Caring For Your Anthurium Veitchii

Anthurium veitchii is also known as king Anthurium and belongs to the monstera genus. This tropical plant was first introduced to Europe by plant enthusiast John Veitch. He was the owner of many nurseries, and this plant was named after his name. It is essential to note this plant is different from queen anthurium and has a different morphology and care requirements. This plant is native to the Columbian rainforests of South America. It grows as an epiphyte plant on the other trees and obtains nutrients from the host plants. Its leaves can attain a maximum length of about 6.6 feet and are highly corrugated, like beautiful abdominal abs. Anthurium veitchii is an aroid plant, so it develops spadix and spathe.

It is a large epiphyte plant and produces mildly light green and corrugated leaves. Its leaves can grow 15-20 cm in width and 1.2-2 m in length. The colour of the spathe is light and dull green, while its spadix is white. This plant is vital for ornamental purposes and can be used for hanging baskets, container planting, and interior landscaping. It is a perennial evergreen plant, and its leaves remain functional throughout the year. The enormous leaves grow in a drooping fashion and are arrow-shaped or oval-shaped. It has herbaceous and long stems bearing leaves.

Zone 

This plant grows well in the USDA zone between 10-11. Growers living in this zone can quickly grow this plant outdoor. The majority of the growers and researchers have reported that it grows well in potted indoor conditions. Management of indoor conditions is significantly easy than the outdoor climate. So, growers can easily protect the indoor growing plant by providing the right conditions.

Soil 

This plant has an epiphyte growing nature and its roots can easily grow well without soil. It also obtains nutrients from debris, rain, and wind. The houseplants are not capable of getting nutrients from the outer environment. So, growers must use nutrient-rich, good-quality, and fertile grow media to get the best growth and development. These plants grow well in well-drained and airy soil conditions. The use of clay soil is not a good choice as it has less nutrient provision capacity, water holding capacity, and aeration.

The use of loamy and well-structured soils allows air pockets formation, and good circulation is also helpful to minimize the disease development chances such as root rot. Growers can easily make the well-aerated soil mix at home by using volcanic rock, activated charcoal, sphagnum moss, coconut coir, peat moss, orchid bark, perlite, and compost. The use of activated charcoal, volcanic rocks, orchid bark, and perlite is essentially helpful to improve soil drainage and aeration.

It is also possible to take the soil from different areas and mix it properly for making the ideal growing media. Soil testing before direct use is a great way to get an idea about contaminants and nutrients. Different soil testing kits are available in the markets, online stores, and gardening centres. Growers can also benefit from local soil and water testing laboratories and agriculture extension workers. Moreover, optimizing fertilizer application according to soil fertility and plant needs is greatly important to get good results. Both overfertilization and under fertilization exerts adverse effects on growing plants.

Light Requirements 

This plant grows well in the presence of filtered bright light. Growing this plant near the trees is also an ideal choice because it helps plants get fileted sunlight through leaves and treetops. Direct exposure to sunlight is not a good approach as it causes sunburn. Placing the plants near windows is also an excellent way to get bright indirect sunlight.

Watering 

The watering requirements of this plant are not much high as it goes well with only one watering a week. However, the watering schedule is dependent on the growing environmental conditions, type of growing media, and plant variety. The plants growing in humid climatic conditions have low watering requirements. While the anthurium plants growing in the hot summer conditions needs more watering intensity and frequency. Growers can also check the watering needs by inserting the fingers in the soil.

Temperature 

Anthurium veitchii grows well in cooler climatic conditions. Temperature between 15-26 °C is an ideal choice for best growth. The fluctuation from this range causes stress, and plants’ growth is negatively affected. This plant cannot tolerate external pressure as it has soft leaves. Growers must ensure no contact between this plant and heavier objects to avoid foliage damage.

Humidity 

This plant is native to the forests and grows well in higher humidity levels. Ideally, growers must maintain humidity levels above 60%. Provision of sufficient airflow and humidity is also essential to avoid bacterial infections and disease development. There are many possible ways to increase humidity around the growing plants, and some of the best methods in this aspect are as follows.

Pebble trays: Placing the water-filled trays below the pots is an excellent way to improve humidity around growing plants. Growers must add water regularly to this tray to get good moisture.

Keeping plants together: Putting the plants in closer vicinity is also the best way to improve humidity. Growers must have a good eye on the growing plants as closely placed plants have more chances of infection and diseases.

Humidifiers: Humidifiers are the best approach as they offer targeted and oriented control. Different types of humidifiers are available in the market and gardening stores, and gardeners can easily select any according to the style and size of growing plants and environmental conditions. Some humidifiers are provided with sensors, and they stop working when the humidity is about 80%.

Using enclosed plastic containers: Maintaining proper humidity according to plant requirements is not a much-complicated task. Covering the plants with plastic containers is significantly helpful to maintain constant humidity for extended periods. It may look unaesthetic, and the availability of the right cover according to plant size may also be a problem. It also needs frequent water spraying. At the same time, the entire opening and closing of the lid may also be tricky for some growers.

Terrarium: Bioactive vivariums or terrariums are ideally helpful to improve humidity for tropical plants. These are available in different sizes and can also add beauty to the growing spaces. It allows the creation of proper forest-like climatic conditions and thus provides ideal humidity to the growing plants.

Fertilization 

These plants require a minute number of fertilizers because these are epiphytes. Usually, these plants quickly get nutrients from other trees, debris, wind, and air, but indoor growing plants are dependent on fertilization. So, growers must add fertilizers according to the needs of plants, growing stage, and soil type. The use of organic fertilizers is more recommended as it causes significant improvement in soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties. Water-soluble fertilizers and foliar spraying is also excellent choice to get ideal results. Application of NPK fertilizer in the ratio of 9:3:6 helps to assure good growth and development.

Growing Anthurium Veitchii by Propagation 

The propagation requirements of this plant are much similar to other aroid plants. The easiest way for propagating this plant is by using stem cuttings. Propagation from the seeds is complex because of the less availability of vigorous seeds.

• Select healthy growing and disease-free stems.
• Take the cuttings having at least 1-2 nodes.
• Air layering is also good to take the best newer growth and development. Identification of air roots with the leaves is better than induced air layering.
• Stem division is also a better way of propagation. This method is only suitable for plants having a cluster of healthy growing stems.
• Take cuttings by using good-quality knives, scissors, or pruning shears.
• Rub the alcohol on blades for disinfecting and place it on the flame. This flame treatment for a few seconds is crucial to kill pathogens and infection-causing organisms.
• Insert the cuttings in the cinnamon powder. It helps with healing and wound protection.
• Place the cuttings in the rooting hormone to boost the rooting development.
• Put the well-treated cutting in the growing media or sphagnum moss. Water it properly for rooting development.
• Root growth will be evident after 3-4 weeks.
• Allow the development of roots to a few inches before placing them in the final growing medium.

Propagation by Division

• Growers can quickly propagate this plant by division at the repotting time.
• Gently take a healthy growing root ball from the container.
• Removing a plant from one place and inserting it in another place cause significant shock and stress. So must perform the practices with great care to avoid significant problems.
• Growers can easily remove the ball with their hands. Using sharp but disinfected objects is also the best approach to take root ball.
• Plant the separated segment in a different pot and fill it with good quality and contaminant-free soil.
• The division offers faster results than stem-based propagation due to root ball formation on the fully matured plant.

Potting and Repotting 

Anthurium veitchii grows slowly and rarely outgrows the containers in three years. It needs repotting for growth acceleration and development. It is also possible to let the plant stay in its current pot, negatively affecting its growth. This plant can grow bigger provided by enough space and the right growing conditions. The emergence of roots from the drainage holes indicates repotting requirements. Deep pots are a favourable approach to help the plants set their foundation. However, it is a must to insert more drainage holes to support efficient drainage. The use of pots made from clay and terra cotta material is also an excellent approach to better drainage.

Remove the plant from the present container and remove extra dirt. Cut all the improperly growing roots and remove the older, dying, and diseased parts. Untangle the growing roots and do a detailed analysis for the presence of mushy and black ends. Place the plant in a new container and fill it with good quality soil and potting mix. Stabilize the plant in upright conditions. Don’t allow the contact of leaves with the soil and growing media. Thoroughly water the soil and add organic fertilizers to support soil biodiversity and fertility.

Pruning 

These plants have slow-growing nature, and thus, there is no requirement for regular pruning. Growers must regularly inspect the health of growing plants. Removal of dead foliage and diseased parts is critically important to avoid further damage. Trimming the drooping stems gives good shape to the plant and enhances the beauty of growing spaces. Pruning is also helpful to minimize the energy losses of plants for dead and diseased leaves. Removal of infected and dying plants helps the plants to use energy for new leaves and blooms.

Direct skin contact with this plant can cause itching and some irritations. So, the use of gloves is greatly recommended to avoid discomfort. Must clean and sanitize the pruning tools with alcohol or other sanitizers. This practice helps to eliminate the chances of bacterial and fungal infections. The cuts on plants also cause wound formation and provide a significant pathway for bacterial and fungal infections.

