Philodendron Silver Sword: Care Tips and Propagation Methods

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One plant that’s noticeable for its unique appearance is the Philodendron Silver Sword. It is tropical and easy to take care of, which is why it is considered a must-have by many indoor gardeners.

We’ll go through all the care procedures and requirements for your Philodendron Silver Sword in this post. We also list several options for you to consider below if you wish to purchase this plant.

What Is Philodendron Silver Sword?

The Philodendron Silver Sword is a perennial from the Araceae family. It is characterized by silvery green arrowhead leaves and is prized for its stunning foliage.

This beautiful plant changes the shape of its leaves as it matures; from sharp lance-shaped leaves, it transforms to more of an arrowhead with a serene silvery hue.

Also known as Silver Sword, Silver Sword Philodendron, and Silver Sword, the Philodendron Silver Sword grows well north or east-facing windows as a houseplant.

While most of this article discusses indoor growing requirements, you can keep this Philodendron plant outdoors in hardiness zones 9-12.

Philodendron Silver Sword Origin And Family

The Silver Sword belongs to the Philodendron genus in the Araceae family. Natively, it’s from the rainforests of Brazil.

First described in 1832 by Friedrich Sellow and Karl Heinrich Emil Koch, this tropical plant has recently gained popularity among indoor growers. However, due to habitat loss, this plant is now considered an endangered species.

Where To Buy

You can typically find Philodendron Silver Sword cuttings or full-grown plants online. One of the best sites to buy from is Etsy. From experience, plants are guaranteed to arrive healthy in sturdy boxes packed with care.

The price tags for a Philodendron Silver Sword are usually expensive, ranging between $55 for small plants to $100+ for larger or more mature plants.

Philodendron Silver Sword Plant Size

The Philodendron Silver Sword, as a houseplant, reaches a height of 6 inches to 3 feet. It typically grows fast. Place it in a north or east-facing window for optimum plant development.

Philodendron Silver Sword Care Needs

Your Philodendron Silver Sword will grow well when properly taken care of. Known for its stunning foliage, this plant prefers humidity and needs relatively dry soil to stay healthy.

It is best to water this plant when the topmost inch or two of soil is completely dry. Water thoroughly, allowing it to pass through the drainage hole in the pot. This unique plant requires bright indirect light in order to flourish to its fullest potential.

Check out the comprehensive care guide below for more thorough advice!

Philodendron Silver Sword Care Difficulty

Like many plants from the Philodendron genus, the Philodendron Silver Sword is easy-to-care-for in most situations – if you give it the proper amount of well-draining soil and amount of light. With this Silver Sword guide, you can quickly grow this tropical plant.

Philodendron Silver Sword Growth Rate

The growth rate of a Silver Sword is fast. Indoors, it will mature up to a height of about 6 inches to 3 feet.

Philodendron Silver Sword Potting

Philodendron plants generally prefer a well-draining pot. A large-sized plastic, terracotta, or clay pot is recommended for your Silver Sword.

This plant is also a hemiepiphytic, meaning it starts to grow as a terrestrial plant, but as it matures, it develops aerial roots to enable it to climb and trail. What’s even more fascinating about these plants is that they would eventually shed their hemiepiphytic nature and become full-fledged aerial plants. Provide them with a moss pole to support their climbing growth habit.

One of the primary killers of houseplants is the lack of drainage, which leads to root rot. Make sure that the pot you’re using has holes at the bottom for excess water to drain through.

New leaf on the Philodendron Silver Sword is coming out looking like a spear! pic.twitter.com/eEJlK7b3EY

— Houseplant Hobbyist (@HobbyistPlant) August 23, 2022

Philodendron Silver Sword Repotting

This Philodendron typically needs to be repotted every year or two, or you see roots pushing out of the drainage holes. When this happens, carefully remove the plant from its plastic, terracotta, or clay pot but be careful not to disrupt the main root ball.

You can then place the plant into a bigger pot. The roots will adapt quicker when it’s planted in the same standard commercial potting soil that it’s used to.

Philodendron Silver Sword Soil

Regarding growing medium for Philodendron Silver Sword, a standard commercial potting soil is your best bet. Sphagnum moss, perlite, coco coir, pumice, and orchid bark are ideal for the soil. You can also add organic matter, such as earthworm castings, to give it more nutrients. Aeration and drainage are a must for this plant which is easy to care for.

Here are some excellent growing medium options to choose from:

Philodendron Silver Sword pH

A soil pH of roughly 6.1-7.5, which is neutral to acidic, is ideal for this aroid plant. You can get a cheap pH meter equipment to measure the soil’s acidity if you’re a beginner and concerned about it.

Utilize sulfur or aluminum sulfate to reduce pH levels. On the other hand, to raise pH levels, add calcitic or dolomitic lime, baking soda, or wood ash.

