Philodendron Birkin, luxury foliage
Philodendron 'Birkin' is a natural hybrid belonging to the Araceae family. The variety originated with a collector who distributed it by offering cuttings to his acquaintances. Thanks to his generosity, the variegated foliage plant has spread around the world. Although it remains rare, Philo Birkin is now available in many stores.
How to recognize Philodendron 'Birkin'?
Philodendron 'Birkin' is a compact, upright plant. It grows to between 50 and 80 centimetres in height. Unlike Philodendron verrucosum, it doesn't climb and doesn't need a stake to grow.
Its thick, three-centimetre stem almost disappears beneath the sheathing leaves.
Rigid petioles support fleshy, glossy, heart-shaped leaves. Broad at the base and pointed at the apex, they can reach 15 cm in length and 13 cm in width. The evergreen foliage is appreciated for its patterns. The dark green blades are streaked with light lines. Pale green or white, they follow the veins.
Like other Araceae, Philodendron 'Birkin' is toxic. It contains calcium crystals, a dangerous substance if touched or ingested. Keep the plant away from pets and young children. Remember to wear gloves when gardening.
Our maintenance tips
Birkin' Philodendrons enjoy part shade, regular watering and high humidity. If you have several, group them together to improve humidity!
Watering
Birkin' Philodendrons appreciate moderate, regular watering. Between two applications of water, leave the potting soil to dry out by two or three centimetres. Check this simply by touching the soil.
Always use water at room temperature to avoid thermal shock, which can damage the roots.
Be sure to remove any standing water in the saucer or planter.
Spray
Brumisez le feuillage avec une eau non calcaire améliore l'hygrométrie et lutte contre les attaques de nuisibles.
Repotting
Every spring, repot your Philodendron erubescens 'Birkin' to give it more space.
Obtain a pierced pot one size larger than the previous one. Line the bottom with clay balls or pebbles to promote drainage.
Pour in a layer of potting soil for green plants. Would you like to grow your Philodendron 'Birkin as a climber? Plant your stake. You can choose a model covered with sphagnum moss or coconut fibres, for example.
Plant your Philodendron 'Birkin and add some substrate. You can encourage your plant to cling to the stake by gently tying its stems to the post with wire. Water generously to encourage rooting.
If your indoor air is dry, place the pot on a dish filled with moist clay balls. This improves humidity.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Philodendron erubescens 'Birkin', apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
To stimulate the growth of your Philodendron erubescens 'Birkin', use a liquid fertilizer for green plants.
Cleaning
Leaves can collect dust. If you choose to clean them, dust them gently with a clean, damp cloth.
Prune
You don't have to prune your Philodendron 'Birkin. However, if the plant becomes too imposing, you can shorten the vines to control its dimensions.
Cut just above a node to encourage branching. Use a clean, sharp tool, such as scissors or pruning shears.
The plant is toxic. Wear gloves to protect yourself from its sap and avoid skin irritation.
The plant is toxic. Wear gloves to protect yourself from its sap and avoid skin irritation.
Pinch
Pinch your Philodendron erubescens 'Birkin' during its growing season.
Birkin' Philodendrons are not plants to be pruned. If yours grows beyond the size of your living room, you can pinch off the end of the stem. The plant will stop growing vertically and produce new leaves at the base.
Don't forget that sap and leaves can cause irritation! Remember to wear gloves when handling your plant.
Don't forget that sap and leaves can cause irritation! Remember to wear gloves when handling your plant.
Cutting
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Locate a stem with leaves and aerial roots. Using clean pruning shears, cut a section about fifteen centimetres long. Cut two centimetres below a node.
Remove the limbs at the base of the stem. Keep only the two terminal leaves.
Pour potting soil for green plants into a drilled pot. Make a pilot hole with a pen or pick. Plant your cutting in the center
Press lightly to remove air bubbles and water with room-temperature water to encourage rooting.
Place your cutting in a bright spot, but away from direct sunlight.
Diseases / Threats
Information
Family | Araceae - Araceae |
Type | Philodendron - Philodendron |
Species | Philodendron erubescens - Philodendron erubescens |
Lifecycle | Perennial |
Foliage | Evergreen |
Exposure | |
Substrat | |
Planting methods |
In pots In tubs |
Categories | |
Tags |
Beginner Fritillary Toxic |
Origin |
South America |
Hardiness (USDA) | 11b |
Leaf color |
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