Anthurium Veitchii Grow Tips and Guide 

• Use good quality soil and grow media to ensure better growth.
• Maintain humidity levels between 60-80%.
• Avoid sudden drops and rises in the growing temperature.
• Maintain a neat and clean microclimate.
• Use organic fertilizers than synthetic chemicals.
• Introduce beneficial insects to the growing plants and gardens.
• Use a mixture of organic and inorganic grow media to get good results.
• Fertilize plants properly according to the soil fertility level and plant requirements.
• Ensure proper air circulation in the growing conditions.

Similar Plants and Varieties of Anthurium Veitchii 

• Anthurium Clarinervium 

This plant produces heart-shaped and velvety leaves with perky looks. This plant is not readily available and is difficult to find in all the states of the USA.

• Anthurium superbum 

This plant grows in a rosette shape dense pattern and produces rounded and ruffled leaves in the vertical direction.

• Anthurium Ace of Spades 

It is also a hybrid plant and produces dark purple, velvety green leaves. The colour of leaves may look like black due to darker shades.

• Anthurium Magnificum x Crystallinum 

It is also a hybrid plant and produces bright white and velvety leaves with venation. Its new leaves are bright red, and their colour is changed to bright white with maturity.

Common Problems and How to Treat

Damaged Leaves 

Leaf damage is a most common problem with the growing anthurium veitchii. Mainly this problem is caused due to contact of this plant with the other objects. Growers can easily observe this damage by the presence of deformations and cracks. Sometimes humidity also causes leaf damage, so growers must maintain optimally humid conditions. Less and high humidity hinders the usual emergence of leaves from the cataphyll. This process is similar to that of dry birth. Higher humidity acts as a lubricant and helps the proper emergence and growth of newer leaves.

Growers can easily avoid the problem by preventing plants’ contact with other objects and maintaining proper humid conditions. Too windy conditions and air movement also cause tears and perforation in the leaves. So, keep the plants in protected places to avoid any problems. Also, keep the plant away from heaters, ventilators, fans, and air conditioners.

Bacterial Blight 

It causes water-soaked lesions and leaf yellowing on the margins that grow rapidly and make V-shaped lesions. It is caused by the bacterial entrance to the hydathodes pores, specifically along the margins of leaves. Bacteria can also enter the leaf tissues through the wounds caused by pruning, flower harvesting, and insect pest attack.

Growers can easily avoid this problem by adopting the following management measures.

• Reducing indoor temperature and humidity by enhancing ventilation and air circulation.
• Avoiding soil saturation.
• Using tissue cultured and clean plantlets.
• Reducing wounding probability and effective treatment of wounds.
• Regular and oriented use of disinfectants and sterilization practices.
• Immediate discarding the heavily infected plants.

Bacterial Wilt

The first symptom of bacterial wilt is chlorosis or leaf yellowing. It rapidly spreads in the whole vascular system of the plants and causes browning and bronzing of stems and leaves. Bacterial ooze or brown slime is also evident if cuts are made in the highly infected plant parts. Good sanitation practices are essentially helpful to reduce the chances of bacterial wilt. Phosphorus acid-containing fungicides are also effective for the treatment of infected plants. Bacterial wilt easily spread through the worker’s contact and the use of contaminated tools, water, and soil. The use of disease-free and sanitized tools is a great way to reduce the problem.

Rhizoctonia Root Rot 

The most common reason for Rhizoctonia root rot is damping off. Tender and younger stems become water-soaked and girdled and cannot bear plant weight. The attack of Rhizoctonia is on the lower branches and plant roots. At the same time, it can also attack the upper plant parts and canopy under wet or saturated conditions. This problem is caused by the Rhizoctonia solani that can live in the soil for numerous years even without the host plants. The chances of this disease are enhanced due to the use of saturated grow media. It is possible to avoid this problem by sterilizing growing media and tools and controlling temperature and humidity.

Black Nose Disease 

Black nose disease is a common problem for potted plants and cut flower production. It greatly reduces the appearance and economic value of the plants and flowers. It causes the appearance of brown to black and smaller flecks on the floral spadix. These spots rapidly become bigger and watery and encompass the spadix. It may also cause flower drop in severe conditions. The problem is caused by the fungal attack in the temperate and tropical climatic conditions and causes significant damage to the flowers, leaves, roots, and stems. The severity of this disease is more during the humid and warm regions. Disease chances are also more on the plant parts already damaged by bacterial blight, fertilizers, and pesticides.

Insect Pest Attack 

Insect pests attack indoor and outdoor plants, but growers can easily maintain their populations through preventive and protective measures. Usually, anthurium plants have less attraction for the pests than the philodendron and monstera plants. The most common pest on this plant includes spider mites, scales, whiteflies, thrips, and mealybugs. Early detection of problems and integrated pest management practices help get better control.

Mealybugs 

These are soft-bodied, small, dull-white, and wingless insects producing powdery waxlike substances. These insects have sucking or piercing mouthparts and suck the cell sap from plants. They look like tiny cotton pieces and cause congregation on the leaves and stem branches. These bugs feed on a wide range of plants and commonly attack houseplants. The younger populations move around on all the plants until they find a good feeding hotspot. Mealybugs feed on the plants in colonies so growers can easily control their populations. Mealybug’s attack can weaken the plants’ immune system and survival capacity, leading to the leaf drop and foliage yellowing.

Moreover, these insects also secrete fungal growth, having a black surface (sooty mould). So, it dramatically reduces the plant’s beauty and attractiveness. Immediate isolation of the infected plants is fundamental to avoid further spread, and early detection of pests helps control their populations timely. Some organic pesticides are also available in the market to control the mealybugs. The use of heavy doses of synthetic chemicals is not recommended for house plants. Therefore, growers can easily avoid toxicity and pest population by using integrated pest management practices.

Scale Insects 

These insects are similar to mealybugs and can attack a wide range of outdoor and indoor plants. The younger insects crawl on various plants to find suitable feeding sources. The adult females also lay their eggs on the plants protected by the hard-shell layer. They look like bumps, and growers can easily observe them on the undersides of leaves. Their mouthparts are of piercing nature, and these insects feed on plants by sucking the cell sap. Scales attack also causes leaf drop and foliage yellowing. These insects also produce honeydew and cause the formation of sooty mould. Controlling the scales population is a pretty challenging task. Isolation of the infected plants is a significant task to protect other growing plants. The introduction of natural insects is essential to minimize their populations.

FAQs 

Why my Anthurium veitchii plant is growing slowly? 

This plant has a naturally slow-growing habit. Usually, it develops new leaves in three months. So, there is no need to worry about slow growth and development. Growers must maintain the right growing conditions and inputs to avoid biotic and abiotic stresses.

Why are the leaves of a smaller size? 

The smaller leaf size of anthurium veitchii indicates less soil fertility and under fertilization, and this plant needs fertilization after every other week. The use of organic fertilizers, water-soluble fertilizers, and the proper fertilization schedule is essential to improving leaf size and plant vigour.

Is Anthurium veitchii toxic? 

Yes, this plant is toxic, and it can cause skin irritation, mouth allergies, and stomach problems. So, growers must plant away from the reach of children and pets.

Can I use coffee grounds for Anthurium veitchii soil fertilization? 

The use of coffee grounds and well-composted kitchen waste is ideal for providing macro and micronutrients to the growing Anthurium. Coffee grounds offer more nitrogen than peat moss. Moreover, its addition is also helpful in terms of mulching perspectives. So, it helps for the moderation of soil temperature and water.

Can this plant go dormant? 

Dormancy is an inevitable event for plants. All plants undergo dormant conditions at some stage during their lifecycle, and it helps plants conserve energy and protect it from harsh environmental conditions. This plant goes dormant during the winter and stops growing until the following season.

Is Anthurium veitchii plant durable? 

This plant has good durability and grows for many years. Provision of the right inputs, care, and management is crucial to improve its lifespan, health, and appearance.

Can I cut and store the Anthurium veitchii flowers? 

This plant produces beautiful flowers, and growers can cut the flowers for aesthetic and decoration purposes. Keeping the flowers in the freshwater or soaked oasis helps to maintain their freshness for several days. Cutting the flowers with a healthy and long stem is essential to make easy arrangements and management measures. Flowers with short stems are also appropriate to be used as cut flowers. Usually, these flowers look best when clustered in the juice glass and floated in the bowels.

Always cut these flowers in the morning for the best results. Use sharp pruners and scissors to make the cuts. Plunge the foliage and flowers in water-filled buckets. Store the flowers in a cool and dry place for better results. Frequently change the water to avoid contamination and diseases. Also, wash containers and vases to get rid of bacterial and fungal infections.

Caring for your Begonia Maculata

With a stunning combination of silver spots on the top and a rich red to purple on the bottom, the unique leaves of Begonia Maculata add an element of interest to any boring indoor space. This idiosyncratic spotted appearance of the plant has rightly earned it the name of Polka Dot Begonia or Spotted Begonia. Angel Wing Begonia and Trout Begonia are some more common names that are usually used for this beauty.

Begonia Maculata was first found in the 1600s in Southeast Brazil, and was named after the Governor in its native area – Micheal Begon. The plant grows abundantly and lusciously in the Atlantic Rainforest today.

