If you’re looking for a truly special houseplant that combines dramatic foliage with a manageable size, the Philodendron subhastatum is a perfect candidate. This rare tropical houseplant is gaining popularity for its stunning two-toned leaves and elegant growth habit.
It’s not the easiest plant to find, but its care is surprisingly straightforward once you understand its needs. Let’s look at everything required to help your Philodendron subhastatum thrive in your home.
Philodendron Subhastatum
Native to parts of South America, including Colombia and Brazil, the Philodendron subhastatum is a climbing aroid. In its natural habitat, it would use its aerial roots to ascend trees towards the canopy light.
Its most striking feature is its elongated, heart-shaped leaves. They display a beautiful color contrast: the top surface is a deep, velvety green, while the underside is a striking rusty red or burgundy. The leaf stems, or petioles, often share this reddish hue, adding to its overall appeal.
Essential Care Requirements
Success with this plant comes down to mimicking its tropical origins. You don’t need a greenhouse, but paying attention to a few key factors will make a big difference.
Light: Bright and Indirect is Best
This philodendron needs plenty of bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant colors and support growth. An east or west-facing window is often ideal.
- Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.
- Too little light will cause leggy growth and faded leaf color.
- If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light to supplement.
Watering: The Balance is Key
Overwatering is the most common mistake. This plant likes to partially dry out between drinks.
- Check the soil weekly by sticking your finger about 2 inches deep.
- Water thoroughly only when the top few inches feel dry.
- Allow excess water to drain completely—never let the pot sit in a saucer of water.
- Reduce watering frequency in the winter when growth slows.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, airy potting mix is non-negotiable. A standard houseplant soil will hold too much moisture.
- Use an aroid mix, or make your own with equal parts potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite.
- Ensure your pot has ample drainage holes.
- Repot every 1-2 years in spring, sizing up only slightly to prevent excess wet soil.
Humidity and Temperature
As a tropical plant, it appreciates higher humidity but can adapt to average home levels (around 40-50%).
- If your air is dry, group plants together or use a humidifier.
- Misting provides a very temporary boost and isn’t usually necessary.
- Keep temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature drops.
Supporting Its Growth Habit
Remember, this is a natural climber. Providing a support allows it to grow vertically, which can lead to larger, more mature leaves.
- Insert a moss pole, coco coir pole, or even a sturdy plank into the pot at repotting time.
- Gently attach the stems to the support using soft plant ties or velcro tape.
- As it grows, its aerial roots will attach to the moist support, anchoring the plant.
Without support, it will trail or grow outward, which is also attractive but less typical of its natural form.
Fertilizing for Healthy Foliage
Feed your plant during its active growing season (spring and summer). This provides the nutrients needed for those spectacular leaves.
- Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20).
- Dilute it to half the recommended strength to avoid fertilizer burn.
- Apply every 4-6 weeks while watering.
- Stop fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Propagation: How to Make More Plants
You can propagate Philodendron subhastatum relatively easily through stem cuttings. This is a great way to share this rare plant with friends or fill out your own pot.
- In spring or early summer, identify a healthy stem with at least 2-3 nodes (the bumps where leaves and roots emerge).
- Using clean, sharp scissors, 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, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Change the water weekly.
- Once roots are a few inches long (in a few weeks), pot it up in your aroid mix.
- If rooting in soil, keep the mix consistently moist (not soggy) and provide high humidity by covering the pot with a plastic bag.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with good care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
Yellowing Leaves
This is often a sign of overwatering. Check your soil moisture and adjust your schedule. Older leaves yellowing and falling off occasionally is normal.
Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges
Usually caused by low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity if possible and check that you’re watering thoroughly when you do.
Leggy Growth with Small Leaves
The plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location, but do so gradually to avoid shock.
Pests
Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to deter them. If pests appear, treat promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Philodendron subhastatum 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 this philodendron grow?
With ideal care, it has a moderate growth rate. You can expect a few new leaves each growing season, especially if you provide a support for it to climb.
Why are the leaves on my subhastatum not red underneath?
Insufficient light is the most likely culpret. The vibrant underside color develops best with bright, indirect light. Younger leaves may also start out more green and develop the red hue as they mature.
Can I grow Philodendron subhastatum outdoors?
Only in consistently warm, humid climates (USDA zones 10-11). It must be in a shaded spot, as direct sun will damage the leaves. In most regions, it’s best kept as an indoor plant.
Where can I buy a Philodendron subhastatum?
Due to its rarity, you won’t typically find it at big-box stores. Check specialized online plant shops, Etsy, or local plant nurseries that carry rare aroids. Be prepared for a higher price tag compared to common philodendrons.
Final Tips for Success
Caring for a Philodendron subhastatum is a rewarding experience. Its unique beauty makes the extra effort to find one worthwhile. The key takeaways are simple: provide bright indirect light, use a chunky well-draining soil, water only when partly dry, and offer a support to climb.
With this care, your rare tropical houseplant will develop into a stunning, colorful specimen that is sure to be the centerpiece of your collection. Remember to check it regularly for signs of its needs, and don’t be afraid to adjust your care based on what you see. Every home environment is slightly different, and your plant will tell you what it likes.