22 Incredible Philodendron Atabapoense Care Tips You Should Know

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Introduction

Philodendron Atabapoense is a tropical and easy-to-care-for plant that will spruce up any indoor garden. This houseplant is well-loved in the community of plant collectors because of its distinctive appearance and feel.

In this post, we’re sharing the most essential tips and tricks you’ll need to know to successfully raise a Philodendron Atabapoense!

A few affordable choices are available if you wish to purchase one yourself. Learn more about this Philodendron’s intriguing characteristics by reading on.

What Is Philodendron Atabapoense?

The Philodendron Atabapoense is known to some as Atabapoense Philodendron, Atabapoense, and P. Atabapoense. It is a tropical plant made famous for its dual-colored foliage.

This perennial belongs to the Araceae family. Its deep green, heart-shaped leaves and maroon undersides love humidity when grown indoors.

If you are in hardiness zones 9b-11, you have the option to raise your Philodendron Atabapoense outdoors.

Origin And Family

Atabapoense Philodendron belongs to the Philodendron genus in the Araceae family. Natively, it’s from the rainforests of Venezuela and Brazil.

First identified in 1975 by G.S Bunting, this tropical plant has gained popularity among indoor growers in recent years.

Many plant growers confuse Atabapoense with Philodendron Billietiae because of the considerable resemblance between their leaves. However, if you look closer, the leaves of Philodendron Atabapoense have burgundy undersides, whereas Billietiae has green (or slightly rose-colored) undersides. In addition, the leaves of a mature Billietiae point downwards while Philodendron Atabapoense’s don’t.

Where To Buy

Philodendron Atabapoense cuttings and full-grown plants may be purchased online and in a local nursery if you prefer. In our opinion, Etsy is a safe bet.

The high prices for a Philodendron Atabapoense are typically between $50 for small rooted cuttings and $100+ for larger ones.

Philodendron Atabapoense Plant Size

On average, the Philodendron Atabapoense grows up to 30 inches tall and 3 inches in indoor spaces. It usually springs up fast, especially when positioned near an east or west-facing window.

With well-established and robust root systems and as a climbing plant, this species of Philodendron can reach a height of up to 8 feet. As a climber, this plant can reward you with beautiful growth when provided with vertical support. You can use either a sphagnum moss pole or a bamboo stick to allow it to reach its full growth potential.

Philodendron Atabapoense Care Needs

Philodendron Atabapoenses are humidity-loving plants that need relatively dry soil throughout the year. During the summertime, water your indoor plant when the top two inches of the earth are dry. Keep pouring until water flows out of the drainage hole. Be sure to empty the catch plate to avoid root rot.

Check out this more detailed guide to care for your Philodendron Atabapoense!

Care Difficulty

In terms of care difficulty, the Atabapoense is easy-to-care-for. These plants need a lot of sunshine and well-draining soil to thrive.

Growth Rate

As a houseplant, the P. Atabapoense reaches a mature height of 30 inches. In the spring and summer, plants grow more quickly and densely.

Most Philodendron species, including the Atabapoense, flourish quickly when given the proper care.

Philodendron Atabapoense May vs. Now
Successful rehab if I do say so myself pic.twitter.com/HkAgvergLP

— Plant Hoe🪴🍑 (@mardensgarden) July 26, 2021

Potting

In general, Philodendron plants demand a container with good drainage. A medium-sized plastic, terracotta, or clay pot is recommended for your Atabapoense Philodendron plants.

One of the primary killers of houseplants is lack of drainage, which leads to root rot. Your pot should have openings on the bottom so that water may flow out.

Repotting

As your Philodendron Atabapoense plants develop, you should consider moving them to a larger pot when the soil has become compacted. The fast development of your plant necessitates repotting every two to three years.

When repotting, use a fresh batch of soil for your Philodendron so its roots will have more nutrients to absorb.

Soil

Atabapoense grows well in standard commercial potting soil. Perlite, peat moss, vermiculite, and orchid bark may also be used to build your own potting mix. This plant likes its soil to stay relatively dry.

Additionally, adequate drainage is critical to avoid fungal diseases, root rot, and other issues.

These are some soil options we recommend:

pH

A soil pH of roughly 6.0-7.3 (neutral to acidic) is ideal for P. Atabapoense. An inexpensive pH meter may help you determine whether or not your soil is too acidic.

You may use sulfur or aluminum sulfate to reduce pH. The pH may be raised by baking soda, calcitic or dolomitic lime, or wood ash.

