Philodendron subhastatum

Natural range and habitat of Philodendron subhastatum

Philodendron subhastatum comes from Colombia and Ecuador. It grows in wet to very wet forest along the Pacific slope and adjacent lowlands, using tree trunks as climbing support.

Growing Philodendron subhastatum

• Climbing support: Keep the stem close to a pole, plank or moss pole so the climbing roots can make contact as new nodes develop.
• Light: Give it bright indirect light and make sure the lower part of the climbing stem is not left in deep shade.
• Watering: Water when the top layer has started to dry while there is still some moisture deeper in the pot. Do not leave the roots waterlogged, and do not let the whole root ball dry out completely between waterings.
• Potting mix: Use a loose aroid mix that holds some moisture, with enough coarse material to keep air around the roots.
• Temperature and humidity: Temperatures near 18–29 °C are suitable; use a warmer position during sustained periods below 15 °C. Use 50–60% as the normal humidity range.
• Feeding: During fresh leaf and stem development, apply complete fertiliser at a restrained rate; then ease off during a growth pause.
• Repotting: Repot Philodendron subhastatum when root space becomes tight or the pot no longer holds the plant and its support securely. Use only a modest increase in pot size and make sure the support remains firmly anchored.
• Propagation: Use a stem section with a healthy node. Keep it warm and humid until it has rooted well enough to pot.

Leaf edges, yellowing and mite damage

• Leaf edges turn brown and crispy: Review recent watering, room dryness and feeding. If the pot has been drying hard between waterings, shorten that dry interval; if hot, dry air is the obvious factor, move the plant away from it. Our brown leaf tips guide covers fertiliser-salt build-up and the other common causes.
• Several leaves turn yellow: Check the substrate before changing the watering routine. If it remains wet for many days, improve drainage and inspect the roots if the plant continues to decline.
• Fine pale speckling appears on the leaves: Examine the lower leaf surfaces in bright light. Moving mites or fine webbing confirm the cause. Isolate the plant, wash both leaf surfaces, then apply a houseplant spider-mite treatment exactly as its label directs, including any repeat applications.

Philodendron subhastatum 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.

The meaning and history of Philodendron subhastatum

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” The epithet subhastatum means somewhat spear-shaped, referring to the shape of the leaf base.

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

Kurt Krause first described Philodendron subhastatum in 1913 in Das Pflanzenreich, IV, 23Dc, page 97.