Philodendron Squamiferum Care: How to Keep Your Plant Healthy

Apr 17, 2023

If you are looking for a unique and beautiful plant to add to your collection, then look no further than the Philodendron squamiferum.

The Philodendron genus is home to many stunning ornamental foliage plants, and one of the most unique and eye-catching among them is the Philodendron squamiferum.

Also known as the Red Bristle Philodendron or Hairy Philodendron, this species is commonly grown as an indoor plant due to its striking appearance and easy-to-care-for nature.

However, it can also thrive outdoors in warm, humid climates. Despite being a rare find, the Philodendron squamiferum is an easy-to-grow plant enthusiast of all levels can enjoy.

And with the right care, it can flourish and provide its owners with years of beauty and enjoyment. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about Philodendron squamiferum care.

From watering to fertilizing, we will cover everything you need to know to keep your plant healthy and happy.

Let's get started.

Proper Philodendron Squamiferum Care

Proper care is crucial to keep your Philodendron squamiferum healthy and thriving. Here are some essential tips for Philodendron squamiferum care.

1.Philodendron Squamiferum Light Requirement

Philodendron squamiferum is a tropical plant that naturally thrives in the jungle. Philodendron squamiferum prefers bright, indirect light.

Indoor Lighting.

If you are growing your Philodendron squamiferum indoors, place it in an area near a well-lit window. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves and cause damage to the plant. Place your plant near a window that receives filtered light, or use sheer curtains to diffuse direct sunlight.

Grow Lights.

If you don't have access to natural light, you can also use LED grow lights to supplement the light your plant receives. LED grow lights provide a spectrum of light that is similar to natural sunlight, allowing your Philodendron squamiferum to grow and thrive indoors.

Outdoor Lighting.

If you're growing your Philodendron squamiferum outdoors, it's best to plant it under a tree canopy or in a shaded area. This provides indirect sunlight and protects the plant from harsh rays.

If you live in an area with hot, direct sunlight, you may want to consider using a shade house or other protective structure to shield the plant from the sun's rays.

Effects of Insufficient Light.

If your Philodendron squamiferum doesn't receive enough light, the leaves may turn pale and yellow, and the plant may become leggy. It's important to provide optimal light to ensure that the plant thrives.

2. Soil

Choosing the right soil for your Philodendron squamiferum is crucial for its growth and overall health. Here are some essential tips for selecting the right soil mix. A well-drained soil.

Philodendron squamiferum needs a soil mix that drains well but retains moisture. This helps prevent the soil from getting waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. A well-draining soil mix allows excess water to drain away while retaining enough moisture for the plant to absorb.

Fertile soil

Besides good drainage and water retention, Philodendron squamiferum soil should also be fertile. This means it should contain enough nutrients to support the plant's growth. You can add organic matter to the soil mix to create a nutrient-rich medium.

pH level

The correct pH level for Philodendron squamiferum is slightly acidic to moderately acidic (5.6 to 6.5). A pH meter can help you measure the pH accurately. If the pH level is too high, you can use a soil acidifier to adjust it.

Making Your Own Soil Mix

You can make your own soil mix for Philodendron squamiferum by combining equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Peat moss helps retain moisture, while perlite and vermiculite improve drainage.

You can add organic matter to this mix to make it more fertile. If you're looking for the best soil for your indoor plants, consider using a Leca ball.

These lightweight clay balls are highly breathable and provide excellent drainage for your plants. Planterhoma offers a range of Leca ball options for your indoor plants, making it easy to find the perfect size and quantity for your needs.

Leopard Lily Care

3. Temperature

Philodendron squamiferum is a stunning plant that requires specific environmental conditions to thrive. One of the critical factors to consider when growing this species is temperature.

Philodendron Squamiferum Temperature Range.

The ideal temperature range for Philodendron squamiferum is between 50°F to 77°F (10°C to 25°C). This temperature range provides the perfect balance of warmth and humidity for the plant to thrive. However, it's important to note that prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range can harm the plant.

Temperature Extremes to Avoid.

As mentioned earlier, Philodendron squamiferum has a limited temperature tolerance. Cold and hot drafts can be especially harmful and should be avoided.

Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop, while temperatures above 77°F (25°C) can cause the leaves to curl and dry out.

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations that can shock your plant. Gradual changes are better and will help your plant adjust to new temperature conditions.

4. Watering

Watering your plants is a crucial part of plant care, and it can be especially important for species like Philodendron squamiferum. Here are some tips and tricks for watering your Philodendron squamiferum to ensure that it thrives and stays healthy.

