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Secret Care Guide to Silver Sword Philodendron | Philodendron Hastatum
If you are looking for a houseplant that has stunning foliage and is easy to care for, you might want to consider the silver sword philodendron. This tropical plant has leaves that are shaped like a sword and have a silver sheen that reflects light. The silver sword philodendron can reach up to 6 feet in height and is a vining plant that can be trained to climb on a moss pole or a trellis.
In this article, you will learn how to care for and propagate your silver sword philodendron, as well as how to resolve some common issues that may arise.
Overview of Silver Sword Philodendron (Philodendron Hastatum)
About the Silver Sword Philodendron
The silver sword philodendron, also known as philodendron hastatum, is a member of the aroid family, which includes other popular houseplants such as monstera, anthurium, and pothos. Philodendrons are native to the rainforests of Central and South America, where they grow as epiphytes or terrestrial plants on the forest floor. The name philodendron comes from the Greek words “philo” meaning love and “dendron” meaning tree, indicating their affinity for climbing on trees.
The silver sword philodendron is one of the many varieties of philodendrons that have been cultivated for their ornamental value. It is characterized by its long and narrow leaves that have a metallic silver color on the upper surface and a green color on the lower surface. The leaves can grow up to 12 inches long and 4 inches wide, and are arranged alternately on the stem. The stem is also green and has aerial roots that help the plant attach to supports.
The silver sword philodendron rarely flowers indoors, but when it does, it produces a spathe and spadix inflorescence that is typical of aroids. The spathe is a modified leaf that encloses the spadix, which is a cylindrical structure that bears tiny flowers. The flowers are usually white or cream-colored and have a pleasant fragrance. The flowers are followed by berries that contain seeds, but these are not viable for propagation.
Origins and Habitats of Silver Sword Philodendron
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Silver Sword Philodendron |
| Native Region | Coastal regions of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil |
| First Described by | Heinrich Wilhelm Schott in 1856 |
| Initial Name | Philodendron hastatum (Latin for “spear-shaped”) |
| Reclassified by | Adolf Engler in 1878 |
| Revised Name | Philodendron domesticum |
| Common Usage | Both names (Philodendron hastatum and Philodendron domesticum) were used interchangeably |
| Habitat Conditions | Humid and warm conditions |
| Preferred Light | Bright indirect light filtered by tree canopies |
| Soil Preference | Moist but well-drained soil rich in organic matter |
| Ideal Humidity Levels | High humidity to prevent leaf drying |
| Growth Characteristics | Can reach up to 15 feet in height and spreads over a large area in its native environment in Brazil. |
Understanding The Care Requirements for Silver Sword Philodendron
Basic Plant Care Tips for Philodendron Silver Sword
The silver sword philodendron is relatively easy to care for as long as you provide the right light, water, soil, temperature, and humidity conditions. Here are some basic plant care tips for your philodendron silver sword:
Importance of Light in Silver Sword Philodendron Care
The silver sword philodendron thrives in medium to bright indirect light, but can tolerate low light as well. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch its leaves and cause them to lose their silver color. You can place your plant near a window that receives filtered light or use artificial lights such as fluorescent or LED bulbs.
Watering Approaches for Philodendron Hastatum
The silver sword philodendron likes to be watered regularly, but not too much. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, as overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal infections. Water your plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, and use lukewarm water to avoid shocking its roots. You can also mist your plant occasionally to increase humidity and prevent dust from accumulating on its leaves.
Soil Requirements and Pot Selection
The silver sword philodendron prefers a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. You can use a commercial potting mix designed for aroids or make your own by mixing equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and coco coir. You can also add some compost or worm castings to provide nutrients and improve the soil structure. Make sure your pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Temperature and Humidity Preferences
The silver sword philodendron likes warm temperatures that range from 65°F to 85°F. It can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 50°F, but not for long periods. Avoid exposing your plant to drafts, heaters, or air conditioners that can cause temperature fluctuations and stress your plant. You can also move your plant indoors during the winter if you live in a cold climate.
