31 Must-Know Philodendron Mamei Tips For Growing

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What Is Philodendron Mamei?

The Philodendron Mamei looks much different than many of its Phildendron cousins. Sometimes called Silver Cloud, Quilted Silver Leaf, and Blotched Philodendron, this crawling plant has dark green and silvery markings on heart-shaped leaves and is best known for its incredible variegation.

As a perennial in the Araceae family, this stunning plant thrives well near an east or west-facing window when grown as a houseplant. It can also be grown outdoors, but you’ll need to live within hardiness zones 9-11.

https://youtu.be/-I902BnsBgQ

In this article, we’re talking through everything you need to know about this Philodendron. From water and light, to humidity and propagation, we have all the details below. 

Origin And Family

The Silver Cloud belongs to the Philodendron genus and the Araceae family, and it comes from the rainforests of Ecuador. In recent years, philodendron Mamei has become a popular indoor plant for indoor growers, thriving in most households with moderate to high humidity.Dr. Thomas B. Croat discovered this rare plant in 1883.

Mamei Pricing

Unfortunately, the Mamei is on the more expensive side, with smaller plants costing around $50, while mature plants can cost $100 or more. Simply because of the price, I would recommend choosing a different plant if you’re just getting the indoor gardening bug. I recommend starting with something like a Pothos or a snake plant for your first go.

Philodendron Mamei Plant Size

This amazing silvery variegated Philodendron grows to be approximately three feet tall. It grows well near an east or west-facing window to accommodate its height, light, and high-humidity requirements.

Philodendron Mamei Care Needs

When properly cared for, your Philodendron Mamei will thrive like any other houseplant. The Quilted Silver Leaf, a plant that thrives in humid conditions, requires a constant water supply.

When the top two inches of soil on your Philodendron feel dry, it’s time to water it. Allow the pot’s drainage hole to dry thoroughly before using it. 

Furthermore, this beautiful plant requires robust yet indirect light to grow.

For more detailed information, see the detailed care instructions that follow.

Care Difficulty

While all tropical plants require some kind of care, the Philodendron Mamei is considered by indoor gardeners to be easy to care for. You can easily maintain this plant with the appropriate balance of elements. The primary growing considerations for the Quilted Silver Leaf are light and soil–– make sure it drains well!

Growth Rate

The growth rate of a Philodendron Mamei is fairly fast. At a mature height, it grows to about 3 feet tall and 18 inches wide. It makes a great accent piece in a living room.

Pruning throughout the growing season might help you control the height of this plant. 

Potting

For potting, it is usually acceptable to utilize a reasonably large container. Plastic, terracotta, and clay pots will all work well. Make sure the pot has openings for drainage. If not, you’ll have to drill your own.

Philodendron Mamei does not like to sit in water and will quickly succumb to root rot.

Repotting

This rare Philodendron is good to stay in the same pot for about a year, maybe two. As your Philodendron Mamei develops, you should consider moving it to a larger vessel on an as-needed basis because this stunning tropical does not like to grow root-bound. As a result of Quilted Silver Leaf’s fast growth, this could happen as often as once a year.

Repotting your Quilted Silver Leaf with a new potting mix can give it a new lease on life and make it feel revitalized.

Soil

A standard commercial potting soil is a fine enough option for the Philodendron Mamei. Use perlite, peat moss, and coconut husk if you opt to make your own potting medium. Remember that Mamei prefers a relatively moist growth environment, so your soil should support this.

The soil type should also support good drainage, protecting against root rot and other diseases. This easy-to-care-for plant prefers a well-draining soil or mix. It can’t be overstated enough!

pH

For this Mamei, you’ll need a soil pH between 5.6 and 7.5 (neutral to acidic). A standard commercial potting soil is usually relatively close to this, so in most cases, this shouldn’t be a huge concern, assuming you repot once a year or when the plant gets too big.

A pH test will tell whether the soil is acidic or alkaline. There are many low-cost options available on the internet for testing.

If you’re raising the Silver Cloud outdoors in the ground, the pH should be a more significant focus.

You may use baking soda, wood ashes, or a sprinkle of calcitic or dolomitic lime to raise the pH. If you are concerned that the pH of your Philodendron Mamei is too high, you may add sulfur or aluminum sulfate to lower it.

Water

Proper watering is essential for this perennial plant. Use excessively, and you run the danger of spreading illnesses like root rot, though your plant may be injured or even die if you apply too little. In general, Silver Cloud should have a growing medium that is relatively moist.

