How Much Do You Know About Growing Your Philodendron Pogonocaule

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Philodendron Pogonocaule is a tropical and easy-to-care-for plant. Its unique appearance makes it a favorite among plant collectors worldwide!

In this post, we’re sharing the dos and don’ts you’ll need to learn to keep your Philodendron Pogonocaule in its best health. We’ll also recommend some shopping options if you’re planning to get one for yourself. Read on to know more about the many fascinating attributes of this Philodendron!

What Is Philodendron Pogonocaule?

The Philodendron Pogonocaule is tropical and is popular nowadays because of its large and broad leaves. It has heart-shaped and rich green-colored leaves.

It is commonly known as Philodendron Pogonocaule Madison, a perennial from the Araceae family.

When the Philodendron Pogonocaule is placed outside, its most ideal locations are hardiness zones 9-11.

Origin And Family

The Philodendron Pogonocaule Madison belongs to the genus Philodendron in the family Araceae. It comes from Southern Colombia and Ecuador’s tropical moist lowland forests. Sadly, due to habitat loss, the IUCN has placed this plant in conservation as it is now a Critically Endangered species.  

Michael T. Madison first described the Philodendron Pogonocaule in 1977.

Where To Buy

Threatened due to natural habitat loss, this plant is not being sold anywhere and is being carefully conserved. As plant lovers, let’s do our part and be responsible parents. Whether in the wild or cultivated, let’s give this critically endangered beauty the care it deserves.

Philodendron Pogonocaule Plant Size

When grown indoors, the Philodendron Pogonocaule grows to a height of 4-5 feet. It grows fast and thrives near a north-facing window.

Philodendron Pogonocaule Care Needs

Philodendron Pogonocaules are humidity-loving plants that need adequately moist soil throughout the year. In the summertime, water your plant when the soil’s top inch is dry. Pour until water comes out of the drainage hole. To avoid root rot, be sure to clear the catch plate.

Check this detailed guide to caring for this Philodendron plant!

Care Difficulty

The Philodendron Pogonocaule is easy-to-care-for in most situations, assuming you have the right amount of well-draining soil and light. With this Philodendron Pogonocaule Madison guide, you’ll be able to quickly grow this tropical plant.

Growth Rate

The Pogonocaule Philodendron reaches a height of 4-5 feet when grown inside a home. This plant will usually grow more actively from spring to fall.

Most Philodendron species, including the Pogonocaule, are known to grow fast.

Potting

This tropical plant has been used for indoor living and may survive in nearly any potting mix. For most growers, plastic, terracotta, or clay planters will work best for Philodendron Pogonocaule Madison.

Most plants benefit from a medium container in terms of size. Your plant should be protected from root rot as long as your pot includes drainage holes at the bottom.

Repotting

As your plant grows, consider upgrading from its present pot to a larger container on an as-needed basis. Because this plant grows quickly, repotting is usually required every two to three years.

When repotting, you can use a new pack of standard commercial potting soil, which is the ideal growing medium for your Philodendron Pogonocaule.

Soil

The most recommended option is ordinary commercial potting soil for the P. Pogonocaule. To make your own soil mix:

• Use components such as peat, perlite, vermiculite, and sphagnum moss.
• Adjust the ratio appropriately so that the mixture is well-aerated.
• Remember that this plant loves a growing medium that stays relatively moist.

The soil type should always aid good drainage to avoid root rot and other diseases. We recommend choosing potting mixes such as the following:

pH

You’ll need a soil pH of roughly 5.1-6.5, which is neutral to acidic, for the Pogonocaule Philodendron. If you are bothered about the acidity in your soil, you may test it with a simple pH testing instrument that is accessible online.

If you suspect that the pH is too high, you can lower it by adding sulfur or aluminum sulfate.

Meanwhile, supplement your soil with baking soda, calcitic or dolomitic lime, or wood ash to raise the pH level when it’s too low.

Water

The watering frequency varies based on the temperature and the humidity in your plant’s surroundings. Generally speaking, your Philodendron Pogonocaule Madison prefers a relatively moist growing medium.

Avoid overwatering your Philodendron Pogonocaule Madison. When the first few inches of soil are dry, it’s time to give your plant a drink. To minimize fungal infections, water directly on the soil and avoid getting the leaves wet.

Allow the water to flow through the pot’s bottom. If your plant is in a collection tray, remember to empty it.

