Philodendron hastatum, the silver sword
Philodendron hastatum
- Exposure
- Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Araceae
- Genus
- Philodendron
- Species
- Philodendron hastatum
Other names:Philodendron elongatum, Philodendron disparile, Philodendron hastifolium, Philodendron simsii, Philodendron silver sword
The Silver Sword Philodendron (in Latin Philodendron hastatum) hides in the forests of southern Brazil. Although this member of the Araceae family has virtually disappeared from its natural habitat, its multiplication by professionals and collectors has created a whole army of them.
How to recognize Philodendron hastatum?
Philodendron hastatum is a perennial climber. In the wild, its vines can grow up to two meters high. In pots and indoors, they are smaller than those of Philodendron erubescens. They measure between 40 centimetres and one metre.
The plant uses its wide, brown aerial roots to cling to trees or its stake. They grow on green stems, two to three centimetres in diameter.
The stems also support long petioles (some over 40 centimetres!). At the end, brandished like shields, the leaves unfurl. The young leaf blades are lance-shaped. It's only after a few months that they take on their definitive appearance, that of an arrow with two distinct lobes. The color of the foliage also evolves over time. Leaves are born silvery. As they age, they take on a blue-green hue.
Philodendron hastatum is grown for its decorative foliage. The plant rarely flowers indoors. In the wild, its flowers resemble those of other Araceae: a cream or pale green spathe surrounding a lighter spadix.
Philodendron Silver Sword is dangerous to animals. Its sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, a toxic substance if ingested. It can cause digestive system and heart rhythm disorders. Cats are particularly sensitive. The plant can also be irritating if it comes into contact with skin and mucous membranes. Remember to wear gloves when pruning and repotting.
Our care tips
Philodendron hastatum They are not difficult to care for. Regular watering, a little humidity, and a spot in partial shade will allow them to thrive.
Watering
Water your Philodendron hastatum when the potting soil has dried on the surface, for at least three centimetres.
Supply the plant with non-calcareous water at room temperature. Rainwater is best. If you don't have any, you can filter mains water or leave it to stand for 24 hours.
After watering, check the saucer or planter. If stagnant water appears, empty it. It could rot the roots.
Misting
Philodendron hastatum love humidity. Spray their foliage to increase humidity and combat pest invasion.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Philodendron hastatum to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Philodendron hastatum likes to be cramped. Re-pot only when the roots begin to emerge from the pot.
In a pierced terracotta pot, pour a layer of clay balls. Add a mixture of houseplant potting soil and perlite.
Clean the root ball of your Philodendron hastatum by removing the remains of the previous substrate. Place your specimen in the center of the pot and cover with potting soil. To allow the roots to breathe, pack gently as you go along.
Philodendron hastatum if you like stakes for hanging, don't hesitate to supply one.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Apply liquid fertilizer for green plants when watering.
Cleaning
The dust that accumulates on the leaves prevents photosynthesis. To ensure that your Philodendron hastatum takes full advantage of the light, clean its foliage with a clean, damp cloth. Then wipe with a soft cloth.
Prune
You don't have to prune your Philodendron hastatum. 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 hastatum during its growing season.
Philodendron hastatum These are not plants that are pruned. If your plant grows larger than your living room, you can pinch off the tip of the stem. The plant will stop growing upward and produce new leaves at its base.
Remember that the sap and leaves can cause irritation! Be sure to wear gloves when handling your plant.
Remember that the sap and leaves can cause irritation! Be sure to wear gloves when handling your plant.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Locate a healthy stem with at least three internodes. Cut it under one eye using a clean, sharp instrument. Remove the leaves at the base.
Place your cutting in a glass filled with water at room temperature. Make sure the nodes are fully submerged; they are where the roots will grow.
Place the glass in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight. Change the water regularly to keep it clear until roots appear.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposure
- Half-shade
- Substrates
- Clay soilHumus soilSandy soil
- Planting method
- In pots
- Categories
- ClimberHerbaceous
- Tags
- BeginnerCold-sensitiveToxic
- Origin
- South America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Leaf colors
- BlueSilverGreen-gray
- Flower colors
- Pale greenCream
Discover plants from the same family
Philodendron 'Silver Queen
Philodendron hastatum 'Silver Queen'
Philodendron Brasil
Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil'
Philodendron Lemon Lime
Philodendron hederaceum 'Lemon Lime'
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
