Philodendron 'White Wizard' in pot

Green and white foliage Philodendron 'White wWizard

Philodendron 'White Wizard', rare and magical foliage

For Yu-Gi-Oh! Card collectors, the white magician is a common item, held in duplicate or even triplicate. But for plant lovers, Philodendron 'White Wizard' is a rare species. This hybrid, derived from Philodendron erubescens, owes its name to its white variegated green leaves.

How to recognize Philodendron 'White Wizard'?

Philodendron 'White Wizard' can reach over two meters in height, even in pots and indoors. It is a perennial with a climbing or creeping habit. It can be grown on a stake or as a hanging plant.

Like the foliage, the green stems are variegated with white. The leaves are stiff and oval, with tapering apices. Light green, they have white spots and variegations. Some leaf blades are even half or completely white!

You've adopted a green and white philodendron and you're not sure whether it's a 'White Wizard', a 'White Princess' or a 'White Knight'. The easiest way to tell the three apart is by looking at the stems. The stems of Philodendron 'White Wizard' are green and white only. Are they tinged with red or pink? You're looking at either Philodendron 'White Princess or Philodendron 'White Knight. With the former, only the stem edge is pink or red. With the latter, the whole stem is coloured.

Whichever variety you choose, you'll need to keep it out of reach of your dog, cat or rabbit. Philodendrons are toxic plants. They can cause stomach upsets when ingested, and irritation if they come into contact with skin and mucous membranes.

Our maintenance tips

Philodendron 'White Wizard enjoy part shade, regular watering and high humidity. If you have several, group them together to improve humidity!

Watering

Philodendron 'White Wizard 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 ‘White Wizard’ 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 'White Wizard as a climber? Plant your stake. You can choose a model covered with sphagnum moss or coconut fibres, for example.

Plant your Philodendron 'White Wizard 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 ‘White Wizard’, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

To stimulate the growth of your Philodendron erubescens ‘White Wizard’, 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 'White Wizard. 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.

Pinch

Pinch your Philodendron erubescens ‘White Wizard’ during its growing season.

Philodendron 'White Wizard 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.

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

Aphids

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Araceae - Araceae
Type	Philodendron - Philodendron
Species	Philodendron erubescens - Philodendron erubescens
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting methods	In pots In tubs
Categories	Climber Interior Herbaceous
Tags	Beginner Fritillary Toxic
Origin	South America
Hardiness (USDA)	11b
Leaf color