Even though the name Philodendron Atabapoense seems to be somewhat difficult, it is not that difficult to grow this easy-going plant. It is a unique variety with beautiful foliage also known as Strapleaf Philodendron. It is a climbing plant with dual-colored foliage which is a rare combination.
The shape of each leaf is like a small arrow, pointing in different directions. The leaves are green in color however, when turned upside down you will notice deep maroon red.
Matured leaves have sharper edges than the younger ones. This tropical plant requires some special attention to stay healthy and thrive. In this post, find out everything you need to know while caring for a Philodendron Atabapoense.
Caring Tips for a Philodendron Atabapoense
To grow this variety of Philodendron without any issues you need to provide the plant with everything that it gets in its natural environment. Here are some caring tips you should go through before getting an Atabapoense for your indoor space.
Light
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Place near a north-facing window or filtered east/west window.
- Supplement with grow lights if natural light is insufficient.
Watering
- Check soil moisture with a moisture meter or by inserting your finger.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Soil
- Use a potting mix specifically designed for aroids.
- Add perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir to improve drainage.
- Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes rootbound.
Temperature
- Avoid cold drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Consider using a humidifier or pebble tray to increase humidity.
Humidity
- Use a humidifier.
- Group your plants together to create a humid microclimate.
- Place a pebble tray filled with water under the plant.
Lighting
In rainforests which is the natural habitat of Philodendrons, this plant is found basking beneath the leaves of towering trees. So, you can understand the amount of light it needs when grown in any indoor space.
A Philodendron Atabapoense prefers indirect bright light like its cousins. So, it is better to keep this plant away from south-facing windows. 6 to 8 hours of filtered bright light can be best for the plant. Always avoid direct scorching sunlight as it can cause severe damage to the leaves. So, adjust the lighting accordingly.
The Solution
- Too much light can fade away the vibrant green color of the leaves.
- On the other hand, too little light can cause wilting or yellowing of the leaves.
Potting and Soil
Soil Mix
Using well-draining aerated soil is a must when growing Philodendrons. A good potting mix contains a balance of ingredients like perlite, peat moss, and bark. These ingredients create air pockets in the soil and thus, help to drain away excess water completely. This prevents waterlogging and root rot.
Repotting
Repotting a Philodendron every 1 to 2 years can make it happy and healthy. For repotting get a new pot which is larger than the current one. Gently remove the Atabapoense from the old pot and place it in the new, bigger pot with fresh soil.
Make sure you do not damage the delicate roots while transferring the plant. With the use of the right soil mix and proper watering, you can easily establish happy, healthy roots. Here is some additional information on the best pot that you might find helpful: Best Pots for Growing Healthy Philodendrons: Upgrade It Now!
Hydrating Your Philodendron
Watering an Atabapoense properly is crucial for its success. However, extremes can make the plant unhealthy and stressed out. Both over-watering and under-watering a Philodendron cause different issues.
So, always water an ababpoense after checking the moisture level of the soil. Only water the plant if the top 2 inches of the soil dries out completely. Use filtered room-temperature water when watering the plant. Using tap water is not good for Philodendron as it may contain harmful chemicals.
Signs of over-watering and under-watering
- The Brown and crispy edges of the leaves indicate that your Philodendron is under-watered. So, increase water frequency in this situation.
- Wilting or yellowing of leaves is a sign of over-watering. So, cut back on water frequency whenever you notice these signs.
Temperature and Humidity
Ideal Temperature
A philodendron Atabapoense also loves a warm and humid environment, unlike its native rainforests. So the ideal temperature of the place where it is grown should range between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Frequent fluctuation in temperature and extreme temperature is not good for a Philodendron. So, avoid exposing the plant to heating vents, cold drafts, and air conditioners.
Use a humidifier to increase the humidity level if you are in any cold dry place to provide that extra moisture that the plant needs.
Maintaining Humidity
The humidity level should always be 60 to 80 % around an Atabapoense. You can also create humidity by using a pebble tray, a humidifier, or by keeping the plant with other humidity-loving plants. You can use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels.
Feeding and Fertilizing
Regular fertilization during the growing season of an Atabapoense can be beneficial for the plant. Feeding the plant during summer and spring can promote healthy growth as it is the growing months of a Philodendron.
Always use balanced and diluted fertilizers and avoid fertilizers with high nitrogen content. Over-fertilizing should always be avoided as it can lead to fertilizer burn causing brown or yellow tips on the leaves. In this, situation use plenty of water and flush the soil to remove excess fertilizer salts.
Following a proper feeding routine is also very important, especially during the active growth period of the plant. Feed your Philodendron Atabapoense every 2 to 3 months during spring and summer.
Reduce or withhold fertilizer completely during the winter months as the growth slows down during the cold winter months and thus, feeding is not very necessary during that time.
Tip
Remember, less is always more when it comes to feeding a Philodendron.
Conclusion
You can easily turn your indoor space into a lush tropical haven by following the tips and tricks shared above. By providing the perfect climbing conditions and mastering the art of watering you can easily make an Atabapoense flourish.
With a little care and attention, a Strapleaf Philodendron can add a touch of rainforests indoors.
