Philodendron Plowmanii Care Guide

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The beautiful and elegant looking Philodendron Plowmanii isn’t has commonly found in Philodendron collections as others but it is surprisingly easy to care for. Find out how to care for your Philodendron Plowmanii with this care guide.

The Plowmanii is known for its elegant leaves that almost look like a watercolor painting. They capture the eye of Philodendron lovers and collectors easily and wind up on the must have plant list just as fast.

Quick Overview Of How to Care For a Philodendron Plowmanii

  1. Water the plant once the soil is dry.
  2. Bright indirect light.
  3. Use a well-draining soil that has bark, an aroid mixture is best.
  4. The container that you have the plant in should allow for drainage.
  5. 60°F to 85°F, do not allow temperatures to drop below 55°F.
  6. Humidity between 40% and 60%.
  7. Fertilize once a month in spring and summer.
  8. Is toxic to pets.

Origin

Thomas Croat named the Philodendron Plowmanii after Timothy Plowman. It is originally from Ecuador and Peru, where it grows along the tropical forest floor.

One of the earliest specimens recorded with a date was one taken by Ellsworth Killip and Albert Smith in 1929 from Peru. But prior to this tribes in Peru used the plant for medicinal purposes.

Scientific Name: Philodendron Plowmanii Croat

Philodendron Plowmanii Care Guide

Watering

Water your Plowmanii once the soil medium has dried out. Use your finger to test the soil moisture by sticking it into the soil up to your first or second knuckle.

If you use leca instead of a soil mix, then keep water in the outer pot for the leca to pull up.

Avoid overwatering your plant and keeping it in wet soggy soil. This can cause

Light Requirements

Plowmanii, like most Philodendrons, do best with bright indirect light.

They can tolerate a few hours of sunlight directly. But the morning sun is best. Avoid allowing your plant to sit in the harsh afternoon sun.

Soil

An aroid type soil mix is best for the Plowmanii. You can make your own using the following:

  • 30% potting soil
  • 20% peat or coco coir
  • 30% bark
  • 10% perlite
  • 10% worm castings

When using coco coir, rinse it out well by flushing it with water before adding it to the mix. Chemical residue can remain on the coir from the production process.

Temperature

Ideal temperatures should range between 60°F and 85°F. Do not allow the temperature to drop below 55°F. Temperatures lower than this can start to have detrimental effects on the plant.

Humidity

Humidity between 40% and 60% will be ok. Since this is a tropical plant it can also do well over 60%. But it is not as picky about humidity as some other Philodendrons.

If your humidity levels stay low, you can use a small humidifier to help increase the humidity in the area around your plants.

Fertilizer

Use an organic liquid fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer. Espoma Organic Indoor Plant Food or a Fish Emulsion Fertilizer have worked best for our houseplants.

Growth

Does Philodendron Plowmanii Climb or Crawl?

The Philodendron Plowmanii is a crawler (also called a creeper), not a climber. Therefore things such as moss poles or bamboo sticks are not needed for this plant.

Height and Width

The Plowmanii can grow up to 4 feet high, which is the height that a leaf will become if fully matured. But the length of the plant can go well beyond this since it will crawl.

Does the philodendron Plowmanii Grow Fast?

No, the Plowmanii does not grow fast, it is a slow growing Philodendron.

Can the Philodendron Plowmanii Grow Outside?

If you live in an area where the temperatures don’t drop below 55°F and has moderate humidity then you could let your Plowmanii grow outside. However if the temperatures drop below 55°F you would need to bring it inside when this happens.

Container and Repotting

The pot that you use for your Plowmanii should have good drainage. The plant cannot sit in wet soggy soil.

Terracotta is also an option that some collectors like to use for this plant since it will help keep excess moisture out of the soil. If you use leca instead of a soil medium, then terracotta pots would not be a good option.

Repot your Plowmanii as the roots start to outgrow its current pot. This usually will be once a year. Probably in the spring as it starts to get into its growing season.

Toxicity

All Philodendron plants are toxic to both cats and dogs. They can cause GI upset and swelling in the mouth. If you pet ingests any of your plant, contact your vet.

Common Problems and Pests

Spider Mites

Spider mites are usually the most common problems that people have with Plowmanii. It is often recommended to use Neem Oil every 3 or 4 months just as a precaution to help avoid any infestation on your plant.

Bacterial Leaf Spot

Bacterial leaf spot shows up at first as small dark spots with yellow halos, or small brown spots that become almost transparent. These are very small when they first appear, less than 1/4 inch.

A copper fungicide on the plant leaves can help with avoiding the spread but you will want to remove any damaged leaves. Keep air circulation good around the plant and avoid misting the plant.

Where to Find a Philodendron Plowmanii For Sale and Price Range

The most common place to find the Plowmanii right now is through online growers. Etsy is usually the most popular place at this time. Sometimes you can also find some selling them on Reddit too. Make sure to check the rating and reviews of any online plant sellers before purchasing a plant.

How Much Does a Plowmanii Cost?

The Philodendron Plowmanii cuttings usually cost between $75 and $150 on Etsy depending on the seller. This price can fluctuate as supply and demand change.

Other Care Guides:

References:

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