If you’re looking for a houseplant that truly stands out, the philodendron silver sword is a perfect choice. This rare and striking houseplant has become a favorite for its stunning foliage and manageable care. Its leaves start a shimmering, metallic silver and mature into a deep blue-green, creating a beautiful display in any room.
Let’s look at how to care for this special plant, so you can enjoy its beauty for years to come.
Philodendron Silver Sword
The Philodendron Silver Sword, botanically known as Philodendron hastatum, is a climbing aroid native to the rainforests of Brazil. It’s prized for its dramatic, arrow-shaped leaves. The juvenile leaves are a breathtaking, almost reflective silver. As the plant climbs and matures, the leaves become larger, more lobed, and develop a deeper green hue while retaining a silvery sheen.
This natural transformation means your plant’s appearance will change and evolve over time, adding to its charm.
Why It’s Considered a Rare Find
While becoming more popular, the Silver Sword is still less common than many mainstream philodendrons. Its rarity stems from a few factors. It grows slower than some other varieties, which limits mass production. Also, increased demand from houseplant enthusiasts has sometimes made it harder to find at local nurseries. However, it is increasingly available from specialty online plant shops.
Ideal Growing Conditions
To keep your Silver Sword happy, you need to mimic its tropical origins. Getting the basics right prevents most common problems and encourages those gorgeous leaves.
Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light is key. Think of the dappled sunlight under a forest canopy.
- Best Spot: Near an east or north-facing window. A few feet back from a south or west window with a sheer curtain is also excellent.
- Signs of Too Much Light: Leaves may turn yellow or develop brown, crispy patches.
- Signs of Too Little Light: Growth becomes leggy (long stems with wide gaps between leaves), and the stunning silver coloration will fade or not develop properly.
Watering Your Plant Correctly
Overwatering is the fastest way to harm your Silver Sword. It likes to partially dry out between drinks.
- Check the soil weekly. Stick your finger about 2 inches into the potting mix.
- If the top 2 inches feel dry, it’s time to water.
- Water thoroughly until you see it drain freely from the bottom of the pot.
- Always empty the saucer or cache pot after 15 minutes so the roots aren’t sitting in water.
In winter, you’ll likely water less frequently as the plant’s growth slows down.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant enjoys warmth and appreciates moderate to high humidity.
- Temperature: Keep it in a room between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Avoid cold drafts from windows or doors in winter.
- Humidity: Aim for 50% humidity or higher. If your air is dry, you can:
- Use a humidifier nearby (most effective).
- Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (ensure the pot sits above the water line).
- Group it with other plants to create a microclimate.
Potting Mix and Repotting
A well-draining, airy potting mix is non-negotiable. A standard houseplant soil is often too dense and retains to much moisture.
Simple DIY Mix: Combine equal parts:
- Regular potting soil
- Orchid bark or coconut coir
- Perlite or coarse pumice
Repot your Silver Sword every 1-2 years in spring or early summer, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Only go up one pot size (about 2 inches wider in diameter) to prevent excess wet soil around the roots.
Supporting Its Climbing Habit
In the wild, this philodendron climbs up trees. Providing a support at home encourages larger, more mature leaf growth.
- Moss Pole: The best option. The aerial roots can attach to it and absorb moisture.
- Coco Coir Pole or Wooden Plank: Also work well.
- How to Train It: Gently tie the main stem to the pole using soft plant ties or twine as it grows. Mist the pole occasionally to encourage root attachment.
Fertilizing for Healthy Growth
Feed your plant during its active growing season (spring and summer).
- Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20).
- Dilute it to half the strength recommended on the bottle.
- Apply every 4-6 weeks when you water.
- Stop fertilizing completely in fall and winter when growth is minimal.
Over-fertilizing can damage the roots, so less is more.
Propagation: How to Make More Plants
Propagating a Silver Sword is straightforward and a great way to share this plant with friends. The best method is stem cuttings.
- Identify a healthy stem with at least one node (the bump where a leaf meets the stem, and where roots grow from).
- Using clean, sharp scissors or pruners, cut just below a node.
- You can root the cutting in water or directly in moist sphagnum moss/perlite mix.
- Water: Place the cutting in a glass, ensuring the node is submerged. Change the water weekly. Roots should appear in 2-4 weeks.
- Sphagnum Moss: Place the cutting in pre-moistened moss. Keep the moss consistently damp (not soggy) in a warm, bright spot.
- Once roots are at least an inch or two long, pot the cutting into a small pot with your regular potting mix.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
Yellow Leaves
This is often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture and ensure the pot drains well. It could also indicate the plant needs more light or nutrients.
Brown Leaf Tips or Edges
Usually caused by low humidity or inconsistent watering (letting the plant get too dry for too long, then overcompensating). Increase humidity and try to maintain a more consistent watering schedule.
Leggy Growth with Small Leaves
This means the plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location (still indirect). Also, consider if it needs a support pole to encourage bigger growth.
Pests
Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to deter them. If you see pests, isolate the plant and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the product instructions carefully.
Displaying Your Silver Sword
This plant’s vining nature makes it versatile. You can let it trail from a shelf or hanging basket for a cascading effect. For a fuller, more dramatic look, train it up a moss pole. The contrast of the silvery leaves against a dark green moss pole or a neutral-colored pot is especially attractive.
Remember to rotate the pot a quarter turn every time you water. This ensures all sides get even light and the plant grows symmetrically, which is important for its appearance.
FAQ
Is the Philodendron Silver Sword 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.
How fast does a Silver Sword philodendron grow?
With good light, warmth, and humidity, it has a moderate growth rate. You can expect several new leaves during the spring and summer growing season.
Why are my Silver Sword’s leaves not silver?
The most common cause is insufficient light. Move it to a brighter spot with indirect light. Also, the very oldest leaves at the base may naturally lose some silver as they age.
Can I grow a Silver Sword in water forever (semi-hydro)?
While cuttings root easily in water, long-term growth in just water isn’t ideal. It often leads to weaker growth and nutrient deficiencies. It’s best to transfer a rooted cutting to a proper potting mix for the plant to thrive.
What’s the difference between a Silver Sword and a Philodendron ‘Cebu Blue’?
They are different species. The Cebu Blue has narrower, elongated leaves with a more blue-green, sometimes silvery, matte finish. The Silver Sword has broader, more distinctly arrow-shaped leaves with a shinier, more metallic silver appearance, especially on younger foliage.
Caring for a philodendron silver sword is a rewarding experience. By providing the right balance of light, water, and humidity, you’ll be able to watch this stunning plant develop and change, bringing a unique piece of the tropics into your home. Its striking looks are sure to be a conversation starter for any guest.