Philodendron Imperial Green leaves are ovate when young, elliptic when mature, dark green with green petioles and rose-pink to light yellow sheaths...
Philodendron Imperial Green is a cultivar in the genus Philodendron. This cultivar was created by Paul DeCoster.
DESCRIPTION OF PHILODENDRON IMPERIAL GREEN
Philodendron Imperial Green was discovered growing among several hundred random seedlings obtained in approximately September of 1977 from Bamboo Nursery, Opapka, Fla. Asexual reproduction by me of the new cultivar by tissue culture beginning in approximately 1982 in Melle, Belgium, and repeated asexual reproduction thereafter, has demonstrated that Imperial Green retains its distinctive characteristics through successive propagation.
It is an evergreen herb which reaching 60 cm long by 76-84 cm spread in 10 months with self-branching, free standing, open but compact growth habit and form and rosette type stem. The leaves are ovate when young, elliptic when mature, cuspidate, sagittate base, entire margin, alternate, 34-35 cm long by 21-22 cm wide, dark green. The leaves are held on the 25 cm long, green petioles with rose-pink on the exterior to a light yellow-buff on the inner surface petioles sheaths.
This plant blooms from the erect inflorescences that are formed by a leaf-like hood called a spathe within which is enclosed a tube-like structure called a spadix. On the spadix are found fertile female, fertile male, and sterile male flowers. The fertile male and female flowers are separated on the spadix by a sterile zone or staminodal region composed of sterile male flowers. All parts of plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, an irritant to the mouth and esophagus.
PHILODENDRON IMPERIAL GREEN 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 Imperial Green grows best in bright and indirect sunlight. Exposure to the sunlight can causes a yellowish color in the leaves or a sunburn spot. Too little light can result in leggy growth with lots of space in between the leaves. 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:
The plants grows well in normal to warm indoor temperatures 24-27 °C (75-80 °F). They cannot tolerate temperatures which drop below about 13 °C (55 °F). In mild, frost-free climates, the plant can be grown outside in shady spots. If grown outside, night temperatures down to around 15 °C and day temperatures around 30 °C are ideal.
Humidity:
A high-humidity environment should be maintained with a pebble tray or by grouping plants will encourage larger leaves. It requires some occasional misting if grown indoors, especially in air-conditioned environments. The leaf edges will turn brown if humidity is too low.
Substrate and growing media:
Philodendron Imperial Green 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:
Fertilizer:
Philodendron Imperial Green are considered heavy feeders. Regular feeding program with a nitrogen fertilizer will increase leaf size and produces a larger, healthier plant. Throughout the months while the plant is actively growing (from spring until fall) apply standard liquid fertiliser once every two weeks. It's a nice strategy to fertilize more frequently at half strength than to apply one strong dose. Plants which mainly grows in low-light conditions require less fertilization than actively-growing plants. Moist soil requires fertilizers to avoid injury to plant roots.
Pruning:
Use a sharp pruners or scissors to control the size and shape of the plant. Pruning your plants helps encourage new growth and keeps your plants from getting leggy. Snip off dead leaves to make way for new leaves. Keep your clippings-they can be used for propagation. 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.
Pests and diseases:
No serious insect or disease problems is however reported. Watch for aphids, spider mites, mealy bugs and scale. Leaf spots may occur. Root rot can occur in overly moist soils. Small leaves or long spaces between leaves show that the plant need enough light to grow.
Propagation:
Cutting and layering are popular methods of Philodendron Imperial Green 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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