Frequency of watering

Philodendron squamiferum has low water needs, and it's important not to overwater it. During the hot summer months, water your plant once a week. However, when temperatures drop in winter, adjust the watering frequency to every 12 days or more.

Before watering your Philodendron squamiferum, check the moisture level in the soil. One helpful tip is to wait for the top few inches of soil to dry before watering.

This ensures that excess water doesn't stay in the soil, which can lead to water stagnation and root rot. Another helpful tip is to ensure that your pot has proper drainage holes to help water drain through the soil and out of the pot.

Using a self-watering planter

If you're looking for an easy and efficient way to water your Philodendron squamiferum, a self-watering planter is an excellent option.

Self watering planter with holes and water level monitor

Self-watering planters have a water reservoir at the bottom that automatically waters the plant's roots as needed. This method is particularly useful if you're not always available to water your plant regularly.

If you're interested in getting a self-watering planter for your Philodendron squamiferum, you can find them online at Planterhoma. Self-watering planters come in different sizes and designs; you can choose the one that best suits your plant and decor.

5. Ideal Humidity Level

Humidity refers to the amount of moisture present in the air. It is a crucial factor in plant growth and can greatly affect their health and development. Following these tips, you can keep your plants' humidity levels at their ideal level.

Mimicking the Natural Environment

Many plants, including Philodendron squamiferum, come from humid tropical environments. To create the ideal growing conditions for these plants, you should aim for a humidity level of 60% or higher.

One way to achieve this is by grouping your plants. The water vapor transpired by one plant can be absorbed by another, creating a more humid environment for all of them.

Using Humidifiers

Humidifiers are also an effective way to increase humidity levels in your home. These devices release water vapor into the air, which can help maintain a stable humidity level for your plants. When using a humidifier, it's essential to clean it regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.

Misting

Misting is another technique for increasing humidity levels around your plants. Simply use a spray bottle to mist the leaves and surrounding air with water. This can temporarily boost humidity levels, but avoiding getting the leaves too wet is essential, as this can lead to fungal diseases and other problems.

6. Fertilizer

Fertilizer is essential to plant care, providing nutrients for healthy growth and development. Here are some important things to keep in mind when it comes to fertilizing your plants.

Understanding NPK

When choosing a fertilizer for your plants, it's important to understand the NPK ratio. NPK stands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; the three primary nutrients plants need to thrive.

The ratio of these nutrients in the fertilizer will vary depending on the plant's needs. For example, most Philodendron species do well with an equal ratio of NPK. You can check the fertilizer label to see the exact ratio and choose one that fits your plant's needs.

During the winter months, when the plant enters dormancy, reduce or stop fertilization altogether. Over-fertilization can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can harm the plant and cause immediate death.

Flushing the Soil

Over time, fertilizer salts can build up in potted plants' soil, affecting the plant's ability to absorb nutrients and water. To prevent this, it's important to flush the soil periodically.

To do this, water the plant with fresh water until the excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot. Repeat this process several times over the course of a week to leach out any accumulated salts.

Pruning Philodendron Squamiferum: When and How to Do It

Pruning is an important part of Philodendron squamiferum care. While this slow-growing plant doesn't require frequent pruning, it's still important to know when and how to do it to keep the plant healthy and looking its best.

When to Prune Philodendron Squamiferum

You don't need to prune Philodendron squamiferum regularly since it's a slow grower. However, you may need to trim it occasionally to keep the whole plant attractive.

Here are some instances when you may need to prune Philodendron squamiferum.

To remove aged or diseased leaves: When leaves on your plant become old or diseased, removing them is important. This will help the plant redirect its energy toward growing new, healthy leaves.

To manage the size of the plant: While Philodendron squamiferum grows slowly, it may still become too large for its space. If this happens, you can trim back the stems and leaves to manage the size of the plant.

To promote thicker growth: If you want your Philodendron squamiferum to be bushier, you can prune back the stems. This will encourage the plant to grow more side shoots, resulting in a fuller plant.

Potting & Repotting Philodendron Squamiferum

Potting and repotting are important aspects of Philodendron squamiferum care that should not be overlooked. Repotting should be done every two years or when the plant has outgrown its container. Here are some guidelines for potting and repotting Philodendron squamiferum.

When to Repot

One of the signs that a Philodendron squamiferum needs repotting is when its roots are poking out of the drainage holes. Another indication is when the plant has doubled in size. Repotting helps give the plant's roots more room to grow and access resources such as water and nutrients.

Choosing the Right Container

When choosing a container for your Philodendron squamiferum, it is best to go for a pot that is only two inches larger than the current container.