Water

Your Atabapoense Philodendron will want the soil to stay relatively dry in between watering schedules. Feel out the dirt with your finger and check when the top two inches of the mix are dry. If this is the case, thoroughly drench your plant until water seeps out from the bottom of the pot.

The most prevalent cause of plant mortality indoors is overwatering. When in doubt, it’s usually preferable to underwater than overwater Atabapoense Philodendron. Use well-draining soil and a pot with good drainage to make sure that your plant’s roots aren’t getting drowned.

Avoid putting your Philodendron Atabapoense in direct sunlight, as this could severely damage or even kill it.

Light

Philodendron Atabapoense prefers bright indirect light for approximately 6-8 hours daily. Keep in mind that you’re attempting to replicate how it grows in the rainforests of Venezuela and Brazil. In most cases, placing this plant near an east or west-facing window works fine.

When its leaves lose their color, you’ll know your Philodendron Atabapoense is getting too much light. Conversely, if its stems become leggy, the plant needs more light.

Fertilizer

Many indoor growers believe that water and brilliant indirect light are adequate sources of nutrients for their plants and so do not fertilize them. Indeed, soil nutrients are equally as critical to your plant’s health.

Feed your plant every three months throughout the spring and summer months. Your Atabapoense will benefit from a slow-release fertilizer. First, dilute the fertilizer if you’re using a stronger one.

In the colder or winter months, you don’t need to fertilize.

Propagating Philodendron Atabapoense

You may propagate a Philodendron Atabapoense in a variety of methods. To increase your chances of success, make sure you follow instructions for each technique.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

Stem cuttings may be planted in the ground to propagate your Atabapoense Philodendron. It is advisable to propagate this plant during its growing season in the early spring to early summer months.

Stem Cuttings In Water

The following are essential steps in water-propagating your Atabapoense:

1. Cut. Look for a healthy section of your plant with at least one node. Trim it off using clean shears.

2. Submerge. Let your cutting sit in a water-filled transparent container. To avoid rot, make sure no leaves are immersed.

3. Maintain. While waiting for roots to grow, keep your cutting in a well-lit, well-ventilated area.

4. Refill. Refill the container when it’s empty or dirty. The plant nodes should be constantly exposed to water to produce roots,

5. Transplant. After 2-3 weeks, check to see if your cutting has enough roots to be planted in the soil.

Air Layering Technique

Air layering is a method that stimulates root growth before the chosen section is detached from the mother plant. It significantly increases the chances of success to adjust to its new substrate and grow into a healthy plant.

To air-layer your P. Atabapoense, follow these steps:

1. Choose a healthy section. Decide where you’d want to cut the stem, and make sure it has at least one node.

2. Wrap the stem. Using cling wrap, wrap the chosen node with a damp sphagnum peat moss (or coco coir or perlite) layer.

3. Wait for roots. Observe once a week if there’s any sign of root growth. Moisten the substrate if it starts to dry up.

4. Cut and plant. Once you are happy with the length of the new roots, you can make a cut slightly below the wrapped node. After the area has been cleaned with hydrogen peroxide or cinnamon powder, wait a few hours before applying a bandage. You can then plant this now-rooted cutting into the soil.

Division Technique

The division technique is a propagation method typically used for plants that have pups shooting out from the roots.

You can divide the stem clusters of your P. Atabapoense by following these steps:

1. Dig up. Take the plant out of its container. The plant’s natural divisions should be clearly visible.

2. Separate. With your fingers, gently separate the sections apart. Cutting entangled roots with shears may be necessary.

3. Repot. Plant each section in new pots filled with the same soil they’re used to.

Philodendron Atabapoense is such a gorgeous plant and I can’t wait for it to really start taking off! I just potted her up! pic.twitter.com/QSduJCX6jI

— 1 2 buckle my shoe (@kimonotimbs) April 8, 2021

Humidity And Aeration

Your Philodendron Atabapoense needs high humidity between 65%-70% for rich-colored leaves and lush growth.

If you’re concerned about the humidity or if you see browning edges on your plant leaves, you may purchase a humidifier and place it near your plants. This addition will make a big difference for your Atabapoense’s health.

Temperature

Like most Philodendron plants, your P. Atabapoense will do best in a warm location. Keep the temperature between 55-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Houseplants can be sensitive to drastic shifts in temperature, so make sure you keep your P. Atabapoense away from heat sources such as vents, hand dryers, furnaces, and other appliances. In the same way, don’t expose your plant to freezing temperatures, chilly drafts, and frost spells during the winter.

