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Complete Care Guideline for Philodendron Crassinervium

Philodendron Crassinervium is a tropical plant with a unique appearance, making it an indoor gardener’s top choice.

In this thorough care guide, we’re diving into the how’s, why’s, and when’s of everything your Philodendron Crassinervium needs to stay healthy.

If you are a Philodendron lover who wants to add less popular plants to your collection, read on to know where you can buy this Philodendron, along with its exciting attributes and common pitfalls to avoid.

What Is Philodendron Crassinervium?

Philodendron Crassinervium is a perennial from the Araceae family that is also known as Arum Lanceolatum, Philodendron Lanceolatum, and P. Crassinervium. Some enthusiasts believe it’s also a synonym for Philodendron Alternans, but there are different opinions on whether they are the same species.

It is a Philodendron that will grow best in hardiness zones 10-12.

This peculiar tropical plant has lance-shaped dark green leaves with a large vein in the middle of each leaf blade. Equally unique is its name, which comes from the Latin words “Crassus,” which means “Plump,” and “Nervium,” meaning “Nerve.”

Place Philodendron Crassinervium near a window facing east or west for it to grow its narrow leaves.

Origin And Family

The Arum Lanceolatum comes from the Philodendron genus, which belongs to the family Araceae. This plant is originally from and is believed to still be endemic in the forests of Southeastern Brazil. It has newly become a popular houseplant that is typically easy to care for.

First described and published to science in 1837 by English botanist John Lindley, this tropical plant with its leaves resembling a long lance makes a great addition to any indoor grower’s collection.

Where To Buy

Philodendron Crassinervium plants are fairly expensive, ranging between $60 for long leaf cuttings and $85 for 6″ pots with multiple growth points.

If you’re aiming to get a deal on a Philodendron Crassinervium, check out Etsy, which has a few of the best options in the plant-growing space, although they run out fast! They have a wide variety of plants that are likely to satisfy you.

Philodendron Crassinervium Plant Size

The Philodendron Crassinervium as a houseplant reaches a height of 12-18 inches, with a leaf spread of 6-10 inches. This plant typically grows slowly. Keep it near an east or west-facing window for optimum plant development.

Philodendron Crassinervium Care Needs

Your Philodendron Crassinervium will flourish when it’s properly taken care of. This plant likes to grow in relatively dry soil and bright indirect light.

You’ll want to water your Philodendron in most situations when the soil’s top 2-3 inches are dry. Heavily drench the soil until water seeps out from the pot’s bottom. As a plant that enjoys humidity, it will be in its best health when abundantly provided with this requirement.

With the detailed list of suggestions below, we’re making it easier for you to care for your Philodendron Crassinervium.

Care Difficulty

In terms of care difficulty, the Philodendron Lanceolatum is easy-to-care-for. You need to significantly consider the well-draining soil and the amount of light for this beauty.

Growth Rate

The P. Crassinervium grows to a mature height of 12-18 inches as a houseplant. Typically, you will notice faster and bushier growth in the spring and summer.

The majority of Philodendron species, including the Crassinervium, grow at a slow rate.

Potting

Philodendron plants, in general, prefer a pot with good drainage. A medium-sized terracotta, plastic, or clay pot works fine. Its epipetric nature and aerial roots enable it to climb, so you can support this climbing growth habit with a moss pole and other structures.

No matter how you want to showcase this beautiful plant, always remember that drainage holes are extremely important to keep excess water from drowning the roots of your Arum Lanceolatum.

Repotting

It’s crucial to repot your Philodendron Crassinervium when you see roots peeking out of the drainage holes. Based on experience, this plant grows relatively slowly, so expect to repot every two years.

While repotting, you can give your Philodendron a nutrient boost by adding standard commercial potting soil to replace the old material.

Soil

The Philodendron Lanceolatum does best in regular commercial potting soil. This plant’s roots prefer a relatively dry environment, so make sure you choose components with suitable moisture-retention properties for your soil. Use peat, perlite, and orchid bark to create a soil mix of your own.

Efficient drainage can prevent root rot and other diseases. Chunky and gritty materials added to your soil will improve aeration.

