Philodendron Lynamii Plant Care — Unicorn Guide

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Philodendron Lynamii is an unusual-looking extremely rare and slow-growing tropical beauty.

Its foliage is particularly attractive, consisting of green and pink leaves. As they mature, the leaves change colors from deep pink to dark green. 

The Philodendron Lynamii is from the Araceae family, subgroup Aroideae. It also grows in Peru and Tarapoto and is named after the plant collector Ralph Lynam. 

It is not cultivated in America naturally; however, several commercial varieties compatible with urban climate are now available.

Considering it is a rare species, many houseplant owners assume it will have special growing needs and are therefore discouraged from growing it. 

However, in fact, the case is just the opposite — it is a low-maintenance plant that grows just as well, even in less than the ideal conditions. 

If you are planning to grow a healthy Philodendron Lynamii, this care guide is your way to go.

 

 

Philodendron Lynamii Plant Care

The Philodendron Lynamii prefers bright, dappled sunlight and high-quality organic fertilizers with calcium and magnesium. Use a well-draining soil mix containing orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss as well as some potting soil in a ratio of 2-2-1-0.5. Keep temperatures between 60 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees to 25 degrees Celsius). Water when the soil’s top layer appears dry. Water every 3 to 4 days given that the soil is well-draining and almost dry. Keep humidity levels between 70% to 90% to mimic its natural environment for optimal growth.

 

Soil

The Philodendron Lynamii plant grows best when the soil is rich, organic, and drains fast. 

Many types of soils can be used for this plant; however, care must be taken to make sure that the soil drains well and does not hold excess water. 

For greater benefit, adding organic matter, such as peat moss, fish emulsion, bone meal, or pine bark do wonders. 

You are recommended to make a mixture of 1/2nd ground soil with 1/2nd of peat moss, and add some mulch to lock in that extra moisture. 

Keeping the soil slightly moist at all times; therefore, it is important to water the soil when it seems to be almost dry. 

Moreover, it’s crucial maintaining the soil’s pH of about 6 to 7 (slightly acidic to neutral). Do read how to pH up and down in soil to learn this very important skill.

The mild acidity helps the Philodendron Lynamii plant absorb nutrients efficiently and fight off numerous infectious diseases.

 

Water

Generally, Philodendron retain water quite well. Fortunately, the Philodendron Lynamii, although a special plant, also falls in this category. Therefore, watering it even after a good 3 to 4 days works. 

Ideally, you should water this Philodendron variety once or twice weekly. For the Philodendron Lynamii plants growing indoors, this watering frequency is suitable. 

However, if your Lynamii plant is planted outdoors, you may have to increase the frequency of watering to three times a week.

While the average recommended frequency of watering remains the same for all the Philodendron Lynamii plants, some may require more or less watering if they are grown in a dry or rainy environment, respectively. 

One thing to keep in mind is to only use chlorine-free, lukewarm water. 

If you directly use chlorinated tap water for your Philodendron Lynamii plant, the chances are that it will form yellow leaves or brown leaf edges.

 

Light

The Philodendron Lynamii plant thoroughly enjoys the sun. You are advised to keep it in bright, dappled sunlight for optimal growth and rotate it every few days, especially if it is growing indoors. 

East and south-facing windows offer just the right amount of light for such Philodendrons. 

You can also hang the Philodendron Lynamii plant on a balcony, place it just inside the balcony, or plant it under a covered patio. 

The goal is to put it in indirect sunlight so the plant can perform all its essential functions while staying fresh and hydrated. 

Alternatively, you may grow this beauty under artificial growing lights or change its location depending on the season. 

However, before opting for the former option, ensure that your Philodendron Lynamii plant is compatible with artificial lighting.

 

Temperature

The Philodendron Lynamii plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can easily grow in mildly cold as well as hot regions without causing trouble for its owner. 

However, if your area experiences temperature extremes, you are advised to change its location accordingly, switching between indoors and outdoors. 

