Philodendron subhastatum is native to Colombia and Ecuador. It is found in wet to pluvial forests ranges along the Pacific slope and adjacent lowlands
Philodendron subhastatum also called as Silver Sword Philodendron, Philodendron elongatum, Philodendron hastifolium, Philodendron disparile, is a species of the genus Philodendron. This species was described by Kurt Krause in 1913. Specific epithet comes from the Latin ’sub’ meaning under, below and 'hasta' meaning spear-shaped.
IDENTIFY PHILDENDRON SUBHASTATUM - SILVER SWORD PHILODENDRON
Philodendron subhastatum is native to Colombia and Ecuador. It is found in wet to pluvial forests ranges along the Pacific slope and adjacent lowlands of Colombia and Ecuador to the Provincias of Guayas and Chimborazo. It is also found in southeastern Brazil in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais as well as the state of Rio de Janeiro. This portion of Brazil has been devastated by the clear cutting of rain forest for farming, logging and human habitation.
It is a hemi-epiphyte aroid which can reaching 3 feet in height. This plant has a climbing habit, leaves are 2 feet in length and 4 to 6 inches wide, erect-spreading, slightly ribbed with dark green upper sides and red undersides. It is characterized by its beautiful red colored at the backside leaves. As the leaf ages, this will turn increasingly red.
Silver Sword Philodendron can blooms anytime in the year from 1-2 inflorescences per axil with dark pinkish to reddish outside, whitish inside spathe. The plants contains calcium oxalate crystals. This is a very toxic substance for humans and animals and, if ingested, can cause mild to severe physical symptoms ranging from a stomach ache to swollen mouth and tongue and even being unable to breathe. Even handling these plants can give you skin irritation and allergies. Hence, keep them away from your plants and children. If accidentally ingested, seek immediate medical attention.
PHILDENDRON SUBHASTATUM - SILVER SWORD PHILODENDRON CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Philodendron subhastatum grows best in bright and indirect sunlight. Exposure to the sunlight can causes a yellowish color in the leaves or a sunburn spot. Artificial light gives best results if natural light is not present.
Rotate your plant periodically to ensure even growth on all sides and dust the leaves often so the plant can photosynthesize efficiently. When dusting the leaves, also take the opportunity to inspect the undersides and keep an eye out for pests.
Temperature:
Silver Sword Philodendron grows well in normal to warm indoor temperatures 24-27ºC (75-80ºF). They cannot tolerate temperatures which drop below about 13ºC (55ºF).
Substrate and growing media:
Philodendron subhastatum grows best in loose, well-drained soil which is rich high in organic matter. It also be grow in 100% sphagnum peat moss and mixtures such as peat-vermiculite or peat-perlite.
The plants benefit from repotting to a larger container when they become root bound and outgrow the original pot. A combination of half soil-based potting mixture and half leaf mould or coarse peat moss is used.
Move the plant into container one size larger only when their roots have completely filed the current one. This is done at any time of year except during the short rest period. After the long rest period the convenient pot size has been reach (probably about 25-30cm (10-12 inch)), an annual spring top-dressing with fresh potting mixture will help to keep the plat healthy. A container with drainage holes to prevent root rot is used. A cachepot is used if a decorative container is without drainage. It is necessary to cover the bottom of a cachepot with pebbles so as to keep the plant above the drainage water.
Watering:
The vital factors in keeping Philodendron subhastatum growing evenly with large, uniform leaves is plentiful of water. Keep the potting mix consistently moist, but not wet. Make sure all excess water drains, since sitting in water or overwatering can cause root injury, which will cause leaves to turn yellow and drop. A high-humidity environment should be maintained with a pebble tray or by grouping plants will encourage larger leaves.
Fertilizer:
Pruning:
Use a sharp pruners or scissors to control the size and shape of the plant. You can remove entire leaves by cutting them off at the base of the leaf stem. You can also remove the lower leaves if you want to reveal the plant's stem. Always wear gloves when pruning and wash your hands and tools when finished. You don't want to get the sap in your eyes or mouth.
Propagation:
Cutting and layering are popular methods of Philodendron species propagation. Try propagating them during the growing season. A small brown nubs are formed where the leaves meet the stem. These nubs, when in contact with soil or water, will grow roots. There are many ways to propagate this plant, the easiest being to cut a branch just below a root-nub and place it in water with a few pieces of horticultural charcoal to reduce the likelihood of rot. As soon the growth of new leaf takes place it is potted in the rich soil. Similarly it can also be propagated within its own pot by pinning vines at the root-nub to the soil with hairpins or bent wire. The root nub in contact with the soil will sprout new roots in a very short time. When the different parts of Philodendron species are rooted, the plant will greatly profited from misting several times a day.
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