Though it is easy enough to cultivate Begonia Maculata in these regions, growing it elsewhere requires quite a bit of effort. So, if you are aiming to add spark to your indoor garden with this beauty, you have got to be willing to put in the work. Here is a detailed guide to keeping your Begonia Maculata happy and flourishing in any indoor setting.

How to care for your Begonia Maculata

Soil

The most common mistake that Begonia owners make is using the wrong soil mixture for their plant.

The Polka Dot Begonia is especially susceptible to root rot, and must be rooted in well-draining soil to avoid this problem. If the soil is not porous enough and holds the water instead of letting it run through, the roots may become infected and start decaying.

A good mix of equal parts of sand, clay, perlite, and loamy soil makes for a nice growing medium for the Begonia Maculata. This potting mix contains plenty of air pockets providing the necessary ventilation and drainage that your plant needs to stay healthy and happy.

Light

When it comes to light, the Begonia Maculata requires plenty of it. Simply an hour or two of being in the sun does not cut it for this beautiful plant. If you want to see the true potential of your Begonia, make sure that it is getting ample sunlight.

At the same time, direct sunlight that is too intense may cause the leaves to burn. When growing a Begonia Maculata plant, you have to be careful about the placement of your pot. The best location for it would be in front of an east or west facing window, where the light is filtered and more gentle to the plant, but spread out over the daytime hours.

Water

Maintaining the right balance between too wet and too dry is another challenge with the Begonia Maculata. Mostly, Begonia enthusiasts find the sweet spot between the two by practice and trial and error. But if you know a few tell-tale signs of overwatering and underwatering your Begonia Maculata, you can save it from a lot of unnecessary stress.

Ideally, the soil mixture of your Begonia Maculata should always be a little damp to touch. This sensitive plant loves its moisture and does not like it when the soil runs too dry. However, as we already mentioned before, it is also very susceptible to root rot – a problem that arises due to frequent watering and poor drainage.

To figure out when your plant needs to be replenished, do the finger-soil test. Simply stick in the finger about an inch deep into the soil to feel for dampness. If the soil feels too dry to touch, this is a clear indication that your Begonia Maculata is thirsty. Usually, your plant will need to be watered once every week.

When you water your plant, always take care to water it directly at the roots. Wet leaves are another problem that you do not want.

Humidity

To maintain its stunning foliage, the Begonia Maculata requires humidity levels to be above 50%. If you live in a dry, arid region, you may have some trouble achieving this level of humidity. A smart hack would be to place your plant in the kitchen or the bathroom in these cases, as these areas of the house are typically more humid than the rest. Of course, you will have to ensure that the rest of its needs, such as the right sunlight and temperature, are also being met.

Other methods of maintaining high humidity are placing a pebble filled water saucer or a humidifier near your Begonia Maculata. Alternatively, you can house your plant in a terrarium where these conditions are artificially maintained.

Temperature

As you would expect from any other tropical plant, Begonia Maculata, too, needs a hot and humid environment to thrive. For the best possible results, keep the temperature between a comfortable 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Any temperature below 60 degrees Fahrenheit would be too cold for this tropical beauty, and it may affect the growth rate and spread of its beautiful leaves.

Growth

Talking about growth, this plant is quite an impressive species. The maximum potential height for a Begonia Maculata being grown indoors is around 4.9 feet. When the conditions are favorable, the leaves also tend to get pretty big, reaching almost 8 inches in length. Along with these larger leaves, you will also find a few small ones here and there, giving the Begonia Maculata its characteristic bushy appearance.

As the leaves sprout, they have a pink to maroon hue to them. However, the color deepens as they mature, with the adult leaf having a dark green upper surface with prominent silver spots, and a beautiful red on the underside.

Pruning

Regular pruning will encourage your Begonia Maculata to grow faster and spread its foliage wider. By taking off the wilting blooms and leaves, you effectively conserve the nutrition that the plant was spending in trying to maintain these hopeless appendages. This diverts the nutrition to the growing parts of your Begonia Maculata, sprouting new shoots and leaves.

Trimming down the overgrown branches can also help your Begonia Maculata gain a couple of inches in height. The practice also results in a bushier, more aesthetic plant. Spring and summer are the best seasons to prune and shape up your Polka Dot Begonia.

Fertilizer

If you notice that your spotted princess is looking a bit sad and nothing seems to be helping, try giving it a little liquid fertilizer as a treat. Sometimes, the soil may be running out of essential nutrients and your Begonia Maculata may need a little extra help to flourish.

During the growing seasons of Spring and Summer, you should add a good quality liquid fertilizer to the soil once every two weeks. In the colder seasons when the plant is not in its active growth phase, you can cut down the frequency to once in two months.

When using fertilizer, beware of chemical burns. The sensitive Begonia Maculata can be easily damaged if the fertilizer you have used is too strong. To prevent this from happening, dilute your liquid fertilizer in twice the volume of water that is recommended on the packaging.

Repotting

The pot you choose to plant your Begonia Maculata is yet another factor that can influence its growth. Unlike most other houseplants, this gorgeous indoor plant prefers a snug and cozy home. Hence, a smaller pot that hugs the roots is best to grow a Begonia Maculata.

At the same time, the Begonia Maculata grows out of its snug home quite quickly. With an impressive growth rate, especially during the initial years, you will need to repot your plant quite frequently. When you notice that the plant is struggling to find room to grow and the roots begin to poke out of the drainage hole, it is time to relocate your Begonia Maculata in a slightly bigger pot.

Like pruning, repotting is also best done during the active growth seasons – that is, in the spring and summer months. When picking out a suitable pot for Begonia Maculata, make sure that it has proper drainage holes to prevent the all-too-common root rot.

Toxicity

Any house that has small children or pets running all around is not suitable to grow a Begonia Maculata in. If you are adamant on rearing one of these despite having kids – whether your own or the furry ones – make sure that you put the plant in an inaccessible location.

Although the plant will not really kill you, it can cause irritation and moderate to severe gastrointestinal problems if ingested. Cats are especially vulnerable to the toxic effects of Begonia Maculata.

Growing Tips and Guide

Several common problems can be avoided if you know a few tips about growing Begonia Maculata indoors. Here are a few hacks that may help you steer clear of these easily avoidable issues.

• If your house does not get enough sunlight, you can place your Begonia Maculata outdoors for a few hours everyday. Just remember to bring it back inside for the night.
• If you live in a colder region, be extra careful about the temperature. The plant will instantly start to wilt if it gets too cold.
• A soil moisture gauge can help you figure out when your Begonia Maculata needs to be watered.
• When watering your plant, aim the stream at the soil. Take care to not get the stem or the leaves wet.
• Make sure no water is left in the soil after you are done watering. This can lead to root rot, a major problem with plants like Begonia Maculata.

How To Grow Your Begonia Maculata?

Begonia Maculata may be propagated in one of three ways: leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, and cultivating the plant from seeds. Out of these, the first two are the easier methods of multiplying your Begonia Maculata.

For the leaf cutting method, cut a few fresh leaves from the plant along with at least an inch of petiole. Slice up the leaf in strips, making sure each strip has a well developed vein. Now place the leaves in a previously prepared pot with moist, well draining soil and cover it with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. You can expect the roots to start sprouting in around 3 to 4 wells, and by the 6th week, your new Begonia plants should be ready to be transplanted.

If you wish to opt for the stem cutting method, cut an inch long piece of stem from a mature Begonia Maculata and stick one end into a previously prepared pot with moist, well draining soil. Care for it the same way as detailed above for stem cutting, and you will notice new roots sprouting in about 5 to 7 weeks.

The most challenging propagation method for Begonia Maculata is through its seeds. For this reason, it is best left to professionals.

Common Problems And How To Treat Them

Pests

Begonia Maculata is susceptible to a variety of pest infestations. From caterpillars and earwigs to the very common snails – a myriad of pests may inhabit the striking leaves of this plant. These pests then feed on the foliage, leaving behind unsightly holes in them.

To get rid of pests, the best course of action is to pick them off of the plant, followed by a good pesticide spray to keep them away for good.

Diseases

Common diseases of the Begonia plant include bacterial leaf spot, powdery mildew, and blight. The result of these plant conditions are damaged leaves, which ultimately lead to the death of the entire plant. However, there is a simple solution to prevention of all these types of diseases.

Most of these conditions originate in the background of overwatering. It is when water accumulates in a poorly draining soil that the plant develops these conditions. Simply being careful with the watering schedule and investing in a moisture gauge is enough to keep these problems at bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Begonia Maculata rare?

While Begonia Maculata used to be a rare species, the increased demand has led to many people trying to cultivate the plant in order to sell it. Due to this increased attempt at propagating this plant, it is no longer considered as rare and can be easily sourced from a good nursery or Etsy.

Do Begonia Maculata go dormant?

During the colder months, the growth rate of Begonia Maculata drops and they propagate less readily. However, at no point does this plant go completely dormant.

Do Begonia Maculata need structural support?

As the Begonia Maculata plant achieves a certain height, it starts to lean due to the weight of the leaves and stem. To keep your plant upright, a bamboo stick or a moss pole can be stuck in the center to provide structural support.

