Today, we discuss the unique Philodendron Asplundii — a truly exquisite-looking plant that is not commonly seen in houseplant owners’ homes.
Although the plant has special needs and requirements to ensure its growth and bloom, it certainly pays off with its aesthetic value, especially when placed in decorative containers indoors.
The Philodendron Asplundii plant mostly grows along the Amazon basin, where the climate conditions fully meet all its needs.
It also grows in Peru, French Guiana, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil.
Tropical moist forests are this plant’s favorite environment, where it climbs over other plants. It is a perennial plant species with evergreen leaves.
This Asplundii is not one of your typical, common Philodendrons. It is mostly grown by those who specifically like this plant and know how to take care of it.
With its large green leaves and decent height, it quickly becomes one of your most favorite plants. To keep your Philodendron Asplundii healthy, follow this plant care guide.
Table of Contents
Philodendron Asplundii Plant Care
The Philodendron Asplundii prefers growing in environments with bright, dappled sunlight with humidity levels greater than 60% and temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range is 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21.1 to 26.6 degrees Celsius). Water it when its top layer runs slightly dry. Water about every 2 to 3 days depending on the conditions in your home. Feed with balanced fertilizers with high calcium and magnesium every 6 to 8 weeks.
Soil
The Philodendron Asplundii likes well-draining, moist soils that can hold just the right amount of water.
For improved growth and blooming, you can add organic material, such as perlite, peat moss, and even bark. The soil must be kept sufficiently hydrated throughout the plant’s life cycle.
When it comes to pH, the Philodendron Asplundii prefers slightly acidic soils, ranging from 5.0 to 6.0.
The mild acidity helps the plant fight off infections and enhance the process of nutrient uptake. Acidity also promotes blooming.
If kept in soggy soils, the Philodendron Asplundii begins to lose its characteristic color and may even wilt due to root rot or other serious infestations.
So, read up on how to treat root rot so you can help your Philodendron Asplundii recover.
Water
The Philodendron Asplundii should ideally be watered every 2 to 3 days. The consistent and regular watering keeps the plant hydrated even through hot summer days.
Another way to determine when to water the Philodendron Asplundii is to keep a close eye on its soil.
If you see the plant’s soil’s top two to three inches drying out, add water till the plant appears reasonably moist again. However, if the soil is on the wetter side, withhold watering till it dries out again.
Maintaining a balance between under-watering and overwatering the Philodendron Asplundii plant is necessary, as both extremes can have severe consequences.
However, it bears to note that an overwatered Philodendron is at a much greater risk of infections and diseases than a dry one.
On the other hand, excessive drying out leads to problems, including yellow leaves and decreased productivity.
Therefore, a regular watering schedule’s crucial for the healthy growth of Philodendron Asplundii.
Light
The Philodendron Asplundii plant enjoys bright, indirect sunlight levels. The sun’s rays provide the plant with energy to carry out its vital functions, such as photosynthesis and germination.
The light also helps eliminate excess water from the plant, helping it maintain its normal turgidity.
It is advised to place the Philodendron Asplundii plant in front of an east- or south-facing window. Such positions offer just the right amount of light, helping the plant flourish.
This beauty can also be placed in shaded patios or balconies. Furthermore, artificial growing lights are compatible with this plant.
During the winters, ensure that the Philodendron Asplundii receives the light it requires. If it is sunny, let the plant stay in a spot by a window.
However, if it is mostly rainy in your area, you may have to change the plant’s location or temporarily place it under artificial lights.
Similarly, it is important to protect your plant from harsh direct sun rays during the peak hours in the summers. Failing to protect your Philodendron Asplundii from the sun’s harsh rays leads to leaf-scorching, or worse, death.
Temperature
Another important factor, which is often overlooked while growing a Philodendron, is temperature.
The Philodendron Asplundii plants are quite sensitive to their surroundings; therefore, you may have a sick Asplundii on your hands if the surrounding temperature is not right.
Normally, typical household temperatures work fairly well for the Philodendron Asplundii plant.
