Philodendron Plowmanii

If you’re looking for a truly special houseplant, the philodendron plowmanii is a rare tropical gem. This stunning plant, with its unique and beautiful foliage, is a fantastic choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Its large, heart-shaped leaves have a distinctive texture and color that can make it a centerpiece in any room. While it might seem a bit intimidating at first, caring for a philodendron plowmanii is quite straightforward once you know the basics. This guide will walk you through everything you need to keep your plant thriving.

This plant is native to the rainforests of Ecuador and Peru, where it grows as a terrestrial plant, meaning it creeps along the forest floor. Unlike many philodendrons that are climbers, the Plowmanii has a crawling growth habit. It sends out runners and its large leaves develop on long, sturdy petioles that emerge from a central growth point.

The leaves are the main attraction. They start as a bronze or reddish color before maturing into a deep, glossy green. The surface has a unique, almost puckered texture, with prominent, light-colored veins running through them. The leaf backs often have a subtle reddish or purplish tint, adding to its visual interest.

Why It’s Considered a Rare Houseplant

Several factors contribute to the philodendron plowmanii’s rarity in the houseplant market. First, it’s a slower grower compared to many common philodendrons. This means nurseries can’t produce them as quickly.

Its specific growing conditions in the wild also make large-scale propagation more challenging to replicate initially. While it’s becoming more available thanks to tissue culture, a mature, well-established specimen is still a prized find for any plant lover.

Essential Care Requirements

To mimic its natural habitat, you’ll need to provide consistent warmth, humidity, and the right light. Don’t worry, it’s less complicated than it sounds.

Light: Bright and Indirect is Best

Think of the dappled sunlight on a rainforest floor. Your philodendron plowmanii will do best in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is ideal, or a spot a few feet back from a south or west window.

Avoid direct, harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch and yellow the beautiful leaves.
If the light is too low, the plant will become leggy and its growth will slow to a crawl.
Rotate the pot every few weeks to ensure even growth on all sides.

Watering: The Golden Rule

Overwatering is the fastest way to harm your plant. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy.

Check the soil weekly by sticking your finger about 2 inches deep.
If the top 2 inches feel dry, it’s time to water thoroughly.
Water until you see it drain freely from the bottom of the pot.
Always empty the saucer or cache pot after 15 minutes to prevent root rot.

In winter, you’ll likely need to water less frequently as the plant’s growth slows down.

Soil and Potting Needs

A well-draining, airy potting mix is non-negotiable. You can’t use heavy, moisture-retentive garden soil. A good DIY mix is:

2 parts high-quality potting mix
1 part perlite or pumice
1 part orchid bark or coco chips

This combination ensures roots get oxygen and prevents waterlogging. Choose a pot with excellent drainage holes. A terracotta pot can be helpful because it wicks away extra moisture from the soil.

Humidity and Temperature

As a tropical plant, it appreciates higher humidity levels (above 60% is great). Average home humidity is often lower, especially in winter.

Use a humidifier nearby for the best results.
Group it with other plants to create a microclimate.
Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (ensure the pot sits on the pebbles, not in the water).

Keep temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Avoid cold drafts from windows or doors, and keep it away from heating and air conditioning vents, which can cause rapid drying.

Feeding and Fertilizing

During the active growing season (spring and summer), feed your philodendron plowmanii every 4-6 weeks. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.

This provides the nutrients it needs without risking fertilizer burn. In fall and winter, you can stop fertilizing altogether as the plant isn’t actively growing and won’t use the extra nutrients.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning is mainly for aesthetics and plant health. You don’t need to prune it often.

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves at the base of their stem.
You can trim back any unruly or overly long runners to maintain a compact shape.
Dust the large leaves regularly with a soft, damp cloth to keep them photosynthesizing efficiently.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

Yellow Leaves

This is usually a sign of overwatering. Check your soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule. Ensure the pot drains properly. Sometimes, yellow leaves are just old foliage dying off naturally—if it’s one or two lower leaves, don’t panic.

Brown Leaf Edges or Tips

Low humidity is the most common cause. Increase humidity around your plant. It could also be from tap water chemicals; using filtered or rainwater can sometimes help.

Leggy Growth and Small Leaves

This signals insufficient light. Move your plant to a brighter location (but still out of direct sun). The new growth should come in larger and more robust.

Pests to Watch For

Like many houseplants, it can occasionally attract pests. Keep an eye out for:

Spider Mites: Look for fine webbing and stippling on leaves. Wipe leaves or use insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs: Appear as small, white, cottony masses. Dab with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Fungus Gnats: Small flies around the soil. Let the top soil dry out more between waterings and use sticky traps.

Propagation Guide

You can create new plants from your philodendron plowmanii through stem cuttings. The best time to do this is in spring or early summer.

Identify a healthy stem with at least one node (the bump where leaves and roots grow from) and 1-2 leaves.
Using clean shears, cut just below a node.
You can root the cutting in water or directly in a moist potting mix.
If using water, place the cutting in a glass so the node is submerged. Change the water weekly.
Once roots are a few inches long (in a few weeks), pot it up in your well-draining soil mix.
If planting in soil, keep the mix consistently moist and cover the pot with a plastic bag to increase humidity until you see new growth.

Repotting Your Plant

Philodendron plowmanii doesn’t mind being slightly root-bound. Repot every 2-3 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes.

Choose a new pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the old one.
Gently loosen the root ball and place it in the new pot with fresh potting mix at the bottom and around the sides.
Water thoroughly after repotting to help settle the soil.

FAQ

Is the Philodendron Plowmanii toxic?
Yes, like all philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Keep it out of reach of curious cats, dogs, and children.

What’s the difference between Philodendron Plowmanii and Philodendron Mamei?
They look similar but are different. Plowmanii leaves are generally more elongated and have a crawling habit. Mamei has more silver variegation (blotching) on its leaves and its leaves tend to be rounder.

Why are the leaves on my Plowmanii not getting big?
Insufficient light is the most likely culprit. Ensure it gets enough bright, indirect light. Adequate feeding during the growing season also supports larger leaf development.

How fast does a Plowmanii philodendron grow?
It’s considered a moderately slow grower, especially compared to some other vining philodendrons. With ideal conditions, you might see a few new leaves per growing season.

Can I grow Philodendron Plowmanii in a terrarium?
Due to its ultimate size and spreading habit, it is not an ideal long-term candidate for most terrariums. It’s better suited as a potted floor or table plant.

With its stunning textured leaves and unique growth habit, the philodendron plowmanii is a rewarding plant to care for. By providing the right balance of light, water, and humidity, you’ll be able to enjoy this rare tropical beauty for many years to come. Remember, patience is key with slower-growing plants, and each new leaf is a sign of your successful care.