Wrapping It Up

So, there you go! The perfect guide to taking care of your Begonia Maculata.

Truth be told, the Begonia Maculata is not easy to grow. There are plenty of factors that need to be taken into consideration to ensure its survival. But as long as you follow these directions, you can be guaranteed a luscious, stunning Polka Dot Begonia.

Monstera Siltepecana isn’t the most common houseplant. That’s because it’s a flowering plant native to the South of Mexico and most of Central America. Outside of the area, it’s only found if someone has imported and brought it over to their home.

This type of plant has to be planted in its own way, kept in the right conditions, and grown with care to ensure that the plant grows well. While this isn’t too much work, it’s always best to know the plant you’re going to be working with before you get it. That’s why in this guide, we’re going to be outlining everything you need to know about caring for your Monstera Siltepecana from the day you get it, so you can make sure that it grows right.

How To Care For Your Monstera Siltepecana

Even though the Monstera Siltepecana doesn’t require an extreme amount of handling, there are still things you need to do to make sure that it grows and thrives. When you take care of the plant, it’ll be able to grow fast and healthy at the same time.

Soil

The best time to plant the Monstera Siltepecana is during the spring (or growing season). When you buy the plant, it’ll most likely come in a small pot already, with lots of roots sticking out of the drainage holes. You should gently wiggle the plant out and unravel the roots just a little bit to loosen them up and then plant them in the new soil. Ensure that the soil is draining, and if you’re using pre-fertilized soil, make sure to leave it be for a few months, so you’re not overpowering the plant with fertilizer.

Light

Light has to be one of the most important aspects of growing plants. Some plants need lots of sunlight, and others will fry if they get too much. Monstera Siltepecana lies somewhere in the middle. This plant doesn’t like direct sunlight but can tolerate an hour or two of it a day. Generally, having it by a window that’s covered with a curtain or just placing it in the room away from the window altogether would be best.

Water

Monstera Siltepecana is a tropical plant. That means that it won’t need too much water because its roots can end up soaking too much and end up rotting because of it. Water this plant moderately. This means that you don’t really need to water it every day. Just do the one-inch test by sticking your finger, or a stick, into the soil when it looks dry enough, and make sure that the top layer, around one to two inches, is dry. Overwatering the plant could ruin it very fast.

Humidity

Since this is a tropical plant, it fares well in moderate to high humidity levels. So if you’re in a drier area, and notice that your Monstera Siltepecana isn’t looking too great, put a humidifier near it, and it should get back to normal soon enough.

Temperature

With plants, it’s always the best idea to make their environment as similar to their natural environment as possible. As far as the temperature goes, the plant wouldn’t really do well in super cold areas. To make sure it grows right, keep it in a warm area. Room temperature works too.

Fertilizer

Since the Monstera Siltepecana doesn’t start off too big, it doesn’t really need a lot of fertilizer. If you’ve planted the roots into simple soil, you can use a diluted version of general fertilizer for this one as well. Just make sure you’re only using it once or twice a year maximum to keep it from being over-fertilized.

Propagation

One great thing about the Monstera Siltepecana plant is that it’s very easy to propagate it. Once the plant starts to grow and rise, you’ll notice that a lot of the smaller leaves have little roots sprouting out of them. That’s also how the plant holds on to a stem. All you have to do is cut it right there and place the root in water for a few days. Once that root starts to grow and spread, you can remove it from the water and plant it in new soil. Just remember to wait long enough to let the roots grow long enough to be planted so it can actually grow right away once it’s in the soil.

Pruning

Even though you’d want to save every little leaf that grows out of the plant, it’s important that you’re also pruning the plant as it grows to make sure none of the resources are being wasted on dead leaves. The first thing you need to do is find the node on the leaf. That’s where the leaf is growing out of. First, see if you can twist it very gently. If it’s dead enough, it would just fall right off, but if it doesn’t, you can cut it. Place your plant scissors directly above the node, and snip in one clean snip. You’ll easily cut the leaf off of there, and the new one will be able to grow in from the same node without a problem.

You can also prune the plant if it’s grown in the wrong direction or is overgrowing. The same technique would apply either way.

Climbing

Since Monstera Siltepecana is a vining plant, it’s going to eventually grow long enough that it starts climbing out of the pot and grabbing the surfaces around it as it goes. In the wild, they just grab onto the other plants around them, and they all come together to support one another. In homes, they’ll start grabbing objects that are in their way, which also leads them to start growing in all sorts of different directions. Instead of letting the plant figure it out, use posts, poles, and threads to guide it in the right direction.

Monstera Siltepecana Growing Tips And Guide

Want to avoid some common problems with your Monstera Siltepecana? Here are some growing tips that can help you maintain your plant’s health.

• Make sure you’re planting it when the roots are ready
• Get draining soil
• Don’t over-fertilize or overwater the plant
• Keep it away from direct sunlight
• Ensure that the plant is around the right humidity levels
• Keep it in a warm room
• Dilute the fertilizer to half strength before using it
• Prune as required
• Guide it to climb right

Monstera Siltepecana Common Problems And How to Treat them

Although it’s fairly easy to grow a Monstera Siltepecana right, there are some problems you might face. Whenever the Monstera Siltepecana plant is having trouble, it’ll communicate those problems using physical signs. For every plant owner, it’s important to always stay on top of what your plant’s warning signs are, so you can step in and help immediately.

Below are four of the most common problems that your Monstera Siltepecana might go through and how you can treat them.

Leaves Browning

Since the Monstera Siltepecana can be a little sensitive to its surroundings, there are times when the leaves just don’t grow right. If you’re noticing that your perfectly healthy leaves one day turned brown or even had white spots all over them, then you’re doing something wrong. This is a clear sign that your plant is dehydrated. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you didn’t water it enough, although you might want to do the poke test to see if that could be the case. If it’s not, check where it’s placed. If the area gets too much direct sunlight every day, the plant might end up getting dehydrated because of it. Not only that, but if the place is too cold and doesn’t have the appropriate humidity levels, the plant feels extra dry. So check all three to figure out which one of them could be bothering the leaves, and then make the appropriate changes to the plant’s environment to fix that immediately.

Leaves Not Growing

Even though the Monstera Siltepecana is a vining plant and tends to grow quite fast, it’s still not an overnight change. The growth may still take weeks to become substantial. So if you’re noticing that the small, juvenile leaves on your plant just aren’t growing, there could be two things at play.

The first one is that it is growing but not fast enough for your eye to be able to notice it. If you’re going to check up on the plant over and over again in a span of days, you might just feel like the leaves aren’t growing, even if they are. A great way to not let that happen is by taking before and after photos and setting bi-weekly reminders to go check up on the growth. That way, you’ll know for sure if the plant actually isn’t growing out the way you’d want it to.

However, if even after that you’ve come to the conclusion that the leaves have stopped growing, see if the plant is placed in the right spot. If the plant is in the constant shade and hasn’t really been exposed to any sunlight for a while, it’ll stop growing. Make sure your plant is close enough to the window to get ample indirect sunlight and grow as much as it possibly can.

Dry Leaves

Touch the Monstera Siltepecana and see if the leaves feel soft yet sturdy because that’s what they’re supposed to feel like. If they don’t and you see them curling up from all sides, the plant may be dehydrated. Here you would first try to give it some more water and wait a couple of days before doing anything. If the leaves heal up and start to grow again, you’ll stop here, but if they don’t, there are two more things you can do.

The first one would be to use a humidifier and give the plant the added moisture it needs. If that doesn’t work, the dry leaves might be a goner, and you will have to cut them off and do a complete purge of your plant.

Yellow Leaves

If the leaves of the Monstera Siltepecana plant start turning yellow, there’s something wrong with the water again. This only happens when the plant is getting far too much water, so you need to cut back on that immediately and let the plant dry out, and then water it appropriately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Monstera Siltepecana Grow Fast?

Yes, the Does Monstera Siltepecana grows very fast, and if it’s potted in a small pot, you’ll have to change the pot to a bigger one frequently for it to be right. If you do know how to care for plants, you’ll have a much easier time figuring things out.

Is Monstera Siltepecana Toxic to Pets?

Yes. Monstera Siltepecana is extremely toxic for pets. So if your pet likes to chew on everything, you might want to keep her away from the crime scene.

Where Can I Get Monstera Siltepecana?

While you could find one of these plants at a local garden center, it’s highly likely that you won’t. Instead of going local like that, go online and see if they have any power missions around to get one for yourself too.

When Will the Siltepecana Develop The Holes?

One of the most unique physical features of this plant is the holes. These holes really add to the overall look. However, if your Monstera Siltepecana isn’t getting the holes, it’s just not strong enough to do so. Give it some time to heal and fix the mess here because the healthier it’ll be. As long as you’re following all of the major tips named above, you’ll have a great time growing a grand plant.

Wrapping It Up

The Monstera Siltepecana is a plant that anyone can grow if they know what they’re doing. The good thing is that this plant isn’t very fussy and granted you’re doing a good job taking care of its water, sunlight, and humidity needs, the plant will be just fine! Just follow all the tips we’ve outlined in the post, and your tiny plant will be on growing big in no time!

