How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Mamei

Houseplant collectors can easily get hooked on philodendrons. They often appear on lists of the best easy houseplants to care for, and there are many types of philodendrons to choose from. If you're looking for a rare beauty to add to your indoor tropical jungle, the Philodendron mamei is sure to stand out from the crowd.

The large, heart-shaped, variegated foliage of mature plants features eye-catching silver streaks and deep veins.

A healthy, mature Philodendron mamei trained to climb a moss pole or trellis will take center stage in your home. However, keep this plant out of reach of curious cats, dogs, and kids. As with all philodendron species, the Philodendron mamei is toxic to people and pets.

Philodendron Mamei Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing a Philodendron mamei:

• Place in bright but indirect light
• Water once the top 2 inches of potting mix are dry, and take care not to let the soil get soggy.
• Provide high humidity levels.
• Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.
  

Light

In their native habitat, Philodendron mamei grows on rainforest floors and receives dappled light from the tree canopies above them. You'll want to mimic this in your home as closely as possible in a position that offers bright but indirect light. Opt for sitting your plant near an east or west-facing window or, if you only have a bright south-facing aspect, filter the light with a sheer curtain. Rotate the plant to promote even growth.

Soil

Widely-available, ready-made aroid potting mixes are a perfect choice for your Philodendron mamei. If you want to make your own mix, ensure it's loose and well-draining. Try combining equal parts orchid bark, perlite, and peaty soil. To maximize drainage, try popping a little gravel in as well.

Water

Philodendron mamei isn't a drought-tolerant plant, but underwatering slightly is better than being too enthusiastic with your irrigation habits. The biggest killer of philodendrons of any type is overwatering. These plants have epiphytic natures, and their roots are capable of absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air. They don't appreciate wet feet, and too much water leads to root rot and problematic pest infestations.

Offer a deep watering once the first few inches of soil are dry. Regularly check the moisture levels in the soil to get the timing right rather than watering on a calendar.

Temperature and Humidity

These tropical natives appreciate warm, humid conditions. That's why your Philodendron mamei makes an ideal plant for a bathroom with sufficient light. But even a steamy bathroom won't always consistently offer the 50 to 70 percent humidity levels these plants thrive on. You might have to invest in a humidifier to prevent dry air from becoming a problem.

Daytime temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for your Philodendron mamei. Avoid temperatures below 55 degrees, and keep the plant away from drafty windows.

Fertilizer

Philodendron mamei is a moderately-paced grower and isn't a greedy feeder. However, fertilizing your plant a couple of times a month during the spring and summer growing seasons helps encourage the glossiest, most impressive foliage. Pick a diluted slow-release or water-soluble formula, or try a fish emulsion or another gentle, organic option.

Pruning

The only pruning your Philodenron mamei needs is to remove dead or dying leaves to direct energy to healthy new growth. If you want to keep a more compact, bushy habit, pruning leggy stems (keeping them to propagate new philodendrons) in the spring or summer is also recommended.

Propagating Philodendron Mamei

Philodendrons are easy to propagate by stem cuttings, and the Philodendron mamei is no exception. Follow these steps in the spring or summer when your plant is actively growing to be able to gift your friends and neighbors a special species:

1. Use sterile, sharp shears or scissors to take a 6-inch cutting from a healthy, mature stem. Make sure the cutting has at least four leaves.
2. Remove the bottom leaves so only two or three remain at the top of the cutting. There should be a healthy node (a point where a leaf originates from) at the stem base.
3. Put the cutting into a clear jar filled with water or plant in a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the node at the base of the cutting is fully submerged in the water or soil.
4. Position the cutting in a warm, humid spot with access to bright but indirect light.
5. Change the water a few times a week or ensure the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy.
6. After around two to four weeks, the roots should reach around 1-inch in length in the water, or the cutting will stay put in the soil when you gently tug it. This means the cutting is ready to repot, and care should be as per a mature plant.

Potting and Repotting Philodendron Mamei

You'll know it's time to repot your Philodendron Mamei when the vigorous roots start poking out the bottom of the current pot's drainage holes. Pick a pot that's around 2 inches wider than the existing pot, and make sure it has good drainage holes. Don't go too big with the new pot. All that extra soil means it's easy to overwater the plant because the moisture won't get sucked up quickly enough.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Part of the appeal of the Philodendron mamei is that it isn't often plagued by pests or diseases. However, its love of higher humidity levels means fungus gnats can be a problem, especially if you overwater. Spider mites sometimes also make an appearance. Although, it's possible to nip them in the bud with a spray of water or by wiping the leaves with insecticidal soap.

Common Problems With Philodendron Mamei

While philodendrons are known for being easy to care for, you still need to offer them the right light, water, and soil conditions to see them thrive. Watch for these common problems with your Philodendron mamei to tip you off that you need to make some changes.

Yellow Leaves

Yellowing leaves are one of the most common early warning signs that something is wrong with your Philodendrom mamei. It's usually either that you're not watering enough, watering too much (which usually affects the new bottom sets of leaves first), or you're getting it wrong with lighting. Pest infestations can also be to blame for foliage fading.

Curling Leaves

If the beautiful heart-shaped foliage of your Philodendron mamei starts to curl, this could indicate the plant is thirsty. Check the soil; if the first two inches or more are dry, water deeply. Overfertilization can also cause leaf discoloring.

Brown Tips

Brown leaf tips and edges on your Philodendron mamei can occur when humidity levels are too low or if the plant is in a spot with too much direct sun. It's also a common symptom of fungal infections, which can be caused by poor air circulation or soaking the leaves rather than the soil when watering.