Philodendron Painted Lady Care

This Philodendron plant enjoys moisture, similar to its rainforest relative Philodendron erubescens. Water it only when the top layer of soil is dry. Ensure excess water drains away before placing it back in the saucer. It can withstand humidity levels between 40-70%, but 60-70% is best. Brown tips on the leaves indicate low humidity. Use a pebble tray with water under the pot or a small humidifier to increase humidity. In winter, wait until the soil almost dries out completely before watering.

The Philodendron Painted Lady can be pruned to encourage bushier growth in the spring by cutting back stems above the node. However, it is not necessary except for removing dead or damaged parts. Wear gloves and use sterilized scissors to protect yourself from the toxic sap.

To promote foliage growth in your Philodendron, use a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20 or one with higher nitrogen content. Use slow-release granules in spring, summer, and early fall or liquid fertilizer once a month in the growing season. Dilute the liquid fertilizer to half its recommended strength and apply it around the pot's perimeter or 6 inches (15 cm) from the crown. Don't overdo it, though; a moderate amount of fertilizer is enough.

Philodendron erubescens 'Painted Lady' thrives in bright but indirect sunlight. However, direct sunlight should be avoided as it may burn the foliage. These plants should be exposed to the morning or evening sun for about 3 hours a day. In their natural habitat, they grow under the shade of big trees, so it's best to keep them under shade on the patio or indoors. Excessive light can cause the plant's leaves to lose their color and get sunburned. Low light can cause slow growth, smaller leaves, and legginess as the plant tries to reach for the light.

Your Painted Lady's soil should resemble the soil found on the rainforest floor, which is loose and spongy with plenty of rotting organic matter. The best pH level for your plant is mildly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.1 to 7.3. You can use 100% peat moss or a commercial soil mix like an aroid or African Violet soil. Either way, make sure the soil stays damp but never soaked to avoid root rot.

Propagation is easy by stem cutting or air layering. Take 5-inch stem (12 cm) cuttings with at least one node and some leaves, put them in water or a moist growing medium, and keep them in a warm and humid place out of direct sunlight. For air layering, wrap damp sphagnum moss around a node and cover it with plastic wrap. Roots should grow in a few weeks, and then they can be planted out.

In the rainforest, the plant thrives in temperatures just below 86ºF (30ºC) during the day and around 70ºF (21ºC) at night, all year round. Your Painted Lady, on the other hand, can tolerate temperatures between 65 to 80ºF (18 to 27ºC). However, it's important to keep the plant away from temperatures under 55ºF (12ºC) as it has little tolerance for cold weather.

When choosing a pot for your Philodendron, you have a few options. A glazed ceramic pot or a plastic pot is a great choice, as they retain moisture well. Alternatively, you could opt for a hanging basket. Regardless of your choice, make sure that the pot is only 1 to 2 inches (2-5 cm) larger in diameter than the root ball of your plant. This will ensure that your Philodendron has enough room to grow without being overwhelmed by too much soil.

This plant is not just beautiful; it's also a natural air purifier that can filter formaldehyde from indoor air. So, not only does it look great in your home, but it can also help to improve your indoor air quality.