Newest leaf on my Philodendron Silver Sword 🌿 pic.twitter.com/83ebBjEoCn

— Houseplant Hobbyist (@HobbyistPlant) August 3, 2022

Philodendron Silver Sword Water

Proper watering is an essential factor for houseplants. Too much, and you might invite diseases like fungal infections and root rot. On the contrary, too little and the plants might end up with browning, undernourished leaves. For optimal health, Silver Sword generally prefers relatively dry soil.

One way to check for the moisture is to stick your index finger in the pot. When the upper 1-2 inches of soil is dry, this means it’s time to give your plant a drink.

Drainage holes and aerated soil are necessary for Silver Sword. Rule of thumb: Do not leave your plant sitting in water for an extended period.

Philodendron Silver Sword Light

This easy-to-care-for houseplant prefers bright indirect sunlight for approximately 6-8 hours daily. If there’s excessive light, its foliage will scorch. If there’s a lack of light, its silvery leaves will droop, get a leggy stem, and its growth will be stunted.

If your Philodendron Silver Sword isn’t getting enough light, you can move it closer to a window or consider investing in LED grow lights. Here are recommended products to choose from:

Avoid putting your Philodendron Silver Sword in direct sunlight, as this could seriously damage or even kill it.

Philodendron Silver Sword Fertilizer

Feed your Silver Sword Philodendron to give it some extra nutrient boost. Use a water-soluble fertilizer once a month during its growing season in the spring and summer.

Here are some plant food options:

When growth naturally slows down in the wintertime, you don’t need to fertilize.

Propagating Philodendron Silver Sword

It is possible to propagate a Silver Sword with the proper methods. Here are various techniques for propagating this tropical houseplant.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

One of the best ways to propagate a Philodendron Silver Sword is by making a cutting and planting it directly in the soil. Early spring is the ideal time to propagate this elegant trailing plant. Propagate a Philodendron Silver Sword in soil by following these steps.

1. Collect your Philodendron Silver Sword cutting. Look for a thick stem structure on your Philodendron Silver Sword with one or two nodes. Cut just below the Silver Sword’s nodes with gardening shears.

2. Plant your Philodendron Silver Sword cutting. Directly plant the cutting into standard commercial potting soil so the nodes are covered.

3. Maintain your Philodendron Silver Sword cutting. Keep the soil around your baby Philodendron Silver Sword moist and maintain a temperature of approximately 60-80°F.

4. Rotate your Philodendron Silver Sword cutting. For even growth on all sides of your Hastatum, rotate the pot now and then.

Stem Cuttings In Water

Here are the steps in successfully developing Silver Sword Philodendron cuttings in water:

1. Cut. Use a sharp knife to cut the stem of the Philodendron Silver Sword right below a node. Take off the bottom leaves so that your cutting can concentrate on developing roots.

2. Submerge. Fill an old jar with water and put the cutting in it. Leaves should not be on any portion of the stem that is submerged in water.

3. Maintain. Your new plant should be placed in a window that receives plenty of light and has sufficient airflow. To keep the leaves perky, keep a humidifier nearby.

4. Refill. Check the water every 3 to 5 days to check if it needs to be replenished with fresh water.

5. Transplant. Your cutting is set to be potted when the roots of this new tropical houseplant are around an inch or longer.

Humidity And Aeration for Philodendron Silver Sword

This Philodendron is a unique plant that prefers high humidity of 70% or higher.

You may consider purchasing a humidifier if your Philodendron Silver Sword has curling or crispy leaves with brown edges. This device is designed to constantly release steam and significantly increase the humidity in a room. You can also create your own out of a pebble tray with water.

Philodendron Silver Sword Temperature

Your Silver Sword will prosper in a warm area, so keep the temperature between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Like most Philodendron plants, this tropical houseplant will appreciate consistent temperatures throughout the year. Avoid using hot or cold water when watering your plant. Keep it away from hot or cold sources such as furnaces, vents, and open windows during the winter.

Toxic

Be on guard if you have young children or pets in your home. Containing high amounts of calcium oxalate crystals, the Silver Sword Philodendron is highly hazardous to pets, including cats, dogs, and humans. If ingested, you can expect the following symptoms: oral irritation, swelling of the tongue and throat, drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is also known to cause skin irritation, so ensure proper coverage when handling this gorgeous plant.

This plant is generally thought to be non-life-threatening.

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems for Philodendron Silver Sword

Despite giving expert care, things may go at times for healthy plants. Gardening inevitably involves dealing with pests and diseases. As a whole, the Philodendron Silver Sword is a disease and pest-resistant plant.

Read the following sections for tips on diagnosing common problems and discovering ways you can help your plant return to a healthy condition.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are a terrible but common concern, particularly for indoor plants. Small, brown, or yellow patches will at first be visible on the leaves of this plant due to spider mite damage. Hindered growth or leaves that take forever to unfold could also be seen.

Spider mites spin webs because they are linked to spiders (which is gross). The primary distinction is that a spider’s web has a more complex pattern and will only have one or two spiders living in it. On the other side, you may have a spider mite infestation if the web you see is fine, sticky, and filled with several little red bugs.

