An exquisite and extraordinary plant, the Philodendron Balaoanum is one of a kind.
Known for the peculiar shape of its leaves, it is a plant that you can add to any substantial collection of plants.
Philodendron Balaoanum is an epiphytic plant that lives on trees and sucks nutrients from them. Philodendrons have a natural affinity for trees.
These plants are widely accepted for their rare occurrence and are preserved at famous places to add to their aesthetic value.
Philodendron Balaoanum comes under the family Araceae and is one of the largest flowering plant genres.
They fall under the rather broad category of Philodendron plants, which come in many forms & varieties and are evergreen plants.
Table of Contents
Philodendron Balaoanum Plant Care
The Philodendron Balaoanum prefers partial shade and partial sun and balanced fertilizers once weekly. Water this plant in tiny portions. Repot only when its roots start growing bigger than the pot. Also, make sure you grow this Philodendron variety in temperatures ranging from 55-88 degrees Fahrenheit (13-31 degrees Celsius). Keep the humidity for your Baloanum above 70% for the best results.
Soil
You have to make a wise choice in selecting the right potting mix for your plant. Choose one with a high organic matter content.
Care should be taken to make sure it does not dry out quickly to the bottom.
However, if you can not find that particular potting mix for your plant, you can also enrich it by mixing the right ratio of ordinary soil in compost and rotten leaves.
It is best to have soil that is abundant in nutrients and contains fibers of sand or coconut.
The soil should have excellent permeability so that it’s easy for the water to reach the roots, and in doing so, prevent their rotting.
Moreover, it should also be kept in mind that the Philodendron can tolerate an acidic to a neutral pH; therefore, it is best to maintain a pH between 5 to 7.
Hence, learning how to pH up and down in soil is an essential skill or knowledge you should master.
Water
If you have a habit of watering your plant every day, then do it in tiny portions. If you water too much in one day, your plant’s leaves will become too soft and, therefore, start wilting.
Be mindful of the fact that watering your plant in the right amount is the most crucial thing when it comes to any particular plant including Philodendron Balaoanum.
Do not use freezing water as this may result in temperature shock for the plant. Using boiling water will show the same results.
So, if you’re still quite confused with the watering needs of your Philodendron Balaoanum, you can start reading about the best water for houseplants to have an idea about it.
As this plant is very delicate, it isn’t accustomed to extreme temperatures. Therefore, make sure that you use the water at an average normal temperature.
Pour water on all sides and with a slow stream. Do not water the plant from only one side as the roots are particularly delicate and may break due to the sudden water pressure.
Light
For Philodendrons, you need to provide partial shade and partial sun. To ensure the best growth of this unique plant, you can keep it indoors.
Keeping it outdoors may make it vulnerable to extreme sunlight, which will discolor the leaves in no time.
If you still wish to grow them outdoors due to space issues or any other reason, you should consider using a container so that sunlight can be controlled with the container’s lid.
If proper care is not ensured and direct sunlight is given for a long time, you may witness crisp brown leaves and wilt.
However, on the other side, if you don’t expose your plant to the right amount of light, you will witness stunted growth and discolored foliage.
Temperature
The best temperature to offer Philodendron is 55-88 degrees Fahrenheit (12-31 degrees Celsius). Since these plants are not frost-hardy, they’ll definitely live throughout the year.
However, keep in mind that this plant would begin to wilt at a temperature of below 55 Fahrenheit and start discoloring.
Therefore, it is best to bring them inside the house in the winters to ensure the right temperature for their survival.
Humidity
Keep the humidity for your Philodendron Balaoanum above 70%.
While this plant can survive in lower humidity levels, the impact of high humidity on Philodendrons is remarkable. To ensure high humidity for your plant, there are several options.
First, buy humidifiers as they are readily available at any supermarket and they give you a chance to control humidity levels in any way you like or need.
However, the second way to increase humidity for your Philodendrons is to use a pebble tray. You can quickly make one at home; all you will need is a tray, some pebbles, and water.
Keep this tray at the bottom of your plant, and then see how it works for you. As evaporation occurs, water will turn into vapors creating enough humidity for the plant.
Keep your plant away from heating vents to prevent rapid drying of the water.
Fertilizer
Using fertilizer regularly is essential for the proper growth of this plant, as it makes sure that your plant is healthy and free from insects.
You can use a 20-20-20 fertilizer available in liquid form and use it once a week. Make sure that you cover the soil with the fertilizer nicely.
Moreover, you can also spray it on the leaves. Due to their large size, fertilizer will help maintain strength, stand erect, and prevent drooping.
Repotting
It is advised to repot your plant only when it needs it. Repotting it frequently and unnecessarily is not suitable for the plant’s strength.
You can repot your plant in a large pot once the roots are big enough and overflowing from the current pot.
After gently grabbing the deep roots with the help of your hands, take them out and quickly settle them in the larger pot.
Ensure that all the roots are intact, and no root is left behind in shifting, as it will be of no use afterward.
