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Philodendron - Silver

  • Botanical Name: Scindapsus Pictus Argyraeus
  • Origins: Indonesia
  • Light: Low Light
  • Watering: Every 2 to 7 Days
  • Growth Speed: Fast
  • Grower: Novice
  • Style: Table Top, Hanging
  • Home Decor: Casual
  • Variety Code: 287

 
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Product Description - Silver

From the more than 200 species of philodendrons that have been discovered in Central and South America and the Caribbean islands, thousands of hybrids have been developed, providing a great range of leaf sizes and shapes as well as variations in the form of the plants themselves. One plant called philodendron is not a philodendron at all; Split-leaved philodendron is one of the common names for Monstera deliciosa.

Most philodendrons that are grown indoors are vines, but some types, called self-heading, send out their leaves from a heavy clump of growth at their base. In addition, many climbing philodendrons change leaf size drastically, depending on how they are grown. As long as they are allowed to trail along the ground or cascade from a hanging container, they bear moderate-sized leaves, but as soon as they are given a support upon which to climb, the leaves become gigantic, often several times as large as the ones that developed before a support was provided. Most climbing philodendrons for indoor decoration are trained and tied to a slab of bark-covered wood. A number of excellent selections are readily available.

The Burgundy philodendron is an attractive slow-growing variety with 8 to 12 inch leaves that glisten as though polished. The Florida philodendron has 4 to 8 inch shiny leaves that are divided into five widely spaced lobes; the leaf stalks are covered with reddish fuzz, and the undersides of the leaves are brownish red. The Spearhead philodendron has 8 to 12 inch dark green leaves shaped like spearheads. The Velvet-leaved philodendron has 2 to 3 inch heart-shaped leaves; the tops are an iridescent bronze green and the undersides are reddish brown. The Silver Sheen philodendron has 3 to 4 inch heart-shaped silvery green leaves. The most popular member of the genus, the Heart-leaved philodendron, has 2 to 4 inch heart-shaped green leaves; it can grow in plain water. The Fiddle-leaved philodendron, rather slow growing but durable, has dense overlapping 5 to 8 inch leaves shaped like violins. P. radiatum, a handsome vigorous climber, has 4 to 10 inch deeply lobed heart-shaped leaves; young seedlings, however, have leaves with few lobes--a stage of development that confused the plant collectors who first found seedlings of the plant in the jungles of Central America. As a result the plant was called P. dubium--that is, doubtful philodendron. The species has since been given the botanical name P. radiatum.

Among the self-heading philodendrons, three are particularly outstanding. The Cutleaf philodendron is a fine species for large spaces. It eventually forms a short trunk and becomes 3 to 4 feet tall with a 4 to 6 foot spread. Its handsome leaves grow 12 to 18 inches long and 8 to 12 inches wide. Weber's Self-Heading philodendron has 8 to 12 inch smooth-edged oval leaves that are very shiny and leathery. The leaf stalks and the central ribs on the undersides of the leaves are red. Wendland's philodendron has leathery 12 to 18 inch leaves arising from a central point like those of the Bird's Nest fern. Wendland's philodendron is unusual among philodendrons in that it occasionally blossoms indoors. Each of its flowers consists of a single 6 to 8 inch white cupped petal like bract called a spathe that is furled in the manner of a Calla lily; the tiny true flowers are borne on the spike-like center, or spadix, within each spathe.

Plant Care

Philodendrons are among the most popular, tolerant, and durable of all house plants. Most Philodendrons are native to the jungles of tropical America, and as such, prefer the medium light intensity they would have on the jungle floor. They will tolerate low light, but if there is too little light, the new leaves will develop smaller and farther apart on the stem. On the other hand, direct sunlight will burn the foliage and stunt the growth of the plant. Keep the soil evenly moist, but allow it to dry out between waterings. Keep them slightly drier during the winter months when the growth slows. Over watering will cause the leaves to turn yellow and under watering will cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off.

 

Feed your Philodendron in the spring and again in mid summer with a liquid house plant fertilizer. The ideal temperature range is between 75 and 85 degrees during the day and in the 60's at night. They will survive for a short time in temperatures as low as 36 degrees. Philodendrons will tolerate the level of humidity found in most homes, but high humidity promotes lush growth and shiny foliage, so it is a good idea to mist the plant regularly. Wash the leaves regularly to prevent the pores from becoming plugged with dust. Repot overcrowded plants at any season, using packaged general-purpose potting soil. Propagate at any season from stem cuttings, from sections of main stems or by the method known as air layering. They are generally pest free.

2 comments

  • Thursday, 02 May 2013 18:04 | posted by Debbie

    I have my philodendron silver on my island in the kitchen. I water once a week when the top soil feels dry. I've lost about 5 leaves in the month that I've owned it. The leaves continue to curl before water and after. Help. I've moved it to the bath thinking the kitchen window is too bright, other indirect light. I love my plants and hate to lose one. Thanks

  • Saturday, 20 April 2013 15:06 | posted by Nicole

    Are they poisonous to pets? My cat decided to have a snack and ate a couple of leaves.

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