For the healthiest growth, it is recommended to maintain a temperature range of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21.1 to 26.6 degrees Celsius) during the daytime.
Keep the temperature over 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12.7 degrees Celsius) at night.
In the summers, when temperatures exceed 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), it is a good option to move this wonderful plant indoors to prevent its overheating.
In contrast, in regions where the winters are mild and pleasant, letting the Philodendron Asplundii plant grow outdoors in the fresh air is a better choice.
Humidity
Humidity plays a significant role with respect to any plant’s growth. The Philodendron Asplundii plant is no exception.
The humidity levels significantly affect the plant’s ability to function and reproduce as moisture can either keep the plant adequately hydrated or increase its susceptibility to infections when in excess.
Whether you are growing your Philodendron Asplundii plant indoors or outdoors, place it in moisture levels around 60% to 70%.
This range is often too high for average households; therefore, you may have to put in extra effort to provide this level.
One way to keep the Philodendron Asplundii plant in humidity levels above 60% is to group all your houseplants in one room.
The other option is to mist the plant and its surroundings occasionally; however, if the extra vapor clings to the plant for an extended period, it may lead to problems.
Therefore, once you have misted the plant, wipe off the extra moisture after a while.
Alternatively, you can purchase a humidifier for your Philodendron Asplundii plant to maintain desired humidity in the air at all times.
Fertilizer
The Philodendron Asplundii plant is not a heavy feeder. Adding fertilizer once every 6 to 8 weeks keeps the plant adequately fed.
However, adding the right type of feed at the right time with the ideal ingredients is necessary for optimum growth.
Feed the Philodendron Asplundii plant with a premium-quality, balanced NPK (nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium) fertilizer.
You may use the liquid feed, which disintegrates relatively quicker but has more beneficial results. Or you can opt for the slow-release type, which feeds the plant for longer but is not as effective a choice as the former.
If feeding your Philodendron Asplundii plant every 6 to 8 weeks yields good results, you are advised to maintain this fertilizing frequency.
However, if you are unsure, it is better to follow the feeding guide provided on the fertilizer packaging.
Repotting
There is no set time for repotting the Philodendron Asplundii plant. However, some indications may help you determine when to repot this particular species.
The foremost indication is the circling of the plant’s roots around its pot. Other signs include retarded growth and direct outflow of added water out of the pot.
To repot the Philodendron Asplundii plant, pick a pot 1 inch larger than its current pot. Use a fungicide and bactericidal spray on the pot and let it dry.
Once the pot is ready, take out your Philodendron Asplundii from its previous container, making sure not to damage the roots.
Put the plant in the new pot and add some organic matter along with ample water.
Place the plant in its desired spot again and observe closely for the first few days to make sure you have repotted the plant correctly.
Pruning
One of the commonest ways to make your Philodendron Asplundii plant look fresh and symmetrical is to prune it from time to time.
Along with improving the plant’s aesthetic value, pruning also helps get rid of infectious pathogens before they have a chance to spread further and cause disease.
To prune the Philodendron Asplundii, start with the vines that seem unruly or erratic. Next, cut off foliage that appears diseased or is overly mature.
Once the plant seems more organized and regular, mist it with some fungicidal spray.
Please remember not to make any loose cuts or expose the plant’s internal structures to the open air. Such plants often catch bacterial infections, which spread pretty fast due to internal access.
Propagation
Philodendrons are ideal plants to grow in your garden, considering their visually pleasing appearance and fairly easy management.
To propagate a Philodendron Asplundii, pick a healthy and mature Asplundii and make sure you have access to a suitable potting mix, a garden knife, water, fungicidal spray, and a small pot.
- Start by cutting off a healthy-looking Philodendron Asplundii stem, preferably one that is 3 to 6 inches long. Make the cut just above another leaf.
- Spray some fungicide on the cut stem and let it dry.
- Prepare a potting mix using some ground soil, peat moss, and bark. Add this soil mix in a small container while ensuring it has at least three drainage holes.