Here are some excellent substrate options for your plant:

Photo Title Price Buy
Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting...image Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, Grows beautiful Houseplants, 6 qt. (2 Pack) $13.42 ($0.03 / Ounce)
Burpee, 9 Quarts...image Burpee, 9 Quarts | Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil Mix Food Ideal for Container Garden-Vegetable, Flower & Herb Use for Indoor Outdoor Plant $12.99 ($0.04 / Ounce)
Sun Gro Horticulture...image Sun Gro Horticulture 8-Quart Black Gold 1310102 Purpose Potting Soil With Control, Brown/A $14.96 ($0.06 / Fl Oz)
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix,...image Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, Potting Soil for Outdoor and Indoor Plants, Enriched with Plant Food, 2 cu. ft. $34.65
FoxFarm Ocean Forest...image FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Mix Indoor Outdoor for Garden and Plants | Plant Fertilizer | 12 Quarts | The Hydroponic City Stake $23.99 ($0.06 / Fl Oz)

pH

Your soil should be between 5.5-5.6 (or neutral to acidic) in terms of pH. Using standard commercial potting soil should not be much of a concern as this medium’s pH level is usually within the ideal range.

If you are concerned that the pH is excessively high for your P. Crassinervium, you can lower it with additives that contain sulfur or aluminum sulfate.

When the pH is too low, you can increase it using calcitic lime, dolomitic lime, wood ash, or baking soda.

Try measuring the soil pH to see if you need to adjust your growing medium.

Water

Proper watering is a crucial factor for houseplants. When done excessively, you might invite diseases such as fungal infections and root rot. On the other hand, too little and the plants might end up with browning, undernourished leaves. For optimal health, Arum Lanceolatum generally prefers relatively dry soil.

One way to examine moisture is to simply stick your finger in the pot. When the top 2-3 inches of your soil are dry, you’ll know it’s time to give your plant a drink.

Drainage holes and aerated soil are imperative for Arum Lanceolatum. Rule of thumb: Do not let your plant sit in the water for an extended period.

Light

From its natural habitat, this plant is used to receive bright indirect light. In an indoor setting, 6-8 are the recommended hours of exposure for your Philodendron Crassinervium.

When the light is too bright for your plant’s liking, its leaves will get sunburned. Move your plant away from the window, or use curtains and blinds to filter the light.

On the other hand, if your Crassinervium is not getting as much light as it needs, it may droop and pale in color. When that happens, you can move your plant closer to a window. You can also supplement it with grow lights. We recommend the following artificial lighting products:

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

Fertilizer

The Philodendron Lanceolatum’s growing season is in the spring and summer. Fertilize your plant using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during this seas.

During colder seasons, when this plant’s development naturally slows, you only need to fertilize once every two months.

Propagating Philodendron Crassinervium

It is possible to propagate an Arum Lanceolatum with the right methods. Here are different techniques for propagating this tropical houseplant.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

Cutting and planting is the most practical way to propagate an Arum Lanceolatum. Seeds are occasionally available but might be challenging to find and start. The best time to reproduce your plant is during late spring to early summer.

1. Cut. Look for a healthy section of the stem with fresh growth and at least one node. Cut this part using clean gardening shears.

2. Plant. Plant the cutting directly into sterile soil.

3. Maintain. Maintain a moist soil and an air temperature of around 70°F.

4. Cover. Surround your plant with a plastic bag to trap humidity and encourage faster rooting.

5. Rotate. Rotate the pot from time to time for even growth on all sides.

Stem Cuttings In Water

Water propagation is another simple method to root your Philodendron Lanceolatum cuttings. Here are steps you can follow:

1. Cut. Harvest a healthy cutting, then remove the leaves from the bottom stem.

2. Submerge. Leave the graft in a glass of water and let it sit. Ensure that there are no leaves below the water level to avoid root rot.

3. Maintain. Keep your graft in an area with bright, indirect light and good air circulation. You can keep a humidifier nearby to boost the plant’s health.

4. Refill. When the water turns murky, it’s to replace it. Keep the nodes submerged for swift root growth.

5. Transplant. When the roots are long enough, plant your cutting into clean, well-aerated soil. To help the roots adjust, make sure to keep them moist.

Air Layering Technique

Air layering, or marcotting, is a propagation method for rare and expensive plants or sensitive varieties. This procedure reduces the loss of lower leaves, typical in fresh cuttings that are actively growing roots.