Make sure that you do not fertilize the plant for two weeks after repotting so that the plant can gain strength in its new pot.
Do read about how to repot a plant so you’ll have a general idea where to start the process.
Propagation
The easiest method to propagate your Philodendron Balaoanum is by using stem cuttings. Plant your stem from the original plant in a plastic cup and cover it with plastic wrap.
Keep giving sufficient water and ensure proper sunlight so that the propagated plant can continue growing efficiently. This will also help the new plant to form deep roots for better strength.
The soil that you are using should also be enriched with organic matter.
Never expose your stem cutting directly to the bright light of the sun; it will wilt and fail to be rooted successfully.
Always make sure that the plant is under indirect sunlight, either protected by curtains or windows.
Since this plant has long and delicate leaves, you need to ensure they are not drooping.
Therefore, to ensure that the plant grows erect after it has been rooted, put a few wooden sticks in the cup and tie them using the growing stem of the plant so that your houseplant maintains its shape.
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Common Problems for Philodendron Balaoanum
Lack of Air Circulation
If you water your plant too often, there are high chances that your plant may go into an oxygen deficit.
A plant goes into an oxygen deficit when the texture of the soil is constantly wet, and there is no moment when the plant has sunlight to preserve its roots and prevent their rotting.
To prevent the lack of air circulation, make up a schedule for watering your plant every two days to provide sufficient air circulation.
Curling of the Leaves
This is one of the most common issues you will hear about Philodendron and one that usually happens when you fertilize your plant too often.
The excess of nutrients causes the tips of the leaves to curl and wilt, giving it an unpleasant appearance.
To tackle this issue, reduce the frequency of fertilizing and start misting the leaves more frequently.
Environmental Shock
Philodendron Balaoanum requires a consistent pattern when it comes to location, fertilizers, and sunlight exposure.
However, this problem is bound to happen when you relocate your plant to a different area or a new city.
Also known as temperature shock, this problem occurs when your plant cannot adjust to new humidity and temperature levels.
However, it is nothing alarming to worry about as the plant will slowly yet eventually find a way to adapt to its new surroundings, and soon after, its growth will initiate.
Rotten Roots
Another common issue found in Philodendron plants is the rotting of roots. Species that have stayed in waterlogged soil for a long time are commonly seen as the victim of rotten roots.
Their growth is highly stunted, and they start to develop yellow leaves instead of bright green. To solve this problem, you will need to take the plant out of its pot and check for wetness in the soil.
If you are not confident about your level of knowledge about plants, get an expert to do it for you.
Sunscald
As the name suggests, Sunscald refers to the impact that strong sunlight has on the leaves.
These extreme and almost intolerable rays of sunlight turn the leaves into brown and white leaves with crispy edges that are prone to falling off.
To tackle this issue, place the container in a place where the leaves can be exposed to an eastern or a northern side.
Frequently Asked Questions about Philodendron Balaoanum Plant Care
Are there any health hazards of this plant?
When consumed in any form, this plant tends to cause diarrhea, food poisoning and may even have fatal consequences on rare occasions. Therefore, they should always be kept at a distance from children and pets who may be likely to chew the leaves unintentionally.
Is my plant under-watered?
Your plant might be underwatered if the leaves break every easily and feel crispy in touch. Crisp leaves are a warning sign that your plant will soon start shedding off leaves. It is better to cut these leaves and maintain the nutrients of your plant so that it gains strength.
Why is my plant limping?
Excess water in the leaves and soil may result in the limping of your plant. If your plant’s soil is soft at all times and begins forming lumps, take this as an indication that your plant is retaining water. To handle this situation, regulate the amount of water content you give to your plant.
Where should I keep my Philodendron Balaoanum?
Your Philodendron will not survive in direct sunlight as it can make large holes in the leaves, making it lose its color. Moreover, putting your plant under the sun’s bright light can burn your leaves completely, giving the whole plant an unpleasant appearance.
Should I mist my Philodendron Balaoanum?
While your plant may survive under lower humidity levels, it is better to mist your plant daily or once every two days to encourage bright foliage and promote blooming.
Are Philodendrons healthy?
Philodendrons are one of the best air cleaners for your house. They cleanse the air and also trap dust particles. However, keep kids away from it as it is toxic when consumed.
Can I use coffee grounds on my plant?
If your Philodendron Balaoanum is facing stunted growth, using a solution of half coffee grains and half water can acts as an effective remedy to boost the growth and development of your plant.
How often should I water Philodendron Balaoanum?
Watering should only be done when the soil is dry to the touch. Watering twice every week should be enough; however, increasing the watering frequency during months of increased sunlight is advisable.
Read about Philodendron camposportoanum care next.
Conclusion
As this plant requires good care and maintenance, this may be difficult for some people to handle.
However, if you are passionate about planting and want to take it to the next level, it will be a worthwhile experience to observe and grow this plant.
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.