The silver sword philodendron loves high humidity levels that mimic its tropical origin. You can increase the humidity around your plant by using a humidifier, a pebble tray, or grouping it with other plants. You can also mist your plant regularly or place it in a bathroom or kitchen that has high moisture levels. Avoid placing your plant near vents or fans that can dry out its leaves.
How to Propagate your Silver Sword Philodendron
Steps for successful Silver Sword Philodendron Propagation
The silver sword philodendron is easy to propagate by stem cuttings. You can take cuttings from your plant at any time of the year, but spring and summer are the best seasons for faster growth and rooting. Here are the steps for successful silver sword philodendron propagation:
- Choose a healthy stem that has at least one node and one leaf. A node is the point where a leaf or a branch emerges from the stem. You can use a sharp and sterile knife or scissors to cut the stem just below the node.
- Remove any lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only one or two leaves at the top. This will reduce water loss and encourage rooting.
- Dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone powder or gel to speed up the rooting process and prevent infections. You can skip this step if you don’t have a rooting hormone, but it may take longer for your cutting to root.
- Prepare a small pot with a well-draining soil mix that is moist but not wet. You can use the same soil mix that you use for your parent plant or a lighter mix that contains more perlite or vermiculite.
- Make a hole in the center of the soil with your finger or a pencil and insert the cutting into the hole. Make sure the node is buried in the soil, as this is where the roots will emerge from.
- Gently press the soil around the cutting to secure it and water it lightly. You can also cover the pot with a plastic bag or a dome to create a mini greenhouse that will retain moisture and humidity.
- Place the pot in a warm and bright spot that receives indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can overheat and dry out your cutting. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and mist your cutting daily to maintain humidity.
- Check for roots after 4 to 6 weeks by gently tugging on the cutting. If you feel some resistance, it means that your cutting has rooted. You can also remove the plastic cover or dome and look for roots growing out of the drainage holes.
- Once your cutting has rooted, you can transplant it into a larger pot with fresh soil mix and care for it as you would for your parent plant.
Factors Influencing Philodendron Silver Sword Propagation
The success of your silver sword philodendron propagation depends on several factors, such as:
- The health and vigor of your parent plant: A healthy and mature plant will produce stronger and more viable cuttings than a weak or young plant.
- The size and number of cuttings: Larger cuttings with more leaves and nodes will have more energy and potential to root than smaller cuttings with fewer leaves and nodes. However, too many cuttings may compete for resources and reduce the chances of rooting.
- The time of year: Spring and summer are the best seasons for propagating silver sword philodendron, as they provide optimal temperature, light, and humidity conditions for growth and rooting. Winter is not ideal, as it may slow down or stop the rooting process due to low temperature and light levels.
- The environmental conditions: The silver sword philodendron cuttings need warm, bright, and humid conditions to root successfully. Too much heat, cold, dryness, or darkness may hinder or prevent rooting.
- The use of rooting hormone: Applying a rooting hormone to the cut end of your cutting may speed up the rooting process and increase the chances of success. However, it is not necessary, as silver sword philodendron cuttings can root without it.
You may also want to know how to propagate Philodendron Rugosum and White Princess Philodendron.
Dealing Common Issues with Silver Sword Philodendron Care
Dealing with Yellowing Leaves
One of the most common issues with silver sword philodendron care is yellowing leaves. This can be caused by several factors, such as:
- Underwatering: Underwatering can cause the leaves to turn yellow and droop, as the plant lacks water to maintain its turgor pressure and photosynthesis. You can avoid this by watering your plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, and using lukewarm water to avoid shocking its roots. You can also check the weight of your pot to determine if your plant needs water, as a dry pot will be lighter than a wet one.
- Too much fertilizer: Too much fertilizer can cause the leaves to turn yellow, as the plant absorbs excess salts and minerals that can burn its roots and leaves. You can prevent this by fertilizing your plant sparingly with a balanced liquid fertilizer that is diluted to half strength. You can also flush the soil with water every few months to leach out any accumulated salts and minerals.
