will form in a few weeks. Cut back on watering during this time and provide the plant with favorable conditions.
Requirements for Growing Philodendron Colombia
Light
Philodendron sp. Colombia thrives in bright, indirect light. Remember that direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, so better place the plant near a window with a sheer curtain or in a location where it receives dappled sunlight. A North or East facing window is ideal for plant growth.
In low light conditions, the plant’s growth will slow down, and its vibrant veins will fade. Rotate the plant periodically to ensure even exposure to light and balanced growth.
Soil
A well-draining soil mix with a pH of 5.5-6.5 is crucial for the proper growth of Philodendron sp. Colombia. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark in equal parts is perfect for providing proper aeration and drainage.
A loose, airy soil structure will prevent root rot and promote healthy root development. While a heavy, clayey medium will suffocate the plant roots. If that’s all you have, amend it well with sand or perlite.
Water
Philodendron sp. Colombia prefers consistently moist soil but is sensitive to overwatering. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the plant’s roots.
Let the medium dry out in between watering sessions to avoid the chances of it pooling near the roots. Follow a weekly deep watering session, i.e, water the medium thoroughly until it drains out of the holes.
Temperature
The plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). It is sensitive to extreme temperatures and will not appreciate temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Keep your plant away from cold drafts, such as those near windows or doors during winter. Also, avoid heat sources, such as radiators or air vents, as this may cause the leaves to shrivel or develop dry edges.
Humidity
This tropical plant prefers high humidity levels, ideally around 60% or higher. Mist the leaves regularly with distilled or filtered water or place the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles. You may also use a humidifier to maintain a consistent humidity level around the plant.
Grouping your Philodendron sp. Colombia, with other humidity-loving plants, will create a microclimate of higher humidity, so that’s something you must try.
Philodendron sp Colombia Care
Fertilizer
Feed your Philodendron sp. Colombia with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every four to six weeks during spring and summer. A 20-20-20 blend is good enough for this plant.
Do not fertilize during the plant’s dormancy in the fall and winter to prevent excess nutrient buildup in the soil. Over-fertilization can lead to salt deposits in the soil, causing leaf burn and other health issues.
Pests and Diseases
Philodendron sp. Colombia can be susceptible to common pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Regularly inspect your plant for signs of infestation and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray on spotting any.
Maintain good air circulation, and avoid overwatering to keep potential issues at bay. Also, clean the leaves with a soapy solution to remove the dust or debris accumulation, thus keeping fungal issues at bay.
Where to Buy Philodendron sp. Colombia?
Exploring local nurseries, garden centers, or specialty plant shops that carry a diverse range of houseplants. You can also inquire with botanical gardens or plant societies in your area, as they may host plant sales or swaps where you can find rare or unique specimens.
Online retailers and plant enthusiasts often sell Philodendron sp. Colombia through various e-commerce platforms, plant forums, or social media groups.