Hoya Krimson Queen is a succulent with strikingly variegated leaves. Growing this royal plant for the first time? Here is a detailed guide with everything you need to know about caring for your Hoya Krimson Queen.

Caring For Your Hoya Krimson Queen

Hoya Krimson Queen is a well-known plant in the gardening community. The pink leaves with white to cream margins give it the names of Hoya Tricolor and Hoya Variegata. Variegated Hoya Carnosa, Variegated Wax Plant, and African Violet Plant are some more common names this plant is referred to as. Like all the other Hoya species, Hoya Krimson Queen also has thick, waxy leaves that look stunning in any indoor setting.

The Hoya plant was first discovered in Australia and some parts of Southeast Asia. Though there used to be hundreds of impressive varieties of this plant, deforestation has pretty much wiped out most of the Hoya types. This is why it is important to conserve what we are left with and take proper care of these endangered species.

While the Hoya Krimson Queen does not require tons of effort on its upkeep, it can be pretty particular about what it likes. This guide will talk about everything you need to know to keep your Red Queen happy and healthy.

How To Care For Your Hoya Krimson Queen

Hardiness Zones

In the wild, Hoya Krimson Queen grows best in hardiness zones 10 through 12. This makes it the perfect plant to keep in the house, as it handles the regular room temperature pretty well. If you live in a temperate to a tropical area, you might even succeed in growing it in your outdoor garden.

Soil

When it comes to soil, choose something that drains well and does not hold excess water for long. A potting mix with equal parts of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite will serve your Hoya Krimson Queen very well. You can also add coconut husk or orchid bark to make your soil airy and porous. This allows the roots to breathe easily and prevents suffocation.

Light

All Hoya varieties need plenty of sunlight to flourish. But it is even more important for variegated plants like the Hoya Krimson Queen. Because it is only the central green part of the leaves that contributes to photosynthesis, it must get enough sunlight to fulfill its nutrition needs.

An east-facing window is the best place to put your Hoya Krimson Queen. This position gets abundant bright, indirect sunlight that it requires. However, if you live in a country where days are short and the sun is rarely out, consider investing in a plant grow light to make up for the unavailable sunlight.

Water

Hoya Krimson Queen is a sturdy succulent that you won’t have to water very often. A couple of times per week is enough to fulfill the Queen’s needs during the summer months and even less is required in the fall and winter.

You will know your plant is thirsty when the soil is dry to touch and doesn’t cling to your fingers. When you water your Hoya Krimson Queen, pour enough until you see excess water escaping the drainage holes. Thorough watering is essential to keep your succulents healthy.

Humidity

The optimal humidity levels for Hoya Krimson Queen lie between 70 to 80 percent. But, of course, these levels do not exist indoors naturally.

However, high humidity levels can easily be maintained in a number of ways. For example, you can put your plant in the bathroom or kitchen, as these areas are generally more humid than the rest of the house. You can also line your drainage tray with pebbles so that the water evaporates when it touches them and increases the surrounding humidity. Another way to resolve the problem is by using a humidifier.

Some people will also mist their Hoya or put their plants close together to increase the humidity. However, these practices carry the risk of your plant developing fungus and transmitting infections and should be avoided when possible.

Temperature

The hardy Hoya Krimson Queen can tolerate a wide range of temperatures between 60 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. However, anything below 59 degrees Fahrenheit and your plant will begin to stress. If you live in a colder region, you will have to grow your Hoya Krimson Queen in a temperature-maintained terrarium.

In addition to being cold-sensitive, Hoya Krimson Queen also dislikes any big variations in the surrounding temperature. It does not readily adapt to change and will show signs of distress if the temperature is not consistent.

Growth

The wild Hoya Krimson Queen grows to a massive height of 20 feet, but when indoors, only a fraction of this impressive height can be reached. The average Hoya Krimson Queen will be 1.5 to 2 feet tall as a houseplant. But if the conditions are right and all its needs are met, even an indoor Hoya Krimson Queen may surprise you with its rapid growth.

The heart-shaped leaves are a petite 1.6 to 2 inches in length. They are thick, fleshy, and have a smooth, waxy texture.

Most of the growth happens over the summer and spring seasons. When compared to other varieties of the same genus, Hoya Krimson Queen is said to be a fast-growing vine, and you can see quick results of the effort you put into rearing this plant.

Fertilizer

The magic minerals for Hoya Krimson Queen are phosphorus and potassium. When these are present in adequate amounts, you can expect your Queen to flourish like no other.

You have the choice between store-bought NPK fertilizer and organic compost for plant food. While the chemical ones you buy at the store are easier to manage, the risk of fertilizer burn is considerably higher with them. Diluting liquid chemical fertilizer and using it sparingly is one way to manage this risk. Organic compost that you prepare at home carries no such threat.

The optimal time to feed your Hoya Krimson Queen is during the active growth phase. This coincides with the summer and spring seasons, when you should be complementing the soil with fertilizer once a month. It is best to hold off on the treatment during the winter season.

Repotting

All plants need to be repotted when the roots have started to crowd, and there is no more space left for them to spread. Being a faster-growing vine, Hoya Krimson Queen needs it much more frequently than the other varieties of the same family. Ideally, you should be replacing your Hoya Krimson Queen in a new pot every couple of growing seasons.

When repotting your Hoya Krimson Queen, always ensure that the container has a proper drainage system in place. If the pot doesn’t drain right, the Hoya is subject to root rot and dies. Another vital consideration when repotting is the size of the new pot – it should only be slightly bigger than the old one. If the new pot is too big, it is harder for Hoya Krimson Queen to adjust to the new environment. The ideal time to change pots is during the active growing period, but not when the plant is blooming.

The procedure to repot is as follows:

• Loosen up the soil around the edges and gently probe the Hoya Krimson Queen out of its pot along with the surrounding soil. Make sure that the roots stay intact.
• Place the plant in a slightly bigger pot filled three quarters with the appropriate potting mix.
• Cover the roots with more soil until the plant is stable.
• Wait for a day before watering the plant.

Toxicity

Hoya Krimson Queen is not a pet-friendly succulent. While it may not kill cats and dogs, ingesting the toxic sap will certainly make them very sick. Hence, it is best to put small children or mischievous pets out of reach.

How to Propagate the Hoya Krimson Queen

Want a Hoya Krimson Queen in every corner of your house? You can easily propagate this plant through stem cuttings. It is best to do this during the summer and spring when it is easier for the Hoya Krimson Queen to take.

To cultivate a new Hoya Krimson Queen from an existing one, follow the guide given below:

• Identify a healthy stem with a couple of nodes and a few leaves. Make sure that the stem is not in bloom.
• With sterilized pruning shears, make a diagonal cut under a node on that stem.
• Dip the cut in rooting hormone.
• Now, you can either proliferate your Hoya Krimson Queen cutting in distilled water, soil, or sphagnum moss. Make sure to keep the soil or sphagnum moss moist until the roots have sprouted.
• Bury your plant in the propagating medium of your choice until the level of the cut node.
• Maintain a high humidity level by covering the cut stem with a plastic bag and placing it under bright, indirect sunlight.
• Within a few weeks, you will begin to notice new roots sprouting from the cut end of the stem. When this happens, you can replant your Hoya Krimson Queen in its permanent pot.

Pruning

Frequent pruning is not a requirement with Hoya Krimson Queen, but doing so every now and then does encourage their growth. Taking off the dead and dying leaves lessens the plant’s burden so it can grow new ones. It makes the plants bushier and also increases the number of flowers on them.

Growing Tips And Guide

Want to avoid some common problems with your Hoya Krimson Queen? Here are some growing tips that can help you maintain your plant’s health.

• Choose your container carefully. A terracotta pot with proper drainage holes is ideal for growing Hoya Krimson Queen and prevents root rot.
• Ensure that the potting mix is adequately airy and well-draining.
• Abstain from watering your Hoya Krimson Queen too frequently. Overwatering can damage your plant even with a good drainage system in place.
• Keep your plant away from direct sunlight – you do not want the leaves to burn.
• Try to keep a consistent surrounding temperature. The Hoya Krimson Queen does not adapt readily to temperature changes.
• Change the pot every two years to ensure that your soil is fresh and your plant is not root-bound.
• Refresh the potting mix every time you repot your plant.

Common Problems And How to Treat them

The problems encountered when growing Hoya Krimson Queen can be categorized under two causes:

Overwatering

Hoya Krimson Queen requires very little water, and overwatering this succulent is very common – especially with novices. However, if you water your plant too frequently or don’t have a proper drainage system in place, your Hoya Krimson Queen may be subject to root rot.

You will know you are overwatering your plant if the leaves start to turn yellow and curl onto themselves. Try with different watering schedules until you find one that works with the weather in your area and makes your Hoya Krimson Queen happy.

Pests

It is not uncommon to find Hoya Krimson Queen infested with mealybugs, spider mites, or scale. These pests feed on the sap of Hoya Krimson Queen, leaving little nutrition behind for its growth. They also leave the plant vulnerable to bacterial infections and over diseases and may also play a role in their transmission.

