Plant Care Philodendron mexicanum

Philodendron mexicanum

About Philodendron mexicanum

Philodendrons grow aerial roots that grip the bark of trees, allowing them to grow over 20 feet tall! Their leaves change shape as they climb and can grow larger than a dinner plate. Fossils show Philodendrons growing as far back as 30 million years ago when South America was still connected to Antarctica! ā„ļø

Taxonomy

Philodendron mexicanum
Philodendron
Araceae
Alismatales

How to care for Philodendron mexicanum

šŸ’¦ Water

How often to water your Philodendron mexicanum

Water needs for Philodendron mexicanum
0.5 cups
every 9

Philodendron mexicanum needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Philodendron mexicanum

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
ā˜€ļø Light

Finding light for Philodendron mexicanum in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Philodendron mexicanum: 6ft from a window
6ft or less from
a window

Philodendron mexicanum can tolerate being far from a window and light source.

Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive šŸ’Ŗ.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Philodendron mexicanum in your home šŸ”.

🪓 Nutrients

How to fertilize Philodendron mexicanum

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Philodendron mexicanum: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Philodendron mexicanum after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #Philodendron
šŸ’” FAQs
šŸ’¦ Water Needs

Philodendron mexicanum prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Philodendron mexicanum Water Frequency →

Philodendron mexicanum Root Rot →


ā˜€ļø Sunlight Needs

Philodendron mexicanum can tolerate being far from a window and light source. Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive šŸ’Ŗ. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home šŸ”.

Philodendron mexicanum Light Requirements →

Philodendron mexicanum Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


🐶 🐈 šŸ‘¶ Toxicity

Philodendron mexicanum is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.


šŸ’Ø Humidity

Philodendron mexicanum prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.

Philodendron mexicanum Humidity Needs →


🪓 Soil

Philodendron mexicanum does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Philodendron mexicanum →

Best Pots for Philodendron mexicanum →

When and How to Successfully Repot Philodendron mexicanum →

What Are Healthy Philodendron mexicanum Roots →


šŸ’© Fertilizer

Philodendron mexicanum should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Philodendron mexicanum →


ā„ļø Dormancy

Philodendron mexicanum does not have a typical pattern of dormancy. If you notice their growth slowing down substantially, double check that they are getting enough sunlight and water to thrive!


šŸŒŽ Native Region

Philodendron mexicanum is native to Central, South America, and the Caribbean.


šŸŒ¦ļø Growing Outdoors
🌱 Propagation

Philodendron mexicanum can be propagated by the stem method. To propagate:

  • Make a cut just above the node. The node is the break in the stem where the leaf emerges.
  • To get the cutting to root, you can either:
    • Place the cutting in water until roots emerge and are ~2ā€ long and then transplant into well-draining soil, or
    • Place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water when dry.

How to Propagate Philodendron mexicanum →


šŸ‚ Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Philodendron mexicanum, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Philodendron mexicanum

Philodendron mexicanum

Philodendron mexicanum


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 6ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4ā€ pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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