Houseplant collectors and plant enthusiasts take note!
We just received highly sought after philodendron, sansevieria, and alocasia. What makes this even more exciting is that although these plants are difficult to find, they are not difficult to grow.
One of the reasons philodendron are so popular is the variegated leaves. The variegation of each plant is a unique. There will be some variability from plant to plant and even from one leaf to another on the same plant. The possibilities are endless and anticipation grows as each new leaf unfurls. Leaf shape is also varied and attractive. Rich green leaves can be large, small, wavy, or almost skeletal. Plants can climb, cascade, and be trained.
Light
Locate by a window that gets bright, indirect light. Too little light can result in leggy growth with lots of space in between the leaves. But too much light can cause many of the leaves to turn yellow.
Soil
The soil must have good drainage. It’s recommended to replace some of your philodendron’s soil every couple of years or so. These plants are sensitive to salts that accumulate in the soil, which can cause leaf browning and yellowing. You can periodically flush out some of the salts by watering your container thoroughly until water comes out of its drainage holes. But eventually, the soil will need refreshing.
Watering
Water whenever the top inch of soil has dried out. Both overwatering and underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt, so gauge when it’s time to water by the soil dryness and not necessarily the leaves. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the active growing seasons, spring and summer. Reduce feeding to every six to eight weeks in the fall and winter. To increase humidity in the winter, set on a pebble tray of water.
Philodendron White Knight
Philodendron Tortum
Philodendron Pink Princess
Philodendron Mayoi
Alocasia Scalprum
Grow alocasia in a well-lit location, but not direct sunlight. To increase humidity for the plant mist the leaves with filtered water, place your plant on layer of pebbles with some water (be sure hat the pot is not sitting in water).
Use a well-draining soil. While Alocasia can be very thirsty, take care not to overwater them since this might cause their rhizomes to rot. Fertilize bi-weekly to monthly throughout the growing season.
Whale Fin Sansevieria require well-drained soil blended for succulent plants. Water when the soil is dry by completely drenching the soil, allowing it to drain freely from the bottom of the pot.
To keep your Whale Fin looking its best with a nice sheen and pronounced markings the right location is important. While sansevieria can tolerate shade, too much shade will slow down growth and the leaves lose their luster. An east or west window are best. A bit of direct sun is fine, be careful not to over do it.
Whale Fin is a slow-growing plant. Giving extra water or fertilizer will not make it grow faster. Fertilize only after you have had the plant a year. Fertilize once a month in the spring and summer using a succulent fertilizer diluted to 1/4 the recommended strength.