Mealybugs can be seen as cotton balls on the leaves. Spider mites can be recognized by the characteristic webs they leave behind. And lastly, scales appear as semi-permanent spots on the stem and leaves.

Insecticides and pesticides are excellent ways to get rid of these pests. However, you can also use organic neem oil if you want a chemical-free solution to the problem. In addition to this, spider mites can be combated with a humidifier, and scales will need to be individually picked off of your Hoya Krimson Queen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell apart Hoya Krimson Queen from Hoya Krimson Princess?

The main difference between the two species of royal Hoya is the site of variegation. The leaves of Krimson Queen are green in the center with white margins, whereas the Princess has a white center with green margins.

Why is my Hoya Krimson Queen losing its variegation?

The most common reason for this problem is too little sunlight. Try moving your Hoya Krimson Queen to an east-facing window to resolve the issue.

Why are the leaves turning brown?

Too much sunlight or overwatering can cause the Hoya Krimson Queen leaves to start browning. Work around with the placement and watering schedule of your Hoya Krimson Queen if you are facing this problem.

Wrapping It Up

As the name tells you, the Hoya Krimson Queen is the royalty of the Hoya family. Hence, it is only appropriate to give it the royal treatment it deserves. Use the tips in this guide to ensure the health of your Hoya Krimson Queen.

Desired for its rarity, Hoya Macrophylla is a beautiful plant that can easily be identified by its thick green leaves with pale yellow margins. If you have one in your indoor garden, this guide will help you properly rear Hoya Macrophylla.

Caring For Your Hoya Macrophylla

The Hoya Macrophylla plant is a favorite among indoor gardening enthusiasts around the world. Often affectionately called the Wax Plant for its thick green leaves, Hoya Macrophylla is quite sturdy and easy to care for.

This succulent vine was first discovered in the Austral Asia region, where it had as many as 500 different varieties! Unfortunately, due to bad environmental practices and deforestation, many of these Hoya species have already gone extinct, and many others are labeled as endangered.

For this reason, Hoya plants are hard to come by and fetch quite a lot of money in the gardener’s market. And so, if you are lucky enough to get your hands on one of these, you must make sure you are caring for it the right way! Here is everything you need to know to keep your Hoya Macrophylla healthy, happy, and flourishing.

How To Care For Your Plant

Hardiness Zones

Hoya Macrophylla plants are of the hardiness zones 10 and 11. They love temperate to slightly warm environments, and cannot grow too well in the cold. If you are trying to rear this succulent in a colder region, you must pay special attention to maintaining the surrounding temperature.

Soil

Unlike most other indoor plants you may have around the house, Hoya Macrophylla likes sweet, alkaline soil. This means that the plant will flourish in limestone and eggshells,  and absolutely hate it if you use peat moss in the potting mix.

A basic potting mix for Hoya Macrophylla should contain organic cactus mix, perlite, and organic orchid mix in equal amounts. This composition is well-draining and super aerated – two things your Hoya Macrophylla will greatly appreciate.

Light

While Hoya Macrophylla enjoys plenty of sunlight, make sure that it is not directly overhead. Too much sun exposure can leave your plant burnt, while not enough can make it look leggy. The best place to put your pot of Hoya Macrophylla is therefore in front of an east-facing window.

Water

As you would expect from a succulent, you do not have to water Hoya Macrophylla very frequently. However, when you do give it water, you must ensure there is plenty of it.

You will know that it is time to water your plant when the top layer of the soil feels dry to touch. In most areas, this will mean watering once weekly, but it can vary from place to place due to the change in weather and humidity. When watering, keep on pouring until you see excess water flowing out the drainage holes. This will ensure that the moisture penetrates each layer of the soil.

As we have already mentioned, Hoya Macrophylla does not like acidic conditions. If your tap water has a low pH, avoid using it to water your plant. Instead, use aquarium or rainwater for extra nutrients, and if that’s not possible, distilled water is the way to go.

Humidity

In terms of withstanding a wide range of humidity levels, Hoya Macrophylla is a pretty hardy plant. In its natural habitat, the Macrophylla plant enjoys high humidity levels of 90 percent or more. Even so, the plant maintains its foliage and blooms at humidity levels as low as 40 percent.

To replicate the natural environment of Hoya Macrophylla, you can use techniques such as misting the plant every now and then or using a humidifier. However, we would not recommend crowding your Hoya Macrophylla pots to indirectly raise the humidity levels – these plants are especially vulnerable to fungi and molds, and placing them close together facilitates the spread of disease from one plant to the other.

Temperature

The Austral Asia region enjoys a lot of sun, and it is quite hot all around the year. If you are growing your Hoya Macrophylla in an area that enjoys similar weather, you have nothing to be worried about. But if you live in colder regions, maintaining the temperature becomes a necessity. The ideal temperature to grow Hoya Macrophylla is around 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

When the winter hits, you might have to move your Hoya Macrophylla to a terrarium. However, even then, the plant might go into dormancy if a temperature above 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit is not maintained. So if you see your Hoya Macrophylla stop growing and blooming during the winter months, do not fret! As soon as Spring comes around, your Hoya Macrophylla will be back in its full bloom!

Growth

Hoya Macrophylla is quite slow to grow, even during its active growth period. But if you are patient with your plant and consistent with your care and attention, the reward is absolutely mesmerizing.

In its natural habitat, Hoya Macrophylla can reach an impressive 66 feet in height by the time it is 10 years old. When grown indoors, however, the average plant is only about 4 to 6 feet tall. The maximum height of your Hoya Macrophylla will depend most on how well you are caring for it.

Because Hoya Macrophylla is an epiphyte, its tendrils go out in search of supporting structures to hold on to as the plant grows. In the wild, this support is provided by the vegetation growing nearby. In your home, you will have to introduce a moss pole in the Hoya Macrophylla pot to provide the support that it needs to grow taller.

Fertilizer

If your plant looks a bit sad, you can lift up its spirits by feeding it some good organic fertilizer. We recommend that you do it at least once a month during the growing phase, and then take a break for the winter months when the Hoya Macrophylla goes into a dormant stage.

An easily available fertilizer that your plant will be grateful for is fish emulsion. Though a bit smelly, it has all the essential nutrients that Hoya Macrophylla needs to grow to its full potential. Take care to not put your plant in direct sunlight immediately after feeding it fertilizer, as this leaves Hoya Macrophylla vulnerable to burns.

Repotting

Unlike many other houseplants, Hoya Macrophylla does not really become root-bound. This allows you a significant period before you are required to change the pot you are growing your Hoya Macrophylla in. You can go quite a few before without replacing the pot of your Hoya Macrophylla.

However, things change if your potting mix contains orchid bark. Remember how we said Hoya Macrophylla absolutely loathes acidic soil? Well, the orchid mix gets pretty acidic with time. So you will need to repot your Hoya Macrophylla more often in this case – we recommend doing it at least once every two years.

Toxicity

Have small children or pets running all over your house? Don’t worry. Hoya Macrophylla is completely safe and non-toxic. This is one exotic plant you can put around the house without constantly fearing a trip to the hospital or vet.

Propagation

We have already discussed that Hoya Macrophylla is pretty rare and super hard to come by. Hence, wanting to preserve your plant’s legacy is quite natural. Luckily, doing so can be surprisingly simple and easy.

The best way to propagate your Hoya Macrophylla is via cut tendrils. The growing Hoya Macrophylla shoots out tendrils from the central stem to seek support from adjacent structures as it gets taller. To multiply your Hoya Macrophylla, make a diagonal cut through a well-formed tendril that has a couple of nodes and a few healthy leaves – take care that you are not slicing off a budding tendril.

Wrap the cut end in some damp sphagnum moss or place it directly in water. Cover the cutting with a plastic wrap to promote humidity, warmth, and moisture – these factors will help your cutting to root. In a few weeks, you will start seeing new roots sprouting from the cut end. At this point, you can plant your cutting in an already prepared pot and wait for the cutting to stabilize.

Pruning

Usually, Hoya Macrophylla does not need a lot of pruning. The only times you will need to touch those shears is if you think your plant is getting too big for your space, or if you see a few dead or diseased leaves.

Growing Tips and Guide

While the above directions are enough to ensure the survival of your Hoya Macrophylla, some additional care can make it thrive. Here are a few tips to remember when growing Hoya Macrophylla, which can help prevent a lot of problems.

• When choosing a pot for Hoya Macrophylla, go for terracotta. These purpose pots have superior drainage and can reduce the effects of overwatering your plant, such as root rot.
• When propagating Hoya Macrophylla, do not take your cutting out of water and plant into the soil right away. Instead, gradually add soil to the water until all of the water is replaced by the potting mix. This facilitates the cutting to adapt to its new atmosphere readily.
• If you notice dirt or dust sitting on the leaves of your Hoya Macrophylla, gently wipe it off with a damp cloth. A clean plant does not only look great, but it is also easier for it to breathe.

Common Problems and How to Treat Them

Pests

Though Hoya Macrophylla is quite a hardy plant, it too is not immune to pests like mealybugs and aphids.