Light

You’ll want to replicate the natural environment of Philodendron Pogonocaule, which would be the forests of Southern Colombia and Ecuador’s tropical moist forest. Give your Pogonocaule bright indirect sunlight for 6-8 hours each day, or place it near a north-facing window.

You’ll know your Philodendron Pogonocaule is getting too much light when its leaves are getting scorched. In contrast, if this plant doesn’t get enough light, it may get leggy growth.

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

Fertilizer

Plants, like people, require more food when actively developing because they use a lot of energy. For the P. Pogonocaule, this growth spurt usually happens from spring to fall. During this time, you can apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month.

You don’t need to fertilize in the winter since plants’ roots fall dormant in the cold, and this implies they won’t require any more food for growth.

Propagating Philodendron Pogonocaule

There are several methods for propagating a Philodendron Pogonocaule. Follow the instructions outlined below for each approach to increase your chances of success.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

The most convenient way to propagate a Philodendron Pogonocaule is by cutting and planting it in soil. Spring to early fall is the most suitable time to propagate a Philodendron Pogonocaule Madison. Here are the steps for getting started.

1. Collect your cutting. Look for a healthy section of the Philodendron Pogonocaule’s stem with fresh growth with one or two nodes. Cut just below the Philodendron Pogonocaule Madison’s nodes with clean gardening shears.

2. Plant your cutting. Directly plant the cutting into standard commercial potting soil.

3. Maintain your cutting. Keep the soil around your baby Philodendron Pogonocaule moist and maintain a temperature of approximately 70-80°F.

4. Rotate your cutting. For even growth on all sides of your Pogonocaule, rotate the pot every now and then.

Stem Cuttings In Water

The following are important procedures in water-propagating your P. Pogonocaule:

1. Cut. Find a healthy portion of your plant that has at least one node. Trim it with clean shears.

2. Submerge. Allow your cutting to sit in a clear jar filled with water. Make sure no leaves are submerged to avoid rotting.

3. Maintain. Keep your cutting in a well-lit, well-ventilated place as you wait for roots to develop.

4. Refill. When the container is empty or dirty, refill it. 

To generate roots, the plant nodes must be continually exposed to water.

5. Transplant. Check after 2-3 weeks to determine whether your cutting has enough roots to be planted in the soil.

Air Layering Technique

Air layering, also called marcotting, is a propagation method utilized for rare and expensive plants or susceptible varieties. This approach prevents the loss of lower leaves, which is common in fresh cuttings with active roots.

Follow these steps to air layer your Pogonocaule Philodendron:

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

2. Wrap the stem. Enclose the select portion of the stem with coco coir or sphagnum peat moss while making sure the nodes are entirely covered.

3. Secure the covering. Secure peat moss or coco coir in place with a cling wrap. Twist ties can also help 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 transplant it into the soil.

Humidity And Aeration

Philodendron Pogonocaule is a rare perennial that loves high humidity. For ideal results, it is recommended to keep the air humidity levels around 60% and higher.

Your plant will require nourishment from the moisture in the air in addition to receiving water via its roots. You may keep bowls of water around to evaporate, or you can invest in a humidifier. This will provide more regular humidity for your plant.

Temperature

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

Houseplants can be delicate to drastic temperature shifts, so ensure you keep your Pogonocaule Philodendron away from heat sources at home such as vents, hand dryers, furnaces, and other appliances. In the same way, protect your plant from chilly drafts and frost spells during the winter.

Toxic

If you have small children or animals, keep an eye out. The P. Pogonocaule, like many Philodendron plants, contains calcium oxalate crystals that are dangerous to pets like cats or dogs and to people. If swallowed, the following symptoms can be expected: swelling, breathing problems, vomiting, and other issues in the mouth, tongue, and throat. In most cases, this plant is not considered dangerous.

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Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

The Philodendron Pogonocaule is a disease and pest-resistant plant. Here are some common diseases, problems, and pests, along with the ways to treat them.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are a frequent yet inconvenient problem, particularly for Pogonocaule Philodendron. Spider mite damage will first emerge as little brown or yellow dots on the leaves of this plant. You may also observe stunted growth or leaves that take an eternity to unfurl.

Spider mites create webs because they are related to spiders (which is gross). The key distinction is that a spider’s web has a more detailed pattern and will only be inhabited by one or two spiders. If, on the other hand, the web you see is fine and sticky, with a lot of little red creatures crawling through it, you have a spider mite infestation!