Follow these steps to air layer your P. Crassinervium:

1. Identify the cutting. Look for a healthy section of the plant with at least two nodes for better chances of success.

2. Wrap the stem. Cover the chosen portion of the stem with sphagnum peat moss or coco coir, making sure the nodes are wrapped all the way around.

3. Secure the covering. Enclose with a cling wrap to keep the peat moss or coco coir in place. You may also use twist ties to keep it in place but be careful not to tighten them too much.

4. Regulate moisture. Keep the layer of moss or coir damp at all times. If there’s excessive moisture flowing out, poke holes into the cling wrap to allow airflow.

5. Transplant after 3-5 weeks. Once you notice any aerial roots growing through the moss, remove the cling wrap. Detach the propagated section from the mother plant and transfer your new plant into the soil.

Division

The division is a propagation procedure typically utilized for plants with pups shooting out from the roots.

Divide the stem clusters of your P. Crassinervium by following these procedures:

1. Dig up. Take the plant from its container and find where its natural divisions are.

2. Separate. Use your fingers to gently separate the sections apart. If necessary, use shears to cut any entangled roots.

3. Repot. Each section should be planted in new pots filled with the same soil they’re used to.

Humidity And Aeration

Philodendron Crassinervium is a rare plant that loves high humidity. Keep the humidity level between 50%-60% at all times.

A simple hygrometer can be used to check the air moisture level in your Philodendron Crassinervium’s area. If the reading is too low, here are some methods you can follow to improve the humidity:

• Moisture is released from their leaves through the process of transpiration, so they’ll benefit from each other if you keep houseplants closely together.

• Set a flat tray of pebbles and water underneath your plant’s pot. The water will evaporate and provide some nourishment to the plant.

• Purchase a humidifier for your plants. This will constantly release steam and raise the humidity in a room.

Temperature

Like most Philodendron plants, your P. Crassinervium will do best in a warm location. Keep the temperature between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Houseplants can be sensitive to drastic temperature shifts, so ensure you keep your P. Crassinervium away from any source of heat such as vents, furnaces, hand dryers, and other appliances. Moreover, don’t expose your plant to chilly drafts and frost spells during the winter months.

Toxic

Keep an eye out if you have children or animals. The Philodendron Lanceolatum contains high levels of calcium oxalate crystals, which are dangerous to pets, such as cats and dogs. If consumed, you can expect these symptoms: swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat, pain, and some vomiting or diarrhea. Skin irritation can also occur. In most cases, this plant is deemed non-life-threatening.

Toxic To Pets? Care Specifics
Botanical Name Philodendron Crassinervium
Common Name Arum Lanceolatum, Philodendron Lanceolatum, P. Crassinervium
Plant Family Araceae
Origin Southeastern Brazil
Plant Type perennial
Leaf Shape lanceolate
Leaf Color dark green
Recommended Home Placement near an east or west-facing window
Growth Rate slow
Light bright indirect light
Soil standard commercial potting soil
When To Water Water When the soil’s top 2-3 inches are dry.
When To Fertilize once a month during growing season
Preferred pH 5.5-5.6
Humidity Range 50%-60%
Toxic To Pets? Yes – symptoms include swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat, pain, and some vomiting or diarrhea
Common Pests & Diseases spider mites, brown tips, yellow leabes, root rot, aphids, mealy bugs, drooping leaves

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

The Philodendron Crassinervium is a plant resistant to several bugs, issues, and diseases. Read on to know more about the common problems for the Philodendron Crassinervium and some tips and tricks for treating them.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are an unwelcome but predominant problem on houseplants, particularly in P. Crassinervium. Initially, spider mite damage will appear as little brown or yellow dots on your plant’s leaves. You might notice thin, sticky webs crawling with red bugs when a severe infestation occurs.

To get rid of the spider mites, begin by thoroughly washing off every nook and cranny of your P. Crassinervium. You should do it outdoors or in a tub or sink. If that doesn’t do the trick, you can suffocate spider mites with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil.

If there are other plants in your home, you might need to quarantine your sick plants while you’re controlling the spider mite population.

