Philodendron Mexicanum

Selling size: Single Plant | Pot included

The Philodendron mexicanum is a beautiful vining plant known for its long, arrow-shaped leaves with a striking deep maroon or reddish underside. As its name suggests, it is native to the tropical forests of Mexico. It’s a relatively easy-to-care-for plant, especially for those familiar with other vining philodendrons.

Here is a comprehensive guide to caring for your Philodendron mexicanum:

Light

• Bright, Indirect Light: This is the ideal condition for this plant. It thrives in a well-lit room where it receives plenty of bright, filtered sunlight. A few feet away from a sunny window or in an east- or west-facing window is usually perfect.
• Avoid Direct Sun: Direct, harsh sunlight can easily scorch the leaves, causing them to turn a yellowish color or develop unsightly brown, crispy spots.
• Low Light: While it can tolerate lower light, this will result in slower growth, smaller leaves, and a more “leggy” appearance as the plant stretches toward the light. The vibrant red color on the underside of the leaves may also fade.

Watering

• Keep Soil Consistently Moist: The Philodendron mexicanum prefers to have its soil consistently moist but is very susceptible to root rot if the soil is waterlogged.
• Check Before Watering: Water when the top 1-2 inches of the potting mix feel dry to the touch. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.
• Drainage is Key: Always use a pot with a drainage hole to ensure that excess water can escape. Never let the plant sit in standing water.
• Reduce in Winter: In the fall and winter, when the plant’s growth slows down, reduce your watering frequency.

Humidity

• High Humidity is Preferred: As a tropical plant, the Philodendron mexicanum appreciates high humidity, ideally 60% or higher.
• Increase Humidity: If the air in your home is dry, you can increase the humidity by:
  • Using a humidifier near the plant.
  • Placing the pot on a pebble tray with water.
  • Grouping it with other tropical plants.
  • Misting the leaves occasionally can provide a temporary boost.

Soil and Fertilizer

• Well-Draining, Loose Soil: Use a loose, well-draining, and rich potting mix. A good aroid mix can be made by combining standard potting soil with perlite, orchid bark, and/or coco coir to improve drainage and aeration.
• Fertilizer: During the active growing season (spring and summer), feed your plant with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength and apply it every 2-4 weeks. Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter.

Other Care Tips

• Support: The Philodendron mexicanum is a vining plant and will benefit from a support structure like a moss pole or trellis. Providing support will encourage it to grow larger leaves and a more mature form.
• Pruning: You can prune your plant to maintain its shape, control its size, or encourage bushier growth. The best time to prune is in the spring. You can also propagate new plants from the cuttings.
• Pests: Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale, which can sometimes affect the plant.
• Toxicity: Important: Like other philodendrons, the Philodendron mexicanum is toxic to humans and pets if ingested due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. Keep it out of reach of children and animals.