Varieties
Philodendron Micans / ‘Congo Rojo’ / ‘Selloum Hope’
Origin
Native to South America and, in the case of micans, Mexico and the Caribbean
Air purifying
Toxic to people/pets
General Care
Light
Bright filtered. Avoid direct sun, except during winter. Tolerates low to medium light; these conditions produce leggy growth.
Temperature
18-24°C. Keep above 12°C. Protect from hot and cold drafts.
Humidity
Average.
Water
Every 1-2 weeks. Water moderately (spring- fall) and allow moist potting mix to dry within top 1-2”. Water more sparingly (winter) and allow mix to dry fully. Sensitive to overwatering, and susceptible to root rot. Always check moisture level before watering. Aerate mix to improve its condition.
Fertilizer
Every 2 weeks (spring-fall or when actively growing). Use organic houseplant fertilizer, according to packaging instructions.
Maintenance
Every 1-2 weeks, rotate plant to ensure even growth. Every 1-2 months, give your plant a tepid shower: gently spray leaf tops/undersides to free them of dust, and soak mix to leach accumulated salts. Remove spent leaves. Trim unsightly or unruly vines with sterile shears. Guide/support the growth of this climbing plant with ties and moss or bark-covered stakes or trellises. Train aerial roots onto these supports, back into the soil or trim them.
Potting and Repotting
Mix of 1 part soil-based to 1 part peat-moss. For small plants: every 1-2 years (spring) move plant into a planter 1-2” larger (diameter and depth). For large plants: every 1-2 years (spring) move plant into a planter 1-2” larger (diameter and depth); or, divide and repot in the same planter, using new potting mix, after cleaning planter and partially trimming back roots and foliage. Top dress annually, once maximum convenient planter size reached.
Special Points/Common Problems:
- A combination of yellow and brown leaves and/or black stems may suggest overwatering, while fully yellow leaves, along with brown crispy leaf edges or spots, may suggest underwatering.
- Curling leaves on an otherwise healthy plant may suggest underwatering or that it is pot-bound.