The Philodendron Lynamii plant likes to be in temperatures ranging from 60 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (17 degrees to 25 degrees Celsius). 

It may tolerate night temperatures slightly below the mentioned range; however, keeping it in such an environment for extended periods results in stunted growth. 

 

Humidity

The Philodendron Lynamii plant prefers moderate to high humidity levels. The extra moisture helps the plant stay hydrated and withstand unfavorable conditions for a fairly long time. 

However, for optimum growth, it is important to place it in its preferred humidity levels. 

This Philodendron prefers humidity levels ranging from 70% to 90%. 

These high levels can be achieved either by placing the plant adjacent to other houseplants, misting its surroundings every other day, or installing a humidifier. 

All options work equally as well and result in good growth. 

You are advised to protect your Philodendron Lynamii from bacterial and fungal infections, as plants growing in such high humidity are quick to catch infections. 

Look out for signs of disease and ensure that you do not leave any open cuts during pruning and repotting. 

 

Fertilizer

The Philodendron Lynamii plant thoroughly enjoys fertilizers with high levels of Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potassium (NPK). 

Along with these macronutrients, micronutrients such as calcium, zinc, and magnesium, also improve the plant’s growth rate further.

When feeding your Philodendron Lynamii plant, look for a balanced, premium-quality fertilizer containing all the macro and micronutrients. 

Apply this feed every two months or follow the feeding instructions mentioned on the fertilizer packaging.

You may opt for a slow-release fertilizer or go for a liquid feed. Using the latter is much more preferable for the Philodendron Lynamii plant.

 

Repotting

Repotting the Philodendron Lynamii plant every six months or even yearly is not needed unless your plant catches a serious infection. 

Change the Lynamii plant’s pot after a good two years, which is the average time the plant takes to outgrow its pot. 

You can also repot the Philodendron Lynamii plant when its roots begin circling the plant or it starts leaking all the water it is given through the pot’s drainage holes at the bottom. 

Switch to a one-size larger pot, ensuring it has at least 2 to 3 drainage holes at the base.

Furthermore, do not forget to change the Philodendron Lynamii plant’s soil and refresh its ingredients to make sure that the plant grows normally and is able to adjust to its new pot. 

 

Pruning

Pruning this beauty is not necessary until you notice some yellow leaves or diseased vines or foliage. 

In such cases, getting rid of these leaves becomes essential, as otherwise, they bring down the plant’s overall look or may even become a reason for the plant getting infected. 

Remove all the yellow leaves that you see, making angled, sharp cuts. This will minimize the probability of disease and also promote new growth.

You are also recommended to prune if you want to limit your Philodendron Lynamii plant’s size. Trim all the branches which are growing erratically as well as leaves that are overly mature. 

You are advised to prune in during spring or late in winter for optimal results.

 

Propagation

One of the best ways to enrich your Philodendron collection is to propagate these beauties. 

Propagation allows you to understand the plant’s needs much better and is also easy on the pocket (as opposed to buying a new plant). 

You can grow Philodendron Lynamii plant using stem cuttings. You may take several cuttings from the same plant if the parent plant is healthy enough. 

Follow this guide to effectively propagate your Philodendron Lynamii plant:

• Disinfect all your gardening tools with rubbing alcohol before starting. 
• Now take the planting shears and carefully cut a stem off a healthy Philodendron Lynamii plant. Preferably, take a 4 to 6 inches long cutting.
• Do not remove the stem’s leaves. 
• To allow the cutting to form a callus, leave it overnight.
• The next morning, encourage root development by dipping the stem into rooting powder. 
• Prepare a container with a similar potting mix as the parent plant. It should ideally contain some mulch. 
• In the soil’s center, make a hole and plant the stem cutting into it. Put more soil around the plant’s base for support. 
• Water the cutting thoroughly and add some feed.
• Place the pot in bright, filtered sunlight. 

When you see new roots and shoots emerging, move the cutting into a proper pot and treat it as a mature Philodendron Lynamii plant.

