The Philodendron Black Knight is a captivating houseplant admired for its striking, dark foliage, often appearing nearly black, providing a dramatic contrast. This popular perennial hybrid features deeply lobed, heart-shaped leaves with a velvety texture. They emerge with a rich burgundy-red hue before maturing to their signature deep, dark shade. Its aesthetic appeal and relatively low maintenance requirements make it a favored choice among plant enthusiasts.
Philodendron Black Knight Care
Light
The Philodendron Black Knight thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat beneath a dense tree canopy. An east or west-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning or late afternoon sun without the harsh intensity of midday rays. Too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves, causing them to yellow or develop pale spots, while insufficient light leads to leggy growth with elongated stems and dull leaf color.
Water
Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Water thoroughly until excess water drains from the pot’s drainage holes, ensuring the entire root system receives moisture. Avoid standing water in the saucer to prevent root rot, a common issue caused by overly wet conditions.
Soil
A well-draining, airy, and nutrient-rich soil mix is suitable for the Philodendron Black Knight. A good blend includes high-quality potting soil amended with components like perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir. These additives enhance drainage and aeration, as the plant is susceptible to root rot if the soil remains waterlogged. The soil’s pH can range from acidic to neutral, typically between 5.0 and 7.0.
Temperature and Humidity
The Philodendron Black Knight prefers warm and humid environments, similar to its tropical origins. Optimal temperatures range between 65-85°F (18-29°C) during the day, ideally not dropping below 60°F at night. While it can adapt to average household humidity, it thrives when humidity levels are consistently between 60% and 70%. To increase humidity, use a pebble tray, a humidifier, or group plants together to create a localized humid microclimate.
Fertilizer
During its active growing season (spring and summer), the Philodendron Black Knight benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 NPK formula, diluted to half strength, monthly. Fertilizing every two weeks during the growing season is also an option. Over-fertilizing can lead to nutrient burn, so adhere to dilution recommendations. Reduced growth or pale new leaves can indicate a need for more nutrients.
Repotting Philodendron Black Knight
Repot when the plant shows signs of being root-bound, such as roots emerging from drainage holes or a slowdown in growth. The best time for repotting is spring or early summer, coinciding with the plant’s active growth period. Select a container one size larger than the current pot, ensuring adequate drainage holes.
Carefully remove the plant from its current container and gently loosen any circling roots. Place a layer of fresh, well-draining potting mix at the bottom of the new pot, then position the plant at its previous depth. Fill the remaining space with new soil, lightly patting it down, and water thoroughly to settle the mix. This provides fresh nutrients and space for continued healthy development.
Propagating Philodendron Black Knight
Propagating the Philodendron Black Knight is commonly done using stem cuttings. The ideal time for propagation is spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Use sterilized pruning shears to take a stem cutting four to six inches long, ensuring it has at least one or two leaf nodes. Remove any lower leaves that would be submerged.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a moist potting medium. If rooting in water, place the cutting in a container, changing the water every few days to keep it fresh. Once roots are at least one inch long, transfer to a well-draining soil mix. For direct soil propagation, insert the cutting into moist potting mix, ensuring the node is buried, and maintain consistent moisture. Provide bright, indirect light and warm conditions (ideally around 70°F) for successful rooting.
Common Problems and Solutions
Pests and Diseases
Philodendron Black Knight plants can encounter common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Spider mites often appear in dry conditions, while mealybugs resemble white, cottony masses in leaf axils. Regularly inspect plants, especially the undersides of leaves, for early detection. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can control these pests.
Root rot is a common disease caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Symptoms include yellowing leaves and a mushy crown or stems. Address root rot by removing the plant from waterlogged soil, trimming mushy roots, and repotting in fresh, well-draining mix after sterilizing the pot. Good air circulation also helps prevent fungal issues.
Leaf Discoloration
Leaf discoloration often signals an imbalance in care. Yellowing leaves frequently signal overwatering, as constantly wet soil can lead to root rot and prevent nutrient uptake. However, yellowing can also indicate underwatering, nutrient deficiency, or too much direct light. Brown leaves might suggest underwatering, low humidity, or direct sun exposure.
Drooping leaves typically respond to watering issues (too much or too little moisture) or temperature stress. Assess your watering schedule by checking soil moisture regularly. Adjust light exposure if leaves show signs of scorching or fading. Increase ambient humidity if brown tips are prevalent. Proper drainage and a balanced feeding schedule can help restore leaf color and plant health.
Leggy Growth
Leggy growth, characterized by elongated stems with widely spaced leaves, results primarily from insufficient light. The plant stretches towards a light source when not receiving enough illumination, leading to a sparse appearance. Move the plant to a location with more bright, indirect light. East or west-facing windows are often suitable.
Pruning can improve the plant’s bushiness and encourage new, more compact growth. Strategic cuts can remove overly long or bare stems. Regularly rotating the plant ensures all sides receive adequate light, promoting even growth and a fuller appearance.
Is Philodendron Black Knight Toxic?
The Philodendron Black Knight is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. This is due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals found throughout the plant. Ingestion can cause oral irritation, burning, and swelling of the mouth and throat, as well as digestive upset like nausea and vomiting. Skin contact with the sap may also cause irritation. Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets, and wear gloves when handling it.