Aphids

Aphids are usually found as a clump of bugs on your Philodendron Lanceolatum. To the naked eye, they could be white, green, black, red, brown, yellow, or orange. They multiply significantly fast and can weaken your plant within days!

Aphids are especially attracted to new shoots, flower buds, and areas of fresh growth. They will leave unsightly black and white dots as they feed on the sap.

As soon as you spot these icky crawlers, isolate your infected plant from the others immediately. Give your plant a vigorous spray of water to remove the aphids, but make sure to cover the soil with plastic first to catch any falling bugs and their eggs. Discard the plastic somewhere far from your garden.

Using a spray of neem oil, horticultural oil, or insecticidal soap can take care of the problem. Still, you have to repeat this several times until you’re sure that the aphid population has been completely eradicated.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs can potentially infest your P. Crassinervium. They leave a white powdery film and secrete honeydew, which creates black sooty mold on the leaves. Infested plants will have yellow dropping leaves.

To remove adult mealies, use a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol. Upon contact, they usually die and turn orange. Next, spray the rest of the leaves with diluted alcohol.

The so-called root mealies will bury themselves and target the plant’s roots. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth powder on the topsoil in between waterings to dehydrate them. In addition, you can put in a few drops of hydrogen peroxide when you water.

Brown Leaf Tips

Browning edges on the leaves of your Arum Lanceolatum can be caused by many factors. Possible reasons are:

Excessive exposure to bright light.

Lack of humidity.

Fertilizer burn.

Salt and mineral build-up coming from chemically-treated tap water.

Drooping Leaves

If you notice drooping leaves on your Philodendron Crassinervium, it might be dehydrated or require more moisture in the air. Your plant’s leaves will usually remain fresh and perky for a more extended period if you keep a humidifier nearby.

Another cause of downward-curling leaves is overexposure to bright light. In this instance, you can simply move your plant away from the nearest source of light and heat.

Yellow Leaves

Several components can cause the leaves of a Philodendron Lanceolatum to turn yellow. One is that it’s not getting enough sunlight, or it could also be that the plant is watered excessively or not watered enough.

Yellow leaves should be removed to stimulate new growth and avoid the spread of deterioration. They can also be unattractive and concerning to look at. Simply snip the leaves off with a sharp, sterile pair of shears.

Root Rot

Root rot in P. Crassinervium is often caused by too much water. Excessive moisture will drown your plant or invite fungal diseases that destroy the roots.

Knowing the right amount of hydration will keep your Philodendron healthy. Instead of limiting the amount of water you pour on your plant out of fear that the roots will drown, you can use soil that will drain and dry fast. Use your regular potting soil and mix in some chunky but light components such as coco cubes, perlite, pumice, bark, coal, river sand, and many others.

Of course, you must also ensure your planter has holes for the water to drain. Choosing porous pots made from terracotta or unglazed ceramic can help dry the soil faster.

Similar Plants

Love Arum Lanceolatum? Here are a few other similar plant options you should try:

Philodendron Jungle Boogie: When you have a name as fun as Jungle Boogie’s, it’s sort of expected that you’re unique and attractive, which is absolutely true for this exotic plant. The long, narrow, and serrated leaves of Jungle Boogie are definitely worth the hype.

Philodendron Goeldii: Such a unique name for another unique plant, Goeldii is also known as the Fun Bun (of the bunch). Watch as this beauty grows its dramatic spiraling stems and have fun caring for this peculiar plant.

Philodendron Painted Lady: A favorite of plant collectors, this lady has a distinctive appearance and feel. Each leaf shape has a particular “design” that makes it demure-looking and looks as if it’s been painted by hand, hence the name. It deserves the center spot in botanical gardens.

Philodendron Rio: This plant’s pointy and dense foliage makes it a favorite amongst plant lovers. It has that fragile and quiet vibe, but surprisingly, this plant is incredibly easy to care for and can thrive under many different conditions.

Conclusion

With its unique foliage, Philodendron Crassinervium is a fascinating ornamental plant that looks stunning indoors. Follow our care instructions so you’ll have no trouble growing this plant!

Have you got an Arum Lanceolatum? We want to see it! Please submit photos to [email protected] so we can share them on our blog.

Help us grow! This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something recommended. All opinions, however, are our own, and we do not accept payments for positive reviews.

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