 

Blooms

There is not sufficient information available regarding the Philodendron Lynamii plant’s blooms. Some growers say that it gives rise to inflorescences every May to July when provided with the ideal care.

The Philodendron Lynamii plant owes most of its popularity to its foliage and not its flowers.

 

Growth

The Philodendron Lynamii plant is most compatible with USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.  The plant reaches its maturity in 2 to 3 years. 

It attains a height of about 3 feet (36 inches) when growing outdoors when growing at a slow to moderate pacing. 

Indoors, it usually grows even taller, signifying that it is better suited for an indoor environment.

The Philodendron Lynamii plant’s leaves are about 23.6 inches (60 centimeters) and may grow even bigger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Common Problems for Philodendron Lynamii

 

Leaf Spotting

One of the most common diseases to affect the Philodendron Lynamii plant is leaf spotting.

Leaf spotting is caused by various bacteria and fungi that mostly attack when the plant is damp or placed next to infested plants. 

The pathogenic organisms feed on the plant’s leaves, forming yellow, brown, or black spots, and gradually stripping them off their moisture. 

Unless the plant is treated promptly, the fungi and bacteria can bring about significant damage. 

To save your plant, it is recommended to treat it with fungicidal and bactericidal sprays. Also, remember to isolate the plant quickly and inspect the nearby plants for any similar signs.

 

Root Rot

Another major problem affecting the Philodendron Lynamii plant is root rot. Root rot’s brought about by several fungi, including Xanthomonas. 

The plant starts to give off an unusual smell and develops black and mushy roots that are incapable of functioning normally. 

In severe cases, the roots fall off when touched or pulled slightly. The disease progresses quickly, leading to death or wilting.

To treat such a plant experiencing root rot, you should take it out of its pot and wash the roots thoroughly. 

Treat the plant with fungicidal and bactericidal sprays and place it in a sunny, airy spot till the roots dry out. It’s also crucial to change the plant’s pot.

 

Leaf Scorching

Leaf scorching can occur when the plant is placed in direct sunlight for long hours. When this happens, the Philodendron Lynamii plant’s leaves lose their color or become paler. 

They may also form brown, crispy patches on their surfaces and in extreme cases, the plant ceases to grow. 

Place your Philodendron Lynamii plant in bright, dappled sunlight only to prevent this problem. If some leaves are scorched already, getting rid of them is the only solution. 

 

Tips for Growing Philodendron Lynamii

• Place the plant in brightly lit spots with some covering.
• Water Philodendron Lynamii only when its soil’s top layer is dry. 
• Plant in airy, loose, and moist soils.
• In case of an infestation, isolate the plant immediately to prevent spread.
• Use liquid fertilizers during the growing seasons.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Philodendron Lynamii

 

When is the Philodendron Lynamii plant dormant?

The Philodendron Lynamii plant becomes dormant during the winter season when the days are shorter and the nights are colder. The plant rests and recharges itself during this time. It usually grows very slowly or not at all; therefore, feeding is not required during this time.

 

Is the Philodendron Lynamii plant drought-tolerant?

The Philodendron Lynamii plant has large, thick leaves that are good at absorbing and storing water. The plant can withstand drought remarkably well, using its stored water during this time.

 

Is the Philodendron Lynamii edible?

The Philodendron Lynamii plant is not edible as it is highly toxic, containing calcium oxalate crystals. It may cause serious mucous membrane reactions, such as mouth swelling and diarrhea. Hence, it’s vital to avoid kids and pets from reaching it.

 

Conclusion

The Philodendron Lynamii plant is a low-maintenance plant requiring little care. Considering its tough and resistant nature, it can be grown by beginner level as well as experienced houseplant owners. 

The plant needs bright, filtered sunlight, bi-monthly feeding, weekly watering, and moderate moisture to grow best. 

In order to prevent allergic reactions, it is recommended to keep this plant at a safe distance from children and pets.