Philodendron 'Silver Queen', a touch of silver in your interior
Philodendron 'Silver Queen' does not grow in the tropical forests of South America. This cultivar with its giant leaves and metallic sheen is obtained from Philodendron hastatum.
How to recognize Philodendron 'Silver Queen'?
Philodendron 'Silver Queen' is a climbing perennial. It grows to around three meters in height, with a one-meter spread.
The cylindrical, green stem bears both petiolate leaves and aerial roots. These help the plant cling to its support and capture ambient humidity.
The matte leaves have an almost chalky appearance. Strong veins stand out against the silvery-green surface. Blades are born heart-shaped. They then take on their sagittate shape. Mature leaves measure up to 40 centimetres long and 20 centimetres wide.
Philodendron 'Silver Queen' is grown mainly for its decorative foliage. Flowering is similar to that of other Araceae: a cream or pale green spathe surrounding a yellow or greenish spadix.
The sap present in the foliage and stem contains calcium oxalate crystals. This substance is toxic if ingested. It can also provoke allergic reactions if it comes into contact with the skin. It's best to keep your plant away from pets and young children. And be sure to wear gloves when repotting or pruning.
Our maintenance tips
Philodendron 'Silver Queen are not difficult to care for. Regular watering, a little moisture and a location in partial shade will enable them to flourish.
Watering
Water your Philodendron 'Silver Queen 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.
Spray
Philodendron 'Silver Queen love humidity. Spray their foliage to increase humidity and combat pest invasion.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Philodendron hastatum 'Silver Queen' to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Philodendron 'Silver Queen 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 'Silver Queen' 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 'Silver Queen 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 'Silver Queen 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 'Silver Queen. 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 'Silver Queen' during its growing season.
Philodendron 'Silver Queen 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 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 you submerge the knots, which will form the roots.
Place in a bright spot away from direct sunlight. Change the water regularly to keep it clear until the roots appear.
Diseases / Threats
Information
Family | Araceae - Araceae |
Type | Philodendron - Philodendron |
Species | Philodendron hastatum - Philodendron hastatum |
Lifecycle | Perennial |
Foliage | Evergreen |
Exposure | |
Substrats | |
Planting method |
In pots |
Categories | |
Tags |
Beginner Fritillary Toxic |
Origin |
South America |
Hardiness (USDA) | 11b |
Leaf color |
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Flower colors |
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