A mealybug infestation usually presents as yellowing, curling leaves. You may notice them huddled together on the leaf as a tuft of cotton. Similarly, aphids can be found on the underside of the leaves and feed on the sap of the plant, stealing its nutrition. A simple solution to the pest problem is a store-bought pesticide or insecticide. For a DIY organic option, you can also apply neem oil to the leaves.

Mold and fungus

When there are mealybugs on your Hoya Macrophylla, there is bound to be some mold and fungus on there too. Mold can also occur in high humidity with little or no ventilation. These infections can cause great damage to your plant and can make your Hoya Macrophylla look debilitated.

To prevent these, you must keep mealybugs away with the use of insecticides. In addition, you can place an oscillating fan nearby to promote air circulation and make the environment less favorable for the growth of mold.

FAQs

Why are the leaves of my Hoya Macrophylla yellowing?

Yellow Hoya Macrophylla leaves most commonly mean that you are overwatering your plant. They may also be due to a mealybug infestation.

Does Hoya Macrophylla produce flowers?

Yes, Hoya Macrophylla produces small, round clusters of star-shaped, creamy white flowers with a hint of pink in them. However, their smell is quite a controversial topic. While some say the flowers smell of a combination of sweaty socks and chocolate, others compare the fragrance to the scent of hyacinths.

However, even without blooms, Hoya Macrophylla is quite beautiful and a great option as a decorative indoor plant.

Wrapping it up

Though sourcing a Hoya Macrophylla can be hard, taking care of it is pretty easy. This succulent plant can survive in your home even if you don’t have a green thumb. As long as you are consistent with providing the few basic needs that it has, your Hoya Macrophylla will be forever blooming.

Philodendron brandtianum is also known as philodendron silver leaf, and aka philodendron brandi. It is native to tropical areas and can be grown as both climbing and hanging plants. It produces olive green, and heart-shaped leaves which are distinguished by the presence of silver and white stripes, and patches. These plants are significantly important for air purification due to their excellent pollutant removal properties. These plants are greatly easy to grow and hard to kill. Thus, it is an ideal plant to grow at homes with minimal care and management. This plant is known to be native to Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. This plant is unique in the fact that it can be grown as an epiphyte, hemi-epiphyte, and terrestrial plant.

While the height and size of the plant are greatly dependent on prevailing climatic conditions and the right application of inputs. Generally, the indoor growing plant can attain a maximum height of about five to six feet. While outdoor growing plants can reach a significant length. The leaf length is variable between four to seven inches and can grow to a maximum length of 12 inches. This plant undergoes various morphogenetic stages, and its physical appearance is changed many times during the growing phase. This plant is silver leaf philodendron and is different from the silver satin Pothos. Usually, people are considering these plants like the same ones but there are significantly major differences among these two plants.

Zones

Philodendron brandtianum grows well in the USDA zone of 9b-11. It is a hardy plant and can easily tolerate some fluctuation in the growing conditions and mismanagement. However, in areas other than this zone, growers must maintain the optimal conditions to assure the best growth because they cannot tolerate too many unfavorable conditions.

Soil and pH Requirements

Use the fertile growing mix and soil with a good drainage capacity to get the best growth results. These plants need more water than the other houseplants, but the drainage of excess water is essentially important. The use of fertile soil causes a significant increase in growth. The addition of compost, organic materials, compost tea, eggshells, and well-managed kitchen waste is also helpful to improve growth on a sustainable basis. Better growth can be observed by maintaining the soil pH between 6.1-7.3. Soils in the different regions have variable physical, chemical, and biological properties.

Soil fertility, pH, and nutrient absorption can be enhanced by adding specific amendments to the soil. Soil testing before adding any inputs is an ideal way to get an idea about its constituents and what more is required. Growers can contact local agricultural extension services, services of private companies, and soil and water testing laboratories. Usually, agricultural researchers and laboratory scientists also provide details about the use of specific amendments and organic substances. The addition of compost, organic matter, sphagnum peat moss, and perlite is helpful to improve its drainage, water holding capacity, and nutrient provision capacity.

Light

This plant needs indirect and bright light like the other philodendron plants. Direct placement of the plant in the intense and scorching light can cause foliage burning. Growers can also place shade cloths on the plants to provide filtered light. Ideally, this plant can be placed in outdoor conditions and on the porch. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading and yellowing of the beautiful olive-colored leaves.

Watering

This plant is native to tropical areas and requires good watering for better growth and development. It requires watering at least three times a week during the summer seasons, but watering frequency and intensity should be reduced in the winter and spring. The watering requirements of plants are greatly variable according to prevailing climatic conditions. water only when the top two to three inches of the soil is dried.

Checking the soil moisture status by inserting the fingers in it is the best way to get an idea about its watering requirements. Avoid leaf wetting during watering as it may cause disease development, insect pest attacks, and foliage problems. Many growers have reported that overwatering causes leaf dropping during the winter months. However, this plant enjoys humid and damp conditions in the summer season. So, there should be a regular adjustment of the watering schedule according to seasonal variation.

Temperature

The ideal growing temperature for the philodendron brandtianum ranges between 18-35 degrees Celsius. Growers can move the plant in the outdoor place during the summer conditions. Must place the plants indoors in the winters as frost can kill the plants. Avoid harsh temperatures around the plants and keep the plants away from vents, radiators, heaters, and air-conditioners. This plant can tolerate light frost and the growth is resumed at the start and mid of the spring season. The optimal daytime temperature for this plant is between 20-25 degrees Celsius and the average optimal nighttime temperature ranges between 12-18 degrees Celsius.

Humidity

This plant needs about 60-70% humidity for better survival and growers must maintain the ideal humidity in its surroundings. The humidity levels for indoor plants can be improved by the water misting and placing the plant in the moisture-filled pebble trays. Regular misting is not a good approach as it may cause bacterial and fungal infections and disease attacks. So, growers should do misting occasionally to promote aeration and to protect the growing plants from root rotting and fungus.

Fertilization

The application of water-soluble and liquid fertilizers is significantly important to provide a steady supply of nutrients to the growing plants. Unfertilized plants have a slower growth rate and stunted appearance. Feeding the philodendron brandtianum plants with slow-release, water-soluble and general-purpose fertilizer is helpful to improve the growth and development. There is no need to fertilize the plants during the cold months. Feeding the growing plants at least once a month during the summer and spring seasons is greatly recommended.

The use of synthetic fertilizers can cause the buildup of salts in the soil and exerts negative effects on the soil biodiversity. Thus, the natural capacity of the soil to release nutrients for plant uptake is reduced. Whereas the use of organic fertilizers greatly improves all physical, chemical, and biological soil properties. These fertilizers also support the beneficial microbial communities and suppress pathogenic populations.

Pruning

This plant develops leaves in a close association with both climbing and trailing habits. Therefore, it requires good pruning one to two times a year. The denser leaves and foliage hinder the proper air circulation and the retention of water drops can cause adverse effects on its health and development. Removal of dead and damaged leaves is also critically important to improving to improve beauty and looks of the plant.

Philodendron Brandtianum Growing Tips and Guide

• Follow all instructions to grow this plant both in indoor and outdoor conditions.
• Purchase the plant, or cuttings from reliable and recommended sources only.
• Use good quality soil, and potting mix to grow the plant. Always perform testing analysis to check the feasibility of soil to be used for growing.
• The use of contaminated resources can negatively affect its growth and also causes concerns for the pets, children, and environment.
• Always grow the plant in the recommended environmental conditions or grow zones. Manage the indoor temperature exactly according to the needs of growing plants.
• Use devise for monitoring the temperature, pH, humidity, and aeration in the surroundings.
• Never place the plants near the air conditioners, heaters, and vents.
• Regularly check the health of plants and the presence of insect pests, and diseases.
• Always prioritize the use of organic management measures than the use of synthetic chemicals.
• Keep the plant away from the reach of children, and pets.
• Adjust the watering, and fertilization schedule according to the exact needs of plants.
• Replace the water from the container after every few days if it is grown in the water.
• Use contaminant-free water for watering the plants and always test the water quality in terms of physical, chemical, and biological aspects.
• Prune the growing plants according to their needs.
• Immediately remove the diseased, infected, and dead plant parts.

Philodendron Brandtianum Propagation Methods: Step by Step Guide

• This plant is well known for its ease of propagation.
• Take the cuttings from healthy growing stems and plants during the growing season.
• The obtained cuttings can be placed both in the water and soil for further growth and development.
• Growers can also grow this plant permanently in the water.
• Fill a clear container or jar with the contaminant-free and good quality water. The use of tap water is not a good approach as it may contain impurities. However, if tap water of a certain area is good enough, it can be used for growing the plants.
• Leave space of about one inch near the mouth of the jar or container.
• Allow the water to settle overnight as it favors the chlorine evaporation and chances of damage to the newly obtained cuttings can be reduced.
• Take 5-8 inches long cutting from disease-free, and vigorously growing plants.
• Cut the stems immediately below the nodes with the help of sharp gardening clippers, knives, scissors, or shears.
• Remove all the leaves on the stems and only allow two nodes to stay on the stem.
• Place the leafless cutting having nodes in the water.
• Keep the container in the bright but indirect light to support maximum growth and development.
• Replace the water regularly after the three days to avoid the buildup of toxic materials and pathogenic populations.
• Root growth will be evident within 10-21 days of placing cuttings in the water.
• Growers can plant these cutting in the potting mix or soil or can also support the growth in water-filled containers.