To combat spider mites on your Silver Sword, take your plant outside and give it a thorough hose down to remove the bugs. Once you bring it inside, keep it separate from your other plants until you are certain that all spider mites have been removed.

Horticultural oil, neem oil, and insecticidal soap are examples of natural products that can be used if the first option doesn’t work.

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats are tiny insects that give birth to larvae that eat fungus and other decaying organic elements in the soil. When the larval population explodes, they also eat plants’ roots, which is bad news for your Silver Sword.

Hydrogen peroxide instantly kills fungus gnat larvae, making it a quick and simple solution to get rid of them. Spray a mixture of four parts water to one part hydrogen peroxide on your Silver Sword soil.

There’s a variety of products on the market that cater to either the larval or adult stages, but both are beneficial. You should be able to eliminate these bothersome plant insects in a few weeks if you focus on one stage of their life cycle and apply frequently.

White Flies

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

Whiteflies can be killed by some pesticides at all stages of development, but pick one that is safe to use indoors. We advise the following choices:

Neem oil, horticultural oil, and insecticidal soap are great organic alternatives too!

Scale Insects

Scales are insects that feed on plant sap. What sets them apart from other bugs is that the adult scale will latch onto one part of the plant and stay put. They are called armored scales and may appear as brownish lumps on the stems or petioles of a plant.

As a preventive measure, you can dilute a teaspoon of neem oil in 500 mL of water and spray it on your plant’s leaves to prevent scales from latching onto your Philodendron Silver Sword.

You can also release ladybugs or lacewings close to your infected plant and let these beneficial bugs take care of the problem for you!

Happy that my Philodendron silver sword is growing. Maybe slow but it’s okay, Everything takes time. #plantito #plantdad #planttwitter #plantmakespeoplehappy pic.twitter.com/X1LdUa6g5r

— dominique 🌿 (@dxminique10) October 21, 2022

Mealybugs

Mealybugs may infest your Silver Sword. These tiny parasites weaken your plant by sucking on the sap. The honeydew that they secrete can also invite fungal diseases.

Mealybugs are visibly oval bugs that appear as cottony masses on all parts of plants. They will either stay immobile or crawl slowly.

To fight against a mealybug invasion, take a cotton swab, soak it in rubbing alcohol, and rub it over the arrowhead-shaped leaves or any affected areas of the pant. I also recommend neem oil mixed with water as a preventive spray.

Brown Leaf Tips

Occasionally, you might notice brown leaf tips on your Silver Sword. Typically, this indicates that your plant is underwatered or is quickly losing moisture from its leaves through transpiration.

Improve the humidity levels in your indoor growing space, or water your plant as soon as the topsoil dries out.

Brown leaf tips might also point to an issue with the plant’s roots, so make sure your plant has a breathable, well-draining growing medium.

Drooping Leaves

A wilting, droopy appearance on your Philodendron Silver Sword signifies distress. Drooping leaves are possibly caused by excessive light exposure, lack of light, overwatering, underwatering, and low humidity.

Yellow Leaves

Various factors can cause the leaves of a Silver Sword Philodendron to turn yellow. One possible reason is that it doesn’t get enough sunlight. Additionally, the plant may receive too much or too little water.

To foster new growth and stop the spread of damage, yellow leaves should be trimmed. They may also be unsightly and unsettling to look at. Simply cut the leaves using a pair of sharp, sterilized shears.

Root Rot

Root rot is a prevalent cause of death for Silver Sword. Soil that is too compact will become water-logged and eventually rot the roots of your plant. 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 with you water your Philodendron. Before giving your plant a drink, 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 made of clay, baked terracotta, ceramic (unglazed), or concrete. Make sure you choose one that has drainage holes at the bottom!

Similar Plants to Philodendron Silver Sword

Love Silver Sword? Here are some other similar plant options:

Variegated Heartleaf Philodendrons – These unusual and distinctive houseplants are widely sought-after because of their magnificent variegations.

Philodendron Brasil – Resembling the Brazilian flag, this non-Brazilian native was named as such because of its leaves with rich green coloring with a yellow streak in the middle. This plant is an excellent addition to your indoor garden if you want a refreshing tropical vibe.

Philodendron Rio – Enthusiasts adore this great plant for its gorgeous silver and cream variegation. This plant was given its name in honor of its parent plant, the Philodendron Brasil.

Philodendron Rojo Congo – As a hybrid of two distinct philodendrons, you can quickly expect this plant to be an attractive and spectacular ornament. This wonderful statement piece showcases a magnificent rosette of burgundy-colored oval leaves.

Conclusion

The Philodendron Silver Sword is a stunning plant and very delightful to take care of. You’ll be rewarded for taking good care of this plant when you see its gorgeous foliage develop.

Can’t get enough of Philodendron plant guides? Check out these other helpful articles from Two Peas In A Condo!

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