Silver Sword Philodendron

Best Soil for Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum

Being a tropical native, this plant likes its growing medium to have a lot of water retention capacity alongside drainage. Substrates such as coco coir, orchid bark, or perlite are great soil additions to add to a soil mix high in organic matter. In addition, this plant likes many nutrients to provide energy for trailing, so incorporating high nutrient additives such as earthworm castings, compost, or well-composted manure to potting soil is very much appreciated by this Philodendron. 

Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum Fertilizer

This plant will appreciate a monthly feeding in spring and summer to promote lush trailing foliar growth. In fall and winter, reduce feeding to every eight weeks. Use a general liquid fertilizer indicated for houseplants and follow all label instructions. 

Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum Watering

It is best to water your Philodendron about once a week during the warm season of spring and summer, depending upon the environment your Silver Sword lives in. Ensure that the top one to two inches of soil are dry before rewatering. In winter, the watering frequency may be decreased. Do not let your Silver Sword rest in standing water as it’s prone to root rot.

Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum Light Requirements

This Philodendron loves lots of indirect sunlight. An east-facing window with lots of natural sunlight would suit the Silver Sword quite well. However, be careful not to place your plant in too much direct sunlight as this will cause leaf scorching or dulling of the foliage. 

Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum Temperature & Humidity

Silver Sword thrives in warm temperatures between 65 to 80F. Humidity that is over 50% is optimal for this plant. While growing in normal home conditions is fine, investing in a pebble tray or humidifier will encourage quick growth.

Repotting Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum

This fast-growing Philodendron Hastatum enjoys being repotted once every two years to allow the root system room to stretch and stay healthy. When selecting a new container, ensure that it is one to two inches larger and has ample drainage holes. Place your Silver Sword Philodendron in the middle of your new pot and surround with a well-aerated potting mix. Lightly tamp the soil around the roots while filling the container. Water thoroughly and place in indirect light.

Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum Maintenance & Pruning

The Silver Sword Philodendron does not require pruning. However, if you want to make the plant look more compact and bushier, you may prune the plant back by cutting above the leaf node with pruning shears during spring or fall. Discolored leaves may be trimmed away year-round.

Propagating Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum

Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum may be easily propagated through stem cuttings. To obtain a stem cutting, simply trim off a healthy stem with several nodes and place it in either water or directly into moist soil high in organic matter. If placing your root cutting into water, be sure not to submerge any leaves – removing all but the top couple of leaves is fine. Please note that it is imperative that you wear gloves and wash your hands after handling the Silver Sword Philodendron, as it contains compounds that may irritate the skin. 

Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum Toxicity

Philodendron Hastatum is toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. Keep out of reach of children and household pets. Never ingest this plant and wash hands after coming into contact with this plant.

Toxicity to Humans

This plant is considered toxic to humans and may cause various symptoms, including vomiting, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and seizures. Therefore, the Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum should never be consumed. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling this plant, as it may irritate the skin. 

Toxicity to Cats & Dogs

This plant is considered highly toxic to pets and should never be ingested. Contact your veterinarian or animal poison control if you suspect your pet has ingested this plant.

Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum Problems

Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum Leaves Turning Yellow

When leaves of Philodendron Hastatum turn yellow, it is typically an indicator that the plant is receiving too much sunlight. Alternatively, your plant may not be receiving enough light (also usually indicated by brown tips) or may not be receiving enough humidity. However, it is normal for a few yellow leaves to appear here and there. Still, large numbers of yellow leaves appearing at once is likely an indicator of something wrong. 

Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum Leaves Turning Brown

Brown leaf tips along with discoloration for the Silver Sword Philodendron is typically an indicator of not receiving adequate light. However, browning may also occur due to leaf burn from too much direct sunlight.

Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum Diseases

The Philodendron Hastatum is considered disease resistant and a wonderful plant for beginners. Still, this plant may suffer from fungal issues related to overwatering. 

Silver Sword Philodendron Hastatum Pests

The Silver Sword Philodendron is considered pest resistant. However, it is still possible to have an infestation from aphids, mealybugs, scale, or spider mites. Upon recognition of infestation, isolate the plant and treat it with a pesticide such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.

FAQ

Why Is My Silver Philodendron Leaves Curling?

Leaves curl on the Silver Sword Philodendron due to its moisture level being too dry. To remedy this, mist your Philodendron regularly or provide it a humidifier to ensure it has the correct humidity.

How Big Do Silver Swords Get?

Silver Sword Philodendrons can grow to be up to 100 feet tall in their natural environment, but when grown as a houseplant, the plant can grow upwards of 10 feet tall.

When Should I Water My Philodendron Silver Sword?