- Fix the stem right in the center of the potting mix. Add some more soil around the stem to help it stand upright.
- Add some water and fertilizer at the end.
- Place the plant in a shady area till it begins to grow roots and foliage.
Give the Philodendron Asplundii plant a few weeks’ time to mature.
Blooms
The Philodendron Asplundii plant gives rise to inflorescences in the spring or early summer seasons.
There are eight inflorescences per axil, with peduncles 3.1 to 6.1 inches (8 to 15.5 centimeters) long and 0.37 to 0.39 inches (0.7 to 1 centimeter) wide.
They may be flattened to terete and green in color with paler streaks. The blooms are white at the base or tinged red.
Some types also produce spathes that are 3.1 to 5.7 inches (8 to 14.5 centimeters) long.
Growth
The Philodendrons have moderate to fast growth rates. They grow actively in the summer and spring seasons and bloom in late spring or early summer.
The Philodendron Asplundii actively grows in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. Some commercial artificial types may also adapt to other zones.
The Philodendron Asplundii plant is a perennial with leaves that are green all year round. With a climbing habit, the plant grows 3 meters (118 inches) above the ground.
The stems are mostly 1 meter (39 inches) long with short internodes, measuring only 1.5 to 3.1 inches (4 to 8 centimeters) in height and 1.1 to 2 inches (3 to 5 centimeters) in diameter.
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Common Problems for Philodendron Asplundii
Leaf Scorching
While the Philodendron Asplundii enjoys the sun, an excessive amount of sunlight leads to leaf scorching.
The plant shows various symptoms, including pale-yellow foliage, stunted growth, and crispy brown patches.
The plant gradually starts losing water, and new growth ceases. If left in such conditions for long, the plant eventually dies.
Place the Philodendron Asplundii plant in sunlight that’s bright and dappled. Always make sure that it only receives indirect sunlight. To ensure this, you can change its position from time to time.
Root Rot
Another common problem with Philodendron Asplundii is root rotting.
This disease results from environmental conditions such as insufficient light, excessive watering, and continuous exposure to high humidity.
The plant initially is asymptomatic; however, as the disease progresses, the plant’s appearance is adversely affected.
The vines’ growth becomes erratic, the foliage loses color, and mold develops within the soil, inviting more disease-causing bacteria and fungi. With time, reviving the plant becomes next to impossible.
To treat root rot, eliminate the diseased foliage. Wash the plant’s roots and repot into a new, clean container. Additionally, spray the plant with a fungicide thoroughly.
Spider Mites
A frequent attacker of the Philodendron Asplundii is spider mites. These are bugs that, although look small, are capable of serious damage.
They appear as dust particles on the plant, but as their number increases, they become more apparent.
To treat an infested plant, apply neem oil on it or wash down all the bugs. Also, isolate the plant till it recovers fully.
Tips for Growing Philodendron Asplundii
- Place in partially shaded areas.
- Water when the soil’s top layer appears dry.
- Add fertilizers with a balanced NPK ratio.
- Plant in containers with at least three drainage holes.
- Add organic material to the soil for greater fertility.
Frequently Asked Questions about Philodendron Asplundii Plant Care
Which fertilizers are best for Philodendron Asplundii?
The fertilizers with a balanced NPK ratio containing ample calcium and magnesium are ideal for the Philodendron Asplundii plant.
How to tell a Philodendron and Pothos apart?
Philodendrons and Pothos plants are often confused. To tell them apart, remember that the Pothos plants have grooved leaves, while the Philodendrons do not.
Is Philodendron Asplundii edible?
Philodendron Asplundii contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are highly toxic and may cause adverse reactions, such as reddish bumps, swelled and inflamed tongue, and skin irritation.
Conclusion
The Philodendron Asplundii is a special plant with a fairly manageable set of needs. It requires partial sunlight with bi-weekly watering and monthly feeding.
It has a moderate to fast growth rate; therefore, it should be grown in decently sized areas.
The plant, however, is toxic, and for this reason, it is important to keep it at a safe distance from animals and kids.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.