The best way to tell whether your Quilted Silver Leaf needs watering is to use this easy method. Using your finger, just check the soil’s top two inches for dryness, and you’ll know it’s time to water.

Philodendron Mamei, as previously indicated, requires drainage holes and appropriate soil. You don’t want it to be soaked for too long.

Light

This gorgeous plant can survive well in low light conditions or partial shade. The optimum growth conditions for Philodendron Mamei should mimic the tropical areas of Ecuador, where the plant thrives. You should thus provide 6-8 hours of indirect solid sunshine each day to your Silver Cloud. This plant should be put near a window that faces east or west in most cases.

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

You’ll know your Silver Cloud is getting too much light when its leaves appear scorched. On the flip side, if this plant is consistently away from its light source and doesn’t get enough light, its leaves may lose their silver streaks and only grow dark-green leaves.

A Philodendron Mamei with brown leaf tips may indicate that you aren’t giving it enough light. Too much light may induce drooping and yellow leaves, although insufficient fertilization can also cause these symptoms. See our section on fertilizer.

Fertilizer

Many indoor growers overlook the need for fertilization, relying instead on water and intense indirect light. But once every other month during the spring and summer months, you should apply a balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

If you’re using a more potent fertilizer, you may need to dilute it first. In the winter months, you don’t need to fertilize at all.

Propagating Philodendron Mamei

You can quickly reproduce your Philodendron Mamei through various methods. Check out the step-by-step instructions for each propagation method below. 

https://youtu.be/GWmGfn8Dg1U

Stem Cuttings In Soil

The most convenient way to propagate a Silver Cloud is by stem cutting and planting. Seeds are sometimes available, but they might be challenging to find and start. Spring is the best time to propagate your plant.

1. Cut. Find a healthy section of the main stem with new growth and at least one node. Cut this section using clean gardening shears.

2. Plant. Directly plant the cutting into sterile soil.

3. Maintain. Keep the soil constantly moist and maintain an air temperature of approximately 70°F.

4. Cover. To trap humidity and encourage faster rooting, enclose your plant in a plastic bag.

5. Rotate. For even growth on all sides, rotate the pot every now and then.

These photos don’t do justice at all. Finally got my hands on this. Thank you @callmefye .

📸: Philodendron Mamei pic.twitter.com/v1PrNz5Qji

— Hakim (@ishraf_hakim) August 26, 2021

Air Layering Technique

Propagating a cutting from a Philodendron Mamei plant is best done via air layering, which is considered a more delicate technique than soil or water propagation.

To air layer your plant, follow these steps:

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

2. Prepare the moss bag. Fill a plastic bag, a Ziploc bag, or a paper cup with damp sphagnum peat moss or coco coir.

3. (Optional) Wound the stem. Make minor, almost unnoticeable cuts on the chosen section of your plant, then apply a moderate amount of rooting powder on the wounds to stimulate root growth. Skip this step if you’re uncomfortable with damaging your mother plant.

4. Cover the nodes. Using the bag you’ve prepared before, enclose the stem in peat moss or coco coir. You may need to cut the bag in some areas to surround the plant nodes properly.

5. Secure the covering. Use twist ties or ribbons to keep the moss bag in place.

6. Water the propagated section. Leave a small opening on the moss bag so you can pour water from above to keep the developing root ball from drying out.

7. Transplant. After 3-5 weeks, check for any aerial roots poking out from the moss bag. Cut the propagated section from the mother plant and transplant it into some soil.

Humidity And Aeration

When considering humidity levels for your Philodendron Mamei, keep in mind that you’re attempting to replicate the rainforests of Ecuador.

This Philodendron is a magnificent plant that likes 50-70% or higher humidity levels.

This is particularly true for plants with brown patches or edges on their leaves. If you notice such, you may want to invest in a humidifier or move your plant into a naturally moist area, like the bathroom– but only if it has a window.

Temperature

Warm temperatures are preferable for your Silver Cloud plant, so it thrives in a temperature range of 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit. To prevent cold damage, keep them away from vents and other places where chilly air might enter.

Heat and humidity are often linked, so it’s essential to include the temperature/moisture in your environment calculations. 

Toxic

Got kids or pets? Be on the lookout. Calcium oxalate crystals in the Quilted Silver Leaf plant threaten humans and animals, including cats and dogs. These symptoms may be expected if eaten: swelling of the esophagus, mouth, and GIT. And yet, in most cases, this plant won’t kill you.