This will prevent the plant from becoming waterlogged and help it establish a strong root system. Make sure that the container has drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain out.

Preparing the Potting Mix

Before repotting your Philodendron squamiferum, you need to prepare the potting mix. Use a high-quality, well-draining soil mix that contains a combination of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. This will ensure the soil retains enough moisture while allowing excess water to drain.

Repotting the Plant

When repotting Philodendron squamiferum, be careful not to damage the roots. Gently loosen the plant from its old container and remove any dead or damaged roots.

Place the plant in the new container and fill it with the potting mix. Water the plant thoroughly and allow any excess moisture to drain out.

When to Repot

It is best to repot your Philodendron squamiferum in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. This will give the plant enough time to adjust to its new environment before going dormant in the winter.

Philodendron Squamiferum Propagation: How to Grow More of This Beautiful Plant

Philodendron squamiferum is a beautiful and unique plant with lush green leaves. If you want to grow more of this stunning plant, propagation is a great way to do it.

What is Propagation?

Plant propagation is the process of making new plants from old ones. It allows you to produce multiple copies of your favorite plants, which can be a great way to expand your collection or share your plants with friends and family.

Stem Cutting Propagation

Stem-cutting propagation is one of the easiest ways to propagate Philodendron squamiferum. You will need a stem cutting that includes at least one node to do this. Nodes are the points on the stem where new roots and leaves will appear.

Steps for Propagating Philodendron Squamiferum

Choose a healthy stem: Select a healthy stem from your Philodendron squamiferum plant that is at least 6 inches long and has several leaves.

Prepare the cutting: Use a sharp and clean pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut the stem just below a node. Remove any leaves close to the stem's bottom, leaving only one or two at the top.

Rooting in water: Place the cutting in a glass of clean water and ensure the stem's bottom is submerged. It is best to keep the glass in a bright, indirect light and to change the water regularly. Once roots have grown to a length of about an inch, transfer the cutting to the soil.

Rooting in soil: Fill a small pot with a well-draining soil mix and make a hole in the center. Insert the stem cutting into the hole and carefully pack the soil around it. Make sure the soil is completely hydrated. Place a bright, indirect light on the pot. Cover the pot with a plastic dome to maintain moisture.

Care for the new plant: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide the plant with bright, indirect light. Once the plant has established roots and has grown a few new leaves, it can be transferred to a larger pot to continue growing.

Propagation Timing

The best time to propagate Philodendron squamiferum is during the active growing season, which is typically in the spring or summer. During this time, the plant is actively producing new growth, making it easier for the stem cuttings to take root.

Common Philodendron Squamiferum Problems (and How to Solve Them)

Philodendron squamiferum is a stunning plant that can add beauty to any home. However, it is not invincible and may face problems that can lead to the plant's demise. This section will discuss some of the common Philodendron squamiferum problems and how to solve them.

Common Philodendron Squamiferum Problems (and How to Solve Them)

Diseases

Philodendron squamiferum is susceptible to bacterial leaf spots, bacterial blight, and tip curl. These diseases can cause severe damage to the plant if left untreated. Bacterial leaf spots cause tiny spots on the leaf edges that turn brittle.

To control this disease, apply a copper fungicide. Bacterial blight causes dark green spots that become wet rot after, with a foul smell. Remove the infected parts immediately to avoid spreading to other parts. Tip curl is mostly due to fertilizer burns and can be solved by leaching.

Pests

One of the most common Philodendron squamiferum problems is pests. These tiny bugs, such as aphids, scales, mealybugs, and spider mites, can cause damage to the plant by sucking up the sap and leaving lesions on the surfaces of leaves and stems.

How to Get Rid of Ants in the Garden

To get rid of these pests, you should take action as soon as you spot them. Spray the plant with pressurized water to drive them away. You can also use soapy water or neem oil to kill them.

Growing Problems

Stunted growth is a common symptom of a sick Philodendron squamiferum. It may be suffering from root rot due to overwatering, which prevents it from absorbing water and nutrients. This can cause the yellowing of the leaves and mushy stems.

Other growing problems may be insufficient light or overexposure to bright light. Low humidity levels and unfavorable temperatures can also stress the plant. Monitoring these conditions regularly can help you prevent growing problems and keep your plant healthy.

Conclusion

Overall, Philodendron Squamiferum is a beautiful and rewarding plant to care for, with its unique and attractive foliage. It will be a long-lasting addition to your home or garden with the right care and attention.

Keep the soil moist, provide the right amount of light and water, and the foliage should be checked regularly for pests. Fertilize regularly to keep your Philodendron Squamiferum healthy and happy.