Flowers

You may be able to see some blossoms if you nurture your plant in the most acceptable circumstances and make it as content as possible. However, you must know that most plants generally bloom in an outdoor environment.

This tropical plant rarely blooms indoors, and when it does, it produces purplish-brown spathes on the inside and green on the outside.

Toxic

Calcium oxalate crystals found in the Atabapoense are harmful to both people and pets (including cats and dogs). Consuming the chemical may cause swelling of the tongue and throat, pain, and irritation of the mouth and throat. Keep it away from kids and pets. In most cases, this plant is regarded to be non-lethal.

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

In most situations, the Philodendron Atabapoense is a disease-resistant and pest-resistant plant. It may be harmed, though, by a few well-known problems. To keep your Philodendron Atabapoense happy and healthy, here are some of the most common ailments and solutions.

Fungus Gnats

The eggs of fungus gnats are laid in the soil. In a matter of days, these eggs will hatch into hundreds of larvae that will attach themselves to the roots and slowly drain the nutrients from your Atabapoense Philodendron.

To spot fungus gnats, look for grayish-black insects lethargically flying around the edge of the pot or crawling on the soil. Plants infested with these bugs will exhibit symptoms similar to root rot, such as yellowing and dropping leaves, stunted and slow growth, and wilting.

If you observe these gnats, reduce your watering schedules to dry the eggs and larvae, and extend the time between waterings by a few days.

If the problem persists, mix one cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with four cups of water and pour the solution on the soil.

White Flies

Whiteflies, which are soft-bodied winged insects, may be drawn to the Atabapoense Philodendron. While adult whiteflies are usually harmless, they will lay eggs that hatch into larvae to feed on your plant’s leaves.

Some insecticides can kill whiteflies at all phases of development, but choose one that is safe to spray indoors. Insecticidal soap, neem oil, and horticultural oil are excellent organic options. Here are some options we recommend:

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are white, fuzzy insects that suck the nutrients from plants and are basically the botanical equivalent of head lice on humans. These pests can stunt plant growth or even kill your P. Atabapoense.

To send these nasty crawlers packing, you can directly spray them with neem oil (but remember to dilute it in water first). Another option is to take a cotton ball, soak it in Isopropyl alcohol, and rub it over the leaves and stem.

If you have several houseplants, you may need to quarantine your infected P. Atabapoense until there are no more signs of mealybugs.

Drooping Leaves

A wilting, droopy appearance on your Philodendron Atabapoense indicates distress. Possible causes of drooping leaves are overwatering, underwatering, excessive light exposure, lack of light, and low humidity.

Root Rot

A common cause of mortality for P. Atabapoense is root rot. Soil that is too compact will become water-logged and eventually rot your plant’s roots. Because this disease is difficult to stop, prevention is the best course of action.

The simplest way to prevent root rot is to reduce the amount and frequency that you water your Philodendron. Before giving your plant a drink, always check to see if the first 3 inches of the soil are dry. If not, your plant can most probably wait a little longer!

In terms of potting material, porosity is a property that allows air to pass through and dry the soil while also allowing excess moisture to escape. Porous pots can be clay, baked terracotta, ceramic (unglazed), or concrete. Make sure you choose one that has drainage holes at the bottom!

#NewWeekNewLeaf on the #Philodendronatabapoense. I’m loving that jade-colored new leaf and that gorgeous burgundy underleaf. Happy Monday everyone! pic.twitter.com/B2uRYdO24s

— terrapod (@terrapod_sg) June 21, 2021

Similar Plants

Philodendron Pedatum: This multi-lobed beauty is great for interior decor and will provide a splash of color to any indoor garden with its simple plant care routine.

Philodendron Pastazanum: Also known as “My Pasta” on social media, this plant has lovely vein patterns. A focal point creates each deep fissure, which dramatically stretches throughout the leaf.

Philodendron Mayoi is a versatile accent plant that may be used in many contexts. It will appeal to both novices and experts because it requires little care to no upkeep.

Philodendron Mamei: This Philodendron will brighten up your environment as a beautiful potted plant. It also requires little upkeep, so you may enjoy the plant’s beauty without much effort.

Conclusion

Fan of tropical plants? The Philodendron Atabapoense, with its dual-colored foliage, is a lovely plant to add to any plant lover’s collection.

Whether you’re new to indoor gardening or a seasoned pro interested in learning more about the Philodendron Atabapoense, we hope this guide has provided helpful information.

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