Philodendron sp. ‘Peltatum’ (‘Pastazanum Silver’)

Background of Philodendron sp. ‘Peltatum’ (‘Pastazanum Silver’)

Philodendron sp. ‘Peltatum’ (‘Pastazanum Silver’) is a cultivated Philodendron whose exact species identity and wild provenance are not documented.

Care for Philodendron sp. ‘Peltatum’ (‘Pastazanum Silver’)

Container and stem position: Use a wide or elongated pot with open substrate ahead of the growing point. Keep the horizontal stem on the surface and let roots enter the mix from the nodes; pin a new node down gently if it needs help making contact.

Watering a wide pot: Let the upper layer begin to dry, then check moisture in more than one place because a long container can dry unevenly. Water established root zones thoroughly and allow excess water to escape.

Substrate: Use a loose, free-draining mix that retains some moisture and provides an even surface for new nodes to root into. Avoid compacted soil and very coarse surfaces that leave new roots suspended above the mix.

Humidity: The broad leaves and fresh surface roots benefit from steady humidity. During dry heating periods, use a humidifier if leaf margins repeatedly crisp even though the rooted sections are evenly moist, and keep air circulating around the low crown.

Light and temperature: Bright indirect light supports compact growth. Keep the plant above 15 °C and away from harsh summer sun, cold draughts and hot radiators.

Feeding and repotting: Feed during active growth. Move into a longer container when the growing point approaches the rim or when the rooted sections have filled the existing pot.

Common problems with Philodendron sp. ‘Peltatum’ (‘Pastazanum Silver’)

• A section of horizontal stem turns soft or dark: Clear wet mix away from the affected area and pause watering. Remove genuinely rotten tissue with a clean tool and reset firm healthy stem on fresh, open substrate. See our root rot guide if decay also involves the roots.
• One end of the plant wilts while the other stays firm: Check moisture at several points along the pot. Water only the rooted sections that are actually dry instead of soaking the whole container again. Our watering guide explains how to judge the root zone rather than follow a fixed schedule.
• Several leaves yellow while the container remains heavy: Let the mix dry further and make sure drainage is clear. If yellowing continues, inspect the roots and rooted stem sections for soft tissue before repotting.
• Pale tan patches appear on exposed leaves: Move the plant out of direct sun or away from hot glass. Keep future growth in bright filtered light and increase exposure gradually.

Philodendron sp. ‘Peltatum’ (‘Pastazanum Silver’) is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

How did Philodendron get its name?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.”

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Philodendron in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.