The Philodendron scandens, also called climbing philodendron, can decorate the apartment as a climbing or hanging plant. This article will tell you how to properly care for and propagate the plant.
One of the easy-care foliage plants is Philodendron scandens - if its location and climate requirements are met. In this article you will find an overview of the origin, the most beautiful varieties as well as care and propagation of the climbing philodendron.
Philodendron scandens: origin and characteristics
The climbing philodendron (Philodendron scandens, synonymous also Philodendron hederaceum) is an evergreen climbing plant native to Central America and the Caribbean whose Generic name Philodendron (Ancient Greek phílos =friend; déndron =tree) translated means "tree friend". In their natural habitat, these aroids (Araceae) grow in the shade of large trees or as epiphytes, even on their large neighbors.
Under the best conditions, the climbing philodendron can reach a height of between 3 and 6 meters, whereby the plant, which climbs up the trunk of trees, is only slightly sprawling. The Philodendron scandens forms heart-shaped, velvety shiny leaves that can grow up to 30 cm long when old. The light to dark green leaves grow on a petiole up to 10 cm long. However, as a climbing houseplant, the Philodendron scandens doesn't get that big here. It can be cultivated as a climbing plant on a trellis, as a traffic light plant or as a hanging plant. In very good conditions, flowering occurs only very rarely. In its homeland, the climbing plant forms flowers typical of the arum family with an inflorescence stalk, a bract and a spadix. Particularly striking are the long aerial roots that hang down from the plant and can reach a length of up to 6 meters in older plants in their natural habitat.
Tip: The window leaf (Monstera) is also often referred to as a tree lover and as a philodendron and sold as such. At theIt is therefore important to pay attention to the correct botanical name when purchasing.
The most beautiful climbing philodendron varieties
Two philodendron varieties in particular were able to assert themselves with us:
- Philodendron scandens 'Brasil': Also called Philodendron scandens 'Variegata' and forms a conspicuous leaf pattern in light green or white in bright, not directly sunny locations. He is very easy to care for.
- Philodendron scandens 'Micans': The dark green, velvety leaves sometimes have a slightly reddish, conspicuous leaf edge.
Planting Philodendron scandens: Location, soil and Co.
As an original climbing plant in the shade of trees, a partially shaded to shady location is well suited for the Philodendron scandens, whereby long, direct sunlight should be avoided. Too intense midday sun can cause sunburn, yellowing or browning of the leaves. The ideal growth temperature for the climbing philodendron is 20 to 25 °C, with a minimum temperature of 15 °C. In the temperate zone, it is advisable to keep the plant under glass or exclusively as a houseplant. In general, drafts should be avoided, otherwise the growth of the plant will be disturbed.
A soil rich in humus and at the same time low in lime is suitable for the Philodendron scandens substrate, as it is very sensitive to lime. At the same time, a loose substrate allows good soil aeration and thus reduces the risk of root rot. The Philodendron scandens prefers slightly acidic soil to neutral soil. A high-quality soil - such as our Plantura organic universal soil - offers the ideal basis for he althy and vigorous plant growth, as it can sustainably supply the plant with a high nutrient content and a high proportion of compost. Furthermore, because of a balanced proportion of coco pith, she is able to store enough water for the plants while maintaining a high level of soil aeration. In addition, a layer of pine bark can be applied or, alternatively, acidic primary rock powder (from granite or bas alt) can be mixed with the soil to keep the soil pH constantly slightly acidic.
Care of Philodendron scandens
The Philodendron scandens is a very robust plant that grows with the rightBackground knowledge requires little maintenance.
It is important for the plant to be constantly supplied with water during the vegetation period - from April to October. However, the Philodendron scandens has a relatively low water consumption for its size. Therefore, there is a risk of waterlogging and thus root rot if watering excessively without sufficient drainage. The soil should therefore be tested for moisture with a finger test before each watering. Because the Philodendron scandens is very sensitive to lime, collected rainwater or mineral water, which is best at room temperature, is suitable as irrigation water. If the humidity is low, the plant can be sprayed occasionally with a little lime-free water - this ensures a good climate and at the same time cleans the leaves of dust.
During the growing season the Philodendron scandens should be fertilized every two weeks so that the plant has all the nutrients it needs for growth. If there is a lack of nutrients, the leaves of the Philodendron scandens can discolour and fall off, and growth and new leaf formation also stop. To prevent this, a high-quality liquid fertilizer that is added to the irrigation water is particularly suitable. Our Plantura organic indoor and green plant fertilizer supports the growth of he althy and strong plants through a needs-oriented nutrient ratio and a resource-saving lower phosphorus content. The addition of microorganisms promotes the absorption of nutrients from the substrate and sustainably strengthens root growth.
You should repot the Philodendron scandens every one to two years, not only because the plant gets bigger, but also because any potting soil sags over time and micronutrients - them too in fertilizers not all are present - running out. The tree friend indicates the need for a new pot by pushing many aerial roots out of the top of the pot and overall growth stagnates.
The new pot should always be around 20% larger than the old one, especially with young plants. The best time for repotting is early spring from March, before the start of vegetation. The plant can be removed from its old pot and excess soil removed. The Philodendron scandens should then be planted in the new pot before the soil addedlightly pressed and poured on well. At the same time, a new climbing aid can be used if the Philodendron scandens is cultivated as a climbing plant. To do this, old shoots should be carefully detached from the old climbing aid before it is pulled out. You can then insert the new climbing aid before the shoots are attached to it with the help of a plant ring or a cord. It is important to ensure that there is enough space for future growth. Finally, the Philodendron scandens can be brought back to its location.
A topiary of the philodendron scandens is not necessary, because the runners can easily be led back to the climbing aid. If they become too long for the hanging plant, they can simply be cut off with sharp pruning shears. Disturbing, old and dry shoots and leaves can be cut off, as can diseased leaves.
Winter climbing philodendron
During hibernation, the climbing philodendron should be moved to a cooler, draught-free spot with a temperature of 16 to 18°C. A conservatory, a bright stairwell or little heated living rooms are suitable for this, for example. During the winter months, you should only water the plant sparingly, as water uptake is reduced. The root ball is allowed to dry out, but not dry out. Fertilization should be avoided completely.
Propagate Philodendron scandens
Propagation of the Philodendron scandens is particularly easy using cuttings. For this purpose, parts of the plant that have at least one leaf and roots can be used. The cut off parts of the plant can be placed in a pot filled with a soil-sand mixture and watered well. The pot can then be covered with a sheet of glass or cling film to create a micro greenhouse. In a warm place of ideally 25 °C, the parts of the plant will take root after just two to four weeks. The lid should be opened occasionally to prevent fungal infestation.
Is the Philodendron scandens poisonous?
The Philodendron scandens is mildly toxic because almost all parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals as a natural protection against eating. Above all, the leaves of thePhilodendron scandens often gnawed by cats, which can lead to mild symptoms of poisoning and long-term damage to the kidneys. However, there are no known cases of poisoning by Philodendron plants in humans.
You like evergreen, exotic plants, but you find flowering plants even nicer? Then also read our article on the flyer.