Air Layering Philodendron Brandtianum

• Select a healthy growing stem and carefully place a cut of 1-1.5 inches immediately below the nodes.
• Prepare sphagnum moss or the contaminant-free organic and carefully wrap this around the cuttings.
• Secure the moss in its place by using first-aid tape or plastic wrap.
• The appearance of roots will be evident after 3-4 weeks of performing the above-mentioned practice.
• The cutting is ready for planting in the water containers, and potting mix, or soil.

Philodendron Brandtianum Potting and Repotting. 

This plant is ideal for growing in terrestrial pots, terrariums, and hanging baskets. So growers can select any container according to their preferences and growing requirements. Repotting is required if this plant is cramped and crowded at its place or in the container. Small-sized pots and containers cannot support the larger growth of roots and stems and the growth is stopped at a specific point. The plant must be repotted at this point to assure better growth and development. Usually, this plant requires repotting in two to three years. It is important to note that the health and length of the plant can be greatly improved by keeping its roots loose. In this way, roots can get more oxygen, moisture, and nutrients and support the vigorous growth of philodendron brandtianum.

Philodendron Brandtianum Common Problems and How to Manage

Bringing newer plants in the homes may pose serious contamination threats and insect pest attacks. Purchasing the plants from reliable stores is helpful to get good results. Disinfecting the new plants with alcohol-dipped swabs and washing with soap-based solutions is a good choice to get rid of pests and disease spread. However, the growing plants are always prone to insects and diseases as any mismanagement and fluctuation make plants more susceptible.

• Leaf Drooping

Leaf drooping in the philodendron brandtianum is caused due to various biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the common reason for drooping includes excessive watering, over-fertilization, downy mildew, and mealybugs. Growers can easily avoid the problem by maintaining the right growing conditions and keeping a good eye on plant health.

• Brown Leaves

Philodendron brandtianum requires appropriate watering for healthier growth. Both overirrigation and under irrigation can cause a significant problem for its growth and development. This plant requires more moisture and humidity than the other plants, but mismanaged watering may cause the browning of leaves. Water the plant thoroughly until there is an emergence of water from the drainage holes. Wait for the drying of the soil before scheduling the next watering. Although this plant needs more water, it is not capable of surviving in overly wet and soggy soil.

• Tip Curling

This problem is caused by overfertilization, and this problem can be greatly avoided by adjusting the fertilizer application according to the requirements of growing plants. Thoroughly watering the plant in the clean sink or under the shower is also a good approach to remove excessive fertilizer. Repotting is also a recommended practice to avoid the adverse effects of the excessively applied slow-released fertilizer.

• Leaf Spots

This problem occurs when there is an appearance of reddish-brown colored larger spots with irregular shapes, and yellow centers. Growers can avoid this problem by the timely removal of damaged leaves and avoiding overwatering. Drain the excessive water in the tray and saucer because it is also a major reason for leaf spots and root rotting.

• Root Rotting

Excessive soil moisture and overwatering the plant cause fungal and bacterial infections and root rotting. Growers can easily avoid the problem by adjusting the watering schedules and early detecting and treating the fungal and bacterial attacks and diseases. The plants growing in the excessively wet soil are deprived of oxygen and are not able to breathe appropriately. Thus, the functioning of roots for nutrient absorption, and metabolic activities is reduced, and the growth of plants is stunted. The use of well-drained soils improves the aeration, and drainage and helps to minimize the chances of root rotting.

• The appearance of V-Shaped Yellow Areas

The appearance of V-shaped yellowish areas on the leaves is most common in cool greenhouses. This problem is associated with magnesium deficiency and can be easily avoided by the right management and control of the fertilization practices. Application of one teaspoon or calculated amount of magnesium sulfate per one gallon of good quality water is helpful to avoid V-shaped yellow leaf areas. Magnesium sulfate is easily available in fertilizer shops and gardening stores.

• Cold Damage

Cold injuries on this plant cause appearance of dark green and brown blotches between the veins of the leaves. Growers can avoid cold injuries by the maintenance of the right growing environment according to its requirements. Management of the outdoor environment is a difficult task, but they can always protect the plants by moving the containers or pots indoors. Indoor temperature monitoring devices are easily available in the markets and their use helps to improve the sustainability of indoor growing.

• Bacterial Blight

It is caused by the Erwinia caratovora PV. carotovora E. chrysanthemi causes the development of dark green and small spots on the leaves. These spots rapidly spread and expand to the petioles and cause collapsing of leaves in a wet rot that produces a foul smell. This problem can be easily avoided by minimizing the overhead watering. Immediate removal of infected leaves is greatly recommended to avoid further spread of the problem. Careful watering with detailed monitoring is also helpful to protect leaf surfaces and petioles from wetting.

• Bacterial Leaf Spot

It causes the appearance of translucent spots on the margins of leaves that becomes reddish-brown having yellowish halos. The size of these spots is also increased with time and they become more irregular shaped, and tan. It is caused by the Xanthomonas campestris PV. Dieffenbachia and the problem can be avoided by avoiding the overhead watering. Removal of infected leaves and purchasing the plants from reliable sources help to minimize the chances of this disease.

• Spider Mites

Philodendron brandtianum is commonly infested by spider mites and their populations can be seen on leaf borders and axils. Their presence is evident after watering and plant disturbances. Wipe the leaves with soap-based formulations or alcohol-dipped cotton swabs.

• Mealybugs

These insects survive well in the warmer areas and are commonly found on almost all houseplants. Their heavy infestation causes stunted growth and death of Philodendron brandtianum. These are soft-bodied and tiny insects and are surrounded by the white, fuzzy stuff on the leaf nodes and stems. These insects are very dangerous for the plants as they feed on the sap and thus photosynthetic capacity, and metabolic activities of plants are reduced.

• Scales

Scales can be identified by the presence of lumps on their stems. Numerous bugs attacks these plants and the grower may confuse the presence of certain insects with different names. Light infestation of scales can be easily treated by using neem oil and water sprays. The application of horticultural oils helps control the pests but does not completely kill the pest populations. Introduction of ladybugs and other predators for biological control is also the best way to get rid of scales and other insect pests.

• Aphids

Aphids feed on this plant by eating their leaves and can be identified by the presence of brown and black leaf areas. Their populations can be controlled by using dish detergents, Ivory liquids, neem oil, and insecticidal soaps. Detergents and soaps that do not contain additives and perfumes are more effective against aphids. Also, check the lower sides of the leaves because pests also infest these parts.

FAQs

Is the Philodendron Brandtianum a toxic plant?

This plant contains certain toxic compounds and can cause swelling, vomiting, breathing difficulties, and skin irritation. Swallowing its leaves and foliage may also cause mouth burning and irritation. It contains higher levels of calcium oxalate crystals, so its toxic and allergic nature is attributed to the presence of this compound. Growers must avoid the contact of this plant with pets and children to avoid serious problems.

How to support the Philodendron Brandtianum?

This is a well-known houseplant and can be easily trained for climbing. It has aerial roots, and its climbing growth can be supported by using different kinds of the trellis. Provision of damp and rough support is more helpful than the latticework and stakes. Many experienced gardeners and researchers have reported that sphagnum moss poles are greatly helpful for supporting this plant. Growers can easily make moss stuffed poles at home by rolling up hardware cloth to make a cylinder. The use of copper mesh is the best choice because it has rust-proof properties. Tie this wire with the cylinder sides and stuff it with the good quality wet sphagnum moss. There is no need to fill the parts that will be below the soil.

Growers can also make the covered pole by using PVC pipe. Tape a specific piece of copper wire or finishing line with the one end of the pole and wrap some sphagnum moss pieces around this pipe. Tightly secure the moss in its place by securely winding the copper wire. Insert the good support in the central point. Plant Philodendron brandtianum around this pole and tie this pole to some veins by using gardening tape or twine. Frequently mist the sphagnum moss to keep it moist for efficient functioning.

Is this plant rare or abundantly available?

This is a rare plant and is not available at all gardening stores and shops. Many shops and gardening stores are not selling locally because of their adaptation and survival in specific climatic conditions.

What growers can do to revive the infected philodendron brandtianum?

As a general rule, the infected plants must be isolated from the other plants and the same gardening tools should never be used for healthy and infected plants. Cut the yellow and brown leaves with clean shears and scissors and wash these cutting tools soon after use. The plants from the extreme yellowing, dead stems, and leaf falling can be saved by using the dry plants’ resuscitation process. Place the infected plant in the basin or sink and fill it with water. Again, it is important to note that water quality is a major concern and only clean water should be used for this purpose.

Let the plant stay in water for a few hours so that it can absorb the maximum water. Drastic pot submersion is also helpful for this purpose. Cut the brown and yellowish leaves and supply liquid fertilizer to help a plant grow in a better way. Moistening of potting soil instead of wetting is also essentially helpful in this perspective. Carefully monitor the plants for the next few weeks and adjust the care and management practices according to their needs.