How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Lupinum
Learn the essential care to guide your Philodendron lupinum through its unique transformation from velvety, heart-shaped leaves to its mature form.
Philodendron lupinum is a captivating aroid native to the Amazon Basin in Brazil. This vining houseplant is known for its transformation from a juvenile to a mature form. This visual journey makes it a rewarding specimen for indoor gardeners who can provide the conditions that encourage its development.
The Unique Growth Stages
The most fascinating aspect of Philodendron lupinum is its metamorphosis. In its juvenile phase, the plant produces small, heart-shaped leaves with a velvety texture. These young leaves display a deep green surface contrasted by deep maroon or reddish undersides. As the plant matures, the leaves lose their velvety sheen, transitioning to a smooth, glossy surface, and grow significantly larger. They also develop pronounced lobes, altering their shape from a simple heart to a more complex form.
Comprehensive Care Guide
Light
Philodendron lupinum flourishes in medium to bright indirect light. An ideal placement is near an east-facing window for gentle morning sun or in a well-lit room away from direct solar rays. While it tolerates lower light, its growth may become slower, and too much direct sunlight will scorch the leaves.
Water
Watering practices for this philodendron require a balance. Before watering again, allow the top one to two inches of the growing medium to dry out to help prevent root rot. When you do water, do so thoroughly until water is seen exiting the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Soil
The soil for P. lupinum should be well-draining and airy. As a hemiepiphyte, it naturally roots in loose debris. A suitable potting mix combines one part standard potting soil, one part orchid bark, and one part perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration for the roots.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant performs best in warm and humid conditions, with an ideal temperature range between 65°F and 80°F (18-27°C). Protect it from cold drafts or sudden temperature drops. While it adapts to average household humidity, it thrives in levels of 60% or higher, which can be achieved by grouping plants, using a pebble tray, or running a humidifier.
Fertilizer
Feed your Philodendron lupinum during the spring and summer growing season to support its growth. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month, following the product’s instructions for dilution. This provides the nutrients it needs for healthy foliage.
Providing Support and Repotting
As a natural climber, Philodendron lupinum benefits from a structure to ascend. Providing support like a moss pole, coir pole, or trellis encourages the plant to develop larger, more mature leaves. A moss pole offers an additional benefit, as the plant’s aerial roots can grow into the moist sphagnum to absorb extra water and nutrients.
Over time, the plant will need to be repotted. A sign that it’s time for a new pot is when roots grow out of the drainage holes or the plant becomes root-bound. When repotting, select a new pot that is only one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one to prevent excess soil from holding too much moisture.
How to Propagate Philodendron Lupinum
New Philodendron lupinum plants are created through stem cuttings. To begin, identify a healthy stem on the mother plant that includes at least one leaf and a node, which is the small bump where leaves and roots emerge. Using a clean blade, make a cut just below the node and remove any lower leaves to expose it.
The cutting can then be placed in a rooting medium. Placing the cutting in a jar of water is a popular method, as is planting it in a pot of moist sphagnum moss or perlite. Keep the medium consistently moist and in a warm, bright spot with indirect light until a healthy root system has formed, which takes a few weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellowing leaves are often an indicator of overwatering. If you notice this, check the soil’s moisture; if it feels wet, allow it to dry out more thoroughly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Pests such as spider mites and mealybugs can infest the plant. Regularly inspecting the leaves, especially the undersides, can help you catch an infestation early. If pests are found, manage them by wiping them off or by using a treatment like insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Leggy growth, characterized by long stretches of bare stem between leaves, signals that the plant is not receiving enough light. This means it should be moved to a brighter location.