- Low light: Low light can cause the leaves to turn yellow and pale, as the plant reduces its chlorophyll production and photosynthesis. You can avoid this by placing your plant in a spot that receives bright indirect light or using artificial lights such as fluorescent or LED bulbs. You can also prune your plant to remove any leggy or weak stems that may be competing for light.
Addressing Browning or Curling leaves
Another common issue with silver sword philodendron care is browning or curling leaves. This can be caused by several factors, such as:
- Low humidity: Low humidity can cause the edges and tips of the leaves to brown and curl, as the plant loses moisture through transpiration. You can increase the humidity around your plant by using a humidifier, a pebble tray, or grouping it with other plants. You can also mist your plant regularly or place it in a bathroom or kitchen that has high moisture levels.
- Too much light: Too much light can cause the leaves to burn and turn brown, especially if they are exposed to direct sunlight. You can avoid this by placing your plant in a spot that receives bright indirect light or using a sheer curtain to filter the light. You can also move your plant away from windows that receive intense sun during the day.
- Nutrient deficiency: Nutrient deficiency can cause the leaves to turn yellow and brown, as the plant lacks essential elements for its growth and health. You can prevent this by fertilizing your plant regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer that is diluted to half strength. You can also use organic fertilizers such as compost or worm castings to enrich the soil and provide nutrients.
- Pests or diseases: Pests or diseases can cause the leaves to turn brown and curl, as they damage the plant tissues and sap its vitality. Some common pests that affect silver sword philodendron are mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and aphids. Some common diseases that affect silver sword philodendron are fungal infections, bacterial infections, and viral infections. You can treat these problems by using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil to spray your plant and remove any infected parts. You can also use fungicides, bactericides, or virucides to treat any fungal, bacterial, or viral infections.
Philodendron Silver Sword vs. Philodendron Hastatum Varieties
Understanding the species: Philodendron Hastatum
Philodendron hastatum is the scientific name of the silver sword philodendron, but it is also used to refer to another variety of philodendron that has different characteristics. Philodendron hastatum is a species of philodendron that has many cultivars and hybrids, each with its own unique features and names. Some of these cultivars and hybrids are:
- Philodendron hastatum ‘Silver Sword’: This is the most common and popular variety of philodendron hastatum, which has long and narrow leaves that have a metallic silver color on the upper surface and a green color on the lower surface.
- Philodendron hastatum ‘Glazou’: This is a rare and sought-after variety of philodendron hastatum, which has large and broad leaves that have a dark green color on the upper surface and a purple color on the lower surface.
- Philodendron hastatum ‘Silver Queen’: This is another rare and sought-after variety of philodendron hastatum, which has large and broad leaves that have a light green color on the upper surface and a silver color on the lower surface.
- Philodendron hastatum ‘Blue’: This is a hybrid of philodendron hastatum and philodendron gloriosum, which has large and heart-shaped leaves that have a blue-green color on both surfaces.
Identification: Silver Sword Philodendron vs Philodendron Hastatum Varieties
The silver sword philodendron and the other varieties of philodendron hastatum can be easily confused with each other, as they share some similarities in appearance and growth habit. However, there are some differences that can help you identify them correctly. Here are some tips to distinguish between silver sword philodendron and other varieties of philodendron hastatum:
- Leaf shape: The silver sword philodendron has long and narrow leaves that are shaped like a sword, while the other varieties of philodendron hastatum have large and broad leaves that are shaped like a heart or an arrow.
- Leaf color: The silver sword philodendron has leaves that have a metallic silver color on the upper surface and a green color on the lower surface, while the other varieties of philodendron hastatum have leaves that have different colors on both surfaces, such as dark green, purple, light green, or blue-green.
- Leaf texture: The silver sword philodendron has leaves that are smooth and glossy, while the other varieties of philodendron hastatum have leaves that are velvety and matte.
Care Tips to Enhance Silver Sword Philodendron Life
Expert Tips for a Thriving Philodendron Silver Sword
The silver sword philodendron is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplant that can add a touch of elegance and exoticism to your home. However, if you want to make your plant look even more stunning and healthy, you can follow these expert tips to enhance your silver sword philodendron care:
- Provide support: The silver sword philodendron is a vining plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall and spread over a large area. You can provide support for your plant by using a moss pole, a trellis, or a wall. This will help your plant grow upright and display its foliage better. You can also prune your plant to control its size and shape.