To combat spider mites on your Pogonocaule Philodendron, begin by bringing your plant outside and thoroughly hosing it down to dislodge the pests. When you bring it inside, keep it separately from your other plants until you’re certain there are no more spider mites.

If this doesn’t work, organic products like neem oil, insecticidal soap, and horticultural oil can help!

Scale Insects

Scale insects may show as lumps on your Philodendron Pogonocaule’s stems or leaves. These small bugs, which may be green, gray, brown, or black in color, usually remain sedentary once they’ve fastened onto a plant.

If the infestation isn’t too extensive, you may keep scale insects away by adding a teaspoon of neem oil into four glasses of water. With a spray bottle, liberally spritz the plant.

Neem oil and horticultural oils will not eliminate the pests completely but will undoubtedly cause some damage to them. Numerous insecticide sprays against scales are considered safe to use indoors.

Aphids

Aphids are minute bugs that will eat the leaves of your P. Pogonocaule, resulting in black and brown patches.

To get rid of an infestation, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Dish detergent in low doses can also help in eliminating aphids without causing any harm to your plant. Choose fragrance-free products, such as Ivory Liquid.

Begin by mixing 1 teaspoon of dish soap in 1 gallon of water, then gradually increase the ratio as required. Spray this solution on your infected plant, paying special attention to the undersides of the leaves, where aphids are commonly located.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs may infest your Pogonocaule Philodendron. If you observe these little parasites with their white fluff, act fast. Dipping a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol can kill mealies, turning them brown or orange upon exposure. A spray of diluted Neem oil works well as a means of prevention.

Brown Leaf Tips

If you observe browning tips on the leaves of your Philodendron Pogonocaule Madison, you might have to double-check on several factors. 

Check that your home’s humidity level is not too low. If your plant is suffering from overexposure to the sun, use curtains to insulate it. Use as little fertilizer as possible. Allow the water to flow through the soil for several minutes to wash away excess minerals and salts.

Drooping Leaves

Drooping leaves on your Philodendron Pogonocaule indicate that your plant is thirsty. In this case, once hydrated, your plant will normally perk back up. It may also assist in increasing the humidity.

Be careful! Pest-infested plants can initially have droopy and curling leaves but will sooner develop other signs, including marks, stunted growth, and a general decline in health. Make sure to always check on the underside of leaves if you suspect any issues with pests.

Yellow Leaves

A variety of causes can contribute to yellowing leaves on P. Pogonocaule. For one thing, a lack of light might deplete your plant of nutrients and cause its leaves to become yellow. Another possibility is that there is an issue with underwatering, overwatering, or an irregular watering schedule.

Remove fading leaves so that the plant may concentrate primarily on developing new green leaves.

Root Rot

Root rot is a rampant cause of death for Pogonocaule Philodendron. When the soil is too compact, it will become water-logged and eventually rot the roots of your plant. Because this problem is difficult to stop, prevention is the best approach.

The simplest way to stop root rot is to reduce the amount and frequency you water your Philodendron. Before giving your plant a drink, check to see if the top 3 inches of the soil are dry. If it’s still a bit moist, your plant can most likely wait a little longer!

Porosity is a property of potting material that allows air to pass through and dry the soil while also enabling excess moisture to leave. Clay, baked terracotta, ceramic (unglazed), and concrete can all be used to make porous pots. Ensure that the pot has bottom drainage holes!

Similar Plants

Here are some additional plant options you should try:

{{Philodendron Rugosum}}: This endangered species of plant has fascinating, distinctive, and textured leaves. Its resemblance to a pig’s ear is how the Pigskin Philodendron got its name. Due to habitat destruction, this plant is threatened and is now being closely watched.

{{Philodendron Bipennifolium}}: This Fiddle Leaf Philodendron is rare and highly valued due to its unusually shaped leaves. And it is pricey! So if you’re fortunate enough to get a hold of one, treat it with the TLC it deserves.

Philodendron Ventricosum – Another endangered beauty, this plant has emerald-green leaves and rope-like stems that would be such a significant loss if not conserved.   

Conclusion

With its large and broad leaves, the Philodendron Pogonocaule is easy-to-care-for. It prefers bright indirect light, high humidity, wet soil, and warm temperatures.

So, whether you’re searching for a new addition to your indoor plant collection or are just starting out as an indoor gardener, follow these steps to cultivate your Philodendron plants.!

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