Philodendron Silver Sword Grow and Care Guide

The Philodendron Hastatum also known as silver sword is a most beautiful and statement piece for any home or office. It is a gorgeous climbing philodendron known for its pale, silvery green color and arrow-shaped leaves.  The Philodendron Silver Sword comes from the Araceae Family and Perennial Type. Here we are going to learn about the Philodendron Silver Sword Grow and Care Guide.

Description

When the plant becomes mature, its leaves of the plants become more big and elongated and tri-lobed. When the plants climbed on the wall it provided a tropical look to any place. The mature size of the plant is 10-15 ft. tall (indoors), 20-30 ft. tall (outdoors); 2 ft. wide (indoors), and 2-6 ft. side (outdoors).

The Philodendron Silver Sword belongs to rainforests of South America. As the plant is easy to care for, it become popular as indoor plants in present era. As Philodendron Silver Sword is Poisonous to the pet and human so, plant owner should taken care of that.

Philodendron Silver Sword Grow and Care Guide

The Philodendron Silver Sword grows under the big trees in its natural habitats in South America’s tropical rainforests. If you grow the plant indoors then some care or maintenance of the plant is  required.

Light

The light requirement for Philodendron Silver Sword is plenty of bright, indirect light. You need to choose a spot which gets the bright indirect sunlight. Means Sunny window is a appropriate place for the plant. But direct exposure of the sunlight is really harmful for the plant, it can cause the sun burn to the leaves. In the same time low light can also cause the lackluster-looking leaves and leggy, stunted growth.

Soil

Philodendron Silver Sword likes the soil which can drain well but keep the moisture and airy too. You can also used the soil mix available in the market or can use the garden soil mixed with perlite, and orchid bark mix for a chunky. Soil rich in organic element preferred by the plant.

Water

Philodendron Silver Sword plant like moisture especially in spring and summer season. The soil in Philodendron Silver Sword plant should stay moist, but not soggy. But overwatering in the Philodendron Silver Sword can cause the root rot. So, to prevent overwatering, watering should be done when the top soil become dry slightly. And always allow the excess water to drain from the soil.

Temperature and Humidity

As the plant belongs to rainforest Philodendron Silver Sword prefers the warm temperatures and medium to high humidity. Normal household temperatures are usually ideal, fluctuation is temperature is not appreciated  by the plant. The philodendron silver sword can grow in average household humidity levels too, but it  become dry slightly and it slow the growth of the plant. If you wanted to encourage the healthy growth of the plant humidity near the plant should be maintained. You can  put a humidifier near the plant it will help the plant growth. you can grow through the Humidity Guide and Lighting guide.

Fertilizer

In active growing period which is summer and spring regular fertilization of Philodendron Silver Sword should be done. Fertilizing of the plant should be stopped in the season of autumn and winter which is the dormancy period of the plant. You can also go through the Fertilizing Guide.

Propagating Philodendron Silver Sword

Like all other tropical plants, Philodendron Silver Sword can easily propagated stem cutting. As propagating is a best way to grow(increase the stock) new plants. You can gift this plant to your friends and family or can increase the number of plants in your own garden.

If we compare the propagation of house plant from others then it is comparatively easy. It simply propagate in a couple of weeks. Here is the steps for propagation of Philodendron Silver Sword.

Get a pair of clean scissors which can be used for pruning. Take one or more stem cutting from a mature and healthy plant. Each cutting must have a node along the stem.

There should be more than one node is a stem cutting, single node will be risker as they have the greater failure rate. Remove the leaves from each cutting, ensuring there is no leaf in the bottom of the stem and at least one leaf on the above part.

Fill the glass jar with tap water on room temperature and place the cutting in the water and ensure there is one node below the water and leaves in the stem will sit above the water.

Place the jar on the warm location which receive the medium to bright indirect sun light. Change the water in every week and after two to three week root will start to emerge on the node placed in the water.

When the root become one inch log place the cutting in the pot (Terra-Cotta of Plastic) filled with well drained mixing soil. Keep the soil moist without getting dry till the plant will settle in the soil (approx. till two week).

Now place the pot in the warm and bright location. When the plant completely settle in the new environment, regular watering schedule should be followed.

Pruning

Pruning of Philodendron Silver Sword is not so much required. If there is damaged and dry leaves in the plant then it should be removed.

Potting and Repotting Philodendron Silver Sword

The Philodendron Silver Sword must be repotted once in every one to two years. But you can repot the plant occasionlly when the plant will be out grown from the existing pot.  If roots are growing from the pot’s drainage holes then Repotting of the plant is mandatory. Repotting of Philodendron Silver Sword should be done during the active growing period (i.e. the spring and summer months) not like other plants in dormant season. This plant can technically be repotted at any time of the year if required.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Silver Sword Philodendron are easy to grow and care free plant bur some times it is effected from a few common pests and diseases. Plant should be inspected from the eye time to time. If there are pests like mealybugs, scale, thrips, and fungus, it should be treated immediately. You can use the neem oil or insecticide on affected part of the plant to prevent as much damage as possible.

Common Problems With Philodendron Silver Sword

Philodendron Silver Sword is very easy to care for. As it is a tropical plant, it does require certain conditions in order to grow well manner.

Yellow Leaves

It is common when the leaves become old and dry but it may be problem. Lack of light, underwatering, overwatering, pests, or even too much light can also cause yellow leaves. You need to closely examine the growing environment of Philodendron Silver Sword. Once you know the problem, then it needed to took care according to the requirement.

Brown Spots

Brown spots on a philodendron silver sword are usually a result of fungal infections, a lack of humidity, or leaf burn. If these problems can spreads on more than one leaves then you need to take care of that problems.

FAQs

Conclusion

This is all about the Philodendron Silver Sword Grow and Care Guide. These plants are really beautiful foliage plants belongs to tropical area of Brazil. If you are a new gardener and wanted to add some greenery to your house, office or garden then this plant will be your best choice, as it is easy to care for plant and grow very well even if you neglect the plant. There is a other variety of Philodendron  known as Philodendron Xanadu you can also go with that

Hope it will answer all the questions in your mind and you will enjoy it. All the details written above are the writer’s judgment. Thank you for reading. If you have any queries and suggestions kindly leave a comment.