Anyway. Which plants have you acquired lately? I’ve recently added this beautiful philodendron mamei to my collection 😍 pic.twitter.com/VvPPlJH4EW

— Lola Isabel 🕸 (@rosepinkmoon) January 12, 2021

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

The Silver Cloud is a disease- and pest-resistant plant under normal circumstances. However, some problems might come up. A few common issues (and solutions!) for your Philodendron Mamei are listed below.

Spider Mites

In Silver Cloud, spider mites are a prevalent concern. Small brown or yellow dots on the Philodendron leaves are the earliest signs of damage caused by spider mites.

You might also notice your plant has stopped growing. And since spider mites are related to spiders, they produce webs, which is kind of gross. Yet another sign to look out for! Unless you’re going for a Halloween-inspired look.

To combat spider mites on your Philodendron Mamei, start by spraying it down with a sink nozzle. If that doesn’t work, an insecticidal oil such as horticultural oil can do the trick.

Ladybugs can help keep your spider mite population in check, if you want something more natural. There’s also a bug that’s literally called the “spider mite destroyer,” so that could be an option, as well.

Fungus Gnats

Philodendrons are often infested by the fungus gnat, another common pest, and their larvae can cause withering and poor growth by attacking the roots of your stunning plant.

Bottom watering, which entails placing your Silver Cloud in a bowl of water, is one way to fight back. After around ten minutes, the roots of your Philodendron have absorbed the water, and the surface of the earth in the container is no longer wet.

As a result, your plant gets a drink, and the dirt is less tempting to gnat larvae.

Scale Insects

On the stem or branch of a Philodendron Mamei, scale insects may appear in clumps. Once attached to a plant, the itty bitty bugs, which come in green, gray, brown, and black colors, usually stay put.

It’s possible to stop new scale insects from attacking this unusual houseplant… but only if your infestation isn’t too bad. All you need is a teaspoon of neem oil in four cups of water.

While neem oil or other horticultural oils will not kill everything, they will surely do some damage. Numerous insecticide sprays for Silver Cloud and other plants are regarded as safe for treating this.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs may infest your Philodendron Mamei. These tiny parasites damage your Philodendron by sucking on the plant’s sap, and Mealybugs can weaken or even kill your Silver Cloud.

Wet a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol before wiping it on the large green heart-shaped leaves and stem to combat the mealybug invasion. Neem oil combined with water may also be used as a prophylactic spray.

Brown Leaf Tips

Philodendron Silver Cloud may turn brown if it’s exposed to too much sunshine or lacks enough humidity in its environment. 

Drooping Leaves

Mealybugs, both known to affect the Philodendron Mamei, can cause leaves to droop. Overwatering and over-fertilization may also create these concerns.

Yellow Leaves

Several factors can cause a Silver Cloud plant to become yellow. It may be getting too much or too little sunshine or water.

Yellow leaves should be trimmed to encourage new growth and prevent deterioration. Yellow leaves, furthermore, are not very appealing, and a pair of sterile shears is all that is needed to remove the leaves.

Root Rot

A frequent cause of death for Silver Cloud is root rot. Root rot may be brought on by any of these two practices. Some people overdo the watering or fail to provide the proper drainage for their potting soil for indoor gardening. 

Rather than trying to solve root rot, it’s better to avoid it altogether. Keeping an eye on how much water Philodendron Mamei gets is the best way to prevent root rot. An overabundance of water is the primary culprit in this debilitating and frequently deadly disease.

Similar Plants

Love this magnificent Philodendron Mamei? Here are a few additional similar-looking plants you may want to give a shot:

Philodendron Golden Goddess – This spectacular plant sports bright green foliage that commands attention. Hybridized in Thailand, this plant is sure to bring this beautiful country’s tropical ambiance.

Philodendron Bipennifolium: This rare plant is for you if you are after oddly-shaped leaves that look like a horse head– I know, that’s a specific niche! This lovely Philo has bright green leaves with a glossy texture that adds to its exotic look. 

Philodendron Spiritus-Sancti: This majestic plant is one of the rarest (and most expensive!) in the Philo line, as it is nearly extinct. Considered the holy grail of aroids, its price tag is worth every penny. 

Philodendron Rio – Beautifully variegated, this plant proudly shows off its green and cream-colored leaves that are refreshing to look at. Despite its beauty, this plant is ideal for beginners as it’s incredibly low-maintenance.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a rare new plant with a bit of flair, the Philodendron Mamei’s silvery dust markings are an excellent choice. Your efforts will be rewarded by the enormous variety, which is an absolute delight to see.

You can’t get enough of Philodendron plant guides, can you? Check out these great articles and see what else we have to offer!

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