The Elephant Philodendron is a popular houseplant known for its striking foliage. Its distinctive, large leaves make it a favored choice for many plant enthusiasts. This plant offers a relatively straightforward care routine, allowing it to thrive indoors.
Understanding Elephant Philodendron
The Elephant Philodendron, scientifically known as Philodendron domesticum, is also called Spadeleaf or Burgundy Philodendron. It is recognized for its large, glossy, spade-shaped leaves, which can reach up to 22 inches (56 cm) long and 9 inches (23 cm) wide. These deep green leaves may also show a hint of burgundy, especially on their undersides.
Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, particularly Brazil, Philodendron domesticum thrives in warm, humid conditions. In its natural habitat, it often grows as a climbing vine, using aerial roots to attach to other plants or tree trunks. Its adaptability to indoor conditions has made it a popular houseplant.
Essential Care for Elephant Philodendron
Elephant Philodendrons thrive with consistent care that mimics their tropical origins.
Light Needs
Elephant Philodendrons need bright, indirect light. An east-facing window or a south-facing window with a sheer curtain is ideal. While they tolerate lower light, insufficient light causes leggy growth. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves, leading to yellowing and brown patches.
Watering Practices
Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry between waterings before rehydrating thoroughly. This prevents both root rot from overwatering and wilting from underwatering. Ensure excess water drains completely from the pot’s drainage holes, preventing the plant from sitting in stagnant water. Watering frequency varies with temperature, humidity, and plant size. Filtered or distilled water is preferable, as the plant can be sensitive to minerals in tap water.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining, rich, and loose potting mix is essential for Elephant Philodendrons to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root development. An ideal blend includes peat moss, perlite, and bark, ensuring good aeration and moisture retention. The soil should have a slightly acidic pH, ideally between 5.5 and 6.5. Incorporating coco coir or horticultural charcoal can further enhance drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
Elephant Philodendrons prefer warm temperatures, ideally 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 27 degrees Celsius). Avoid sudden temperature drops and cold drafts. High humidity, around 60% or more, benefits this tropical plant, helping its leaves stay lush and unfurl properly. In drier indoor environments, increase humidity with a humidifier, by grouping plants, or using a pebble tray.
Fertilizing Schedule
During the active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize regularly. A balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) applied every 2 to 4 weeks is suitable. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to prevent over-fertilization. Reduce or stop fertilization during cooler fall and winter months when growth slows. Always water the plant before applying fertilizer to protect the roots.
Propagating Elephant Philodendron
Propagate Elephant Philodendron using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least one node, which is a small bump on the stem where leaves and roots emerge. Using clean, sharp pruning shears, cut below a node, ensuring the cutting has one or two leaves. Remove any lower leaves that would be submerged if rooting in water.
Root cuttings in water or directly in a moist, well-draining soil mix. If using water, place the cutting in a clear glass, submerging the node. If using soil, plant the cutting directly into a small pot with potting mix, burying the node slightly. Maintain a warm, humid environment and provide bright, indirect light to encourage root development. Roots typically form within a few weeks; once established, transfer to a larger pot if rooted in water.
Repotting Elephant Philodendron
Repot Elephant Philodendrons every one to two years, or when roots emerge from drainage holes, growth slows, or soil dries quickly. The best time to repot is during the active growing season (spring to early summer), as this allows the plant to recover more quickly from the process.
Choose a new container one to two inches larger in diameter with drainage holes. Overly large pots can retain too much moisture, leading to root issues. Water the plant thoroughly the day before repotting to minimize stress and make it easier to remove from its old pot. Gently remove the plant, loosen any bound roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil at the same depth.
Common Issues and Solutions
Elephant Philodendrons may experience issues indicating a need for care adjustment. Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. If the soil remains consistently wet, reducing watering frequency and ensuring proper drainage can alleviate this. If soil moisture is appropriate, a lack of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen or magnesium, might be the cause, which can be corrected with a balanced fertilizer.
Brown leaf tips indicate low humidity. Increase humidity with misting, a pebble tray, or a humidifier. Leggy growth signals insufficient light; move the plant to a brighter, indirect light location. Pest infestations, like spider mites or mealybugs, can be managed by wiping leaves or applying horticultural soap.
Toxicity Information
The Elephant Philodendron, like other members of the Philodendron genus, contains calcium oxalate crystals, making all parts of the plant toxic if ingested. These crystals cause immediate pain and irritation upon contact with mucous membranes.
Symptoms of ingestion include a burning sensation and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat, potentially leading to difficulty swallowing. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. Keep Elephant Philodendrons out of reach of children and pets. Wear gloves when handling the plant. If ingestion occurs, seek immediate medical or veterinary attention.