How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Lynette
Maintain the vibrant, ruffled foliage of your Philodendron Lynette. This guide offers straightforward steps for its specific needs and healthy, bushy growth.
The Philodendron Lynette is a hybrid plant distinguished by its vibrant, lance-shaped leaves with a unique, ruffled or ribbed texture. This plant grows in an upright, self-heading manner, where its leaves are tightly spaced along the stem, creating a full and bushy appearance. This compact growth habit and striking foliage make it a popular choice for houseplant enthusiasts.
Philodendron Lynette Care Guide
Light
This plant thrives in medium to bright, indirect sunlight. Placing it near a window where it can receive filtered light for several hours a day is ideal. Direct sun exposure should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves, while insufficient light may lead to slower, leggy growth.
Soil
The Philodendron Lynette requires a well-draining and airy potting mix. The soil should retain some moisture without becoming waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. A mix containing peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark provides the right balance of aeration and water retention. Repot when the plant’s roots have become compacted, preferably before or after the main growing season to minimize stress.
Water
Follow a “soak and dry” approach for this philodendron. Water the plant thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain away completely. Before watering again, allow the top half of the soil to dry out. Overwatering is a common problem, and consistently wet soil is a primary cause of root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
The Philodendron Lynette prefers temperatures common in most homes, between 64°F and 77°F (18°C to 25°C). It should be protected from drastic temperature drops, and nighttime temperatures should stay above 50°F (10°C). While it can tolerate average household humidity, it will flourish with higher levels around 60%. To increase humidity, you can mist the plant regularly or place it near a humidifier.
Fertilizer
During the active growing season of spring and summer, the Philodendron Lynette benefits from regular feeding. A balanced liquid fertilizer applied monthly will support its growth. It is not necessary to fertilize during the fall and winter when its growth naturally slows.
Propagating Philodendron Lynette
Propagating a Philodendron Lynette is most successfully done through division, a process best undertaken during repotting to minimize stress. As a self-heading variety, its growth points are clustered at the base, which lends itself well to being separated into smaller plants. The process involves removing the entire plant from its pot and gently teasing apart the root ball.
Once the root system is exposed, identify distinct clumps that have their own root systems. Use a clean, sharp knife to separate these sections, ensuring each new division has a healthy portion of both leaves and roots. The newly divided plants can then be potted into their own containers with fresh potting mix.
Common Problems and Solutions
One of the most frequent issues with the Philodendron Lynette is yellowing leaves, which is an indicator of overwatering. If you notice leaves turning yellow, check the soil’s moisture and adjust your watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry more between waterings. Tipping out excess water from the saucer is also a good preventative measure.
Brown and crispy leaf edges typically point to a lack of humidity or underwatering. Increasing the ambient humidity by misting or using a humidifier can alleviate this. If the soil is consistently dry, a more regular watering schedule may be needed.
Pests such as spider mites and mealybugs can occasionally affect the plant. Wiping the leaves with a damp cloth can remove some pests, while an insecticidal soap or neem oil solution can be used for more persistent infestations. Regularly inspecting the leaves helps in catching problems early.