- Clean the leaves: The silver sword philodendron has leaves that have a silver sheen that reflects light. You can keep this sheen intact by cleaning the leaves regularly with a damp cloth or a soft brush. This will remove any dust or dirt that may dull the color and shine of the leaves. You can also use a mild soap solution or a leaf shine product to enhance the glossiness of the leaves.
- Repot when needed: The silver sword philodendron is a fast-growing plant that can outgrow its pot quickly. You can repot your plant when you notice that the roots are coming out of the drainage holes or the soil is drying out too fast. You can use a pot that is one size larger than the previous one and fill it with fresh soil mix. You can also divide your plant into smaller plants and pot them separately.
- Watch out for toxicity: The silver sword philodendron is a toxic plant that contains calcium oxalate crystals in its leaves and stems. These crystals can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth, throat, and skin if ingested or touched by humans or animals. You should keep your plant away from children and pets and wear gloves when handling or pruning your plant. You should also wash your hands thoroughly after touching your plant.
Lessons from Professional Plant Care: Silver Sword Philodendron
The silver sword philodendron is a popular plant among professional plant care providers, such as florists, landscapers, and interior designers. They use this plant to create stunning arrangements and displays that enhance the beauty and ambiance of any space. Here are some lessons from professional plant care that you can apply to your silver sword philodendron:
- Use contrasting colors: The silver sword philodendron has leaves that have a metallic silver color on the upper surface and a green color on the lower surface. You can use this color contrast to create eye-catching combinations with other plants or objects that have different colors, such as red, yellow, purple, or black. You can also use white or clear pots or containers to highlight the color of the leaves.
- Use different shapes: The silver sword philodendron has leaves that are shaped like a sword, which gives it a sharp and sleek appearance. You can use this shape contrast to create interesting contrasts with other plants or objects that have different shapes, such as round, oval, or curly. You can also use geometric or organic pots or containers to complement or contrast the shape of the leaves.
- Use different textures: The silver sword philodendron has leaves that are smooth and glossy, which gives it a smooth and shiny appearance. You can use this texture contrast to create tactile contrasts with other plants or objects that have different textures, such as rough, fuzzy, or spiky. You can also use textured or patterned pots or containers to add more dimension and interest to your display.
FAQs
Q: What is the silver sword philodendron?
A: The silver sword philodendron, also known as Philodendron hastatum, is a stunning vine plant that belongs to the aroid family.
Q: How do I care for a silver sword philodendron?
A: To care for a silver sword philodendron, you need to provide it with the right amount of light, regular watering, and a suitable pot and soil.
Q: What care tips do you have for silver sword philodendrons?
A: Here are some care tips for silver sword philodendrons: give your plant enough light, water it regularly but allow the soil to dry between waterings, and use a well-draining soil mix.
Q: Can I propagate a silver sword philodendron?
A: Yes, you can propagate a silver sword philodendron through stem cuttings or by dividing the plant.
Q: How often should I water my silver sword philodendron?
A: Silver sword philodendrons require regular watering, but make sure to allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering again.
Q: Is the silver sword philodendron a fast grower?
A: Yes, the silver sword philodendron is known to be a fast grower, especially in the right conditions.
Q: How can I make my silver sword philodendron look bushier?
A: To make your silver sword philodendron look bushier, you can trim the stems and encourage new growth by providing the plant with proper care.
Q: Are there any specific requirements for the lighting of a silver sword philodendron?
A: Silver sword philodendrons prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as it can damage the leaves.
Q: Can the silver sword philodendron be toxic to pets?
A: Yes, like many other philodendrons, the silver sword philodendron contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can be toxic to pets if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets and children.
Q: Where can I buy a silver sword philodendron?
A: You can purchase silver sword philodendrons online or from local plant shops. Make sure to buy from a reputable source to ensure the plant’s quality.
