The Philodendron Pluto Choco Empress is a sought-after plant, captivating enthusiasts with its distinctive appearance. This hybrid showcases deep green, serrated leaves that gradually mature into a rich, chocolatey olive hue. Its compact and upright growth habit makes it a striking addition to any indoor plant collection. The plant is also known for its potential to sometimes revert to a variegated form, displaying flashes of caramel tones.
Caring for Your Philodendron Pluto Choco Empress
Light Requirements
Philodendron Pluto Choco Empress thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near a window with filtered sunlight, such as through a sheer curtain, is ideal. While it can tolerate medium or lower light, growth may slow, and the vibrant chocolate tones in new foliage may be less pronounced. Direct sun exposure should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is important for the health of your Philodendron Pluto Choco Empress. Water the plant when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This helps prevent both overwatering and underwatering, ensuring the plant receives adequate moisture without becoming waterlogged. Allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings also prevents root rot.
Ideal Soil Mix
A well-draining and airy soil mix is important for this Philodendron. A suitable blend includes components that promote aeration while retaining some moisture. An aroid mix, composed of perlite, orchid bark, peat, and coconut coir, provides structure for healthy root development and drainage. This substrate mimics the plant’s natural environment.
Temperature and Humidity
This tropical plant thrives in warm environments with temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-27°C). It prefers medium to high humidity, with levels of 60% or higher supporting growth and leaf appearance. To increase humidity, use a humidifier, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, or group it with other plants.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season, typically spring and summer, regular fertilization supports the plant’s development. A balanced houseplant fertilizer applied monthly is generally appropriate. Avoid fertilizing during the cooler, dormant months of winter to prevent harm to the plant.
Propagating Philodendron Pluto Choco Empress
Propagating the Philodendron Pluto Choco Empress is achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least one or two nodes, which are the points where leaves and roots emerge. A cutting 3 to 6 inches long with a few leaves is suitable. Make a clean cut just below a node using sterilized clippers.
Once prepared, root the cutting in either water or a moist rooting medium. For water rooting, place the cutting in a clean jar with submerged nodes, keeping leaves out of the water to prevent rot. Change the water every few days.
For soil propagation, plant the cutting directly into a well-draining, moist potting mix, ensuring nodes are covered. Place the container in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Roots form within a few weeks, and new leaf growth indicates successful rooting.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Philodendron Pluto Choco Empress can display signs if its environmental conditions are not met. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, poor drainage, too much light, or over-fertilization. Ensuring the soil dries adequately between waterings and that the pot has drainage holes helps resolve this. Brown leaf tips suggest insufficient humidity or underwatering, while stunted growth may point to inadequate light or nutrients.
Pest issues occur. Common pests include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Spider mites thrive in dry air, while fungus gnats are attracted to consistently wet soil. Regularly inspecting the plant and wiping down leaves prevents infestations. For active pests, apply a gentle solution of insecticidal soap or neem oil to affected areas.
Repotting Your Plant
Repotting your Philodendron Pluto Choco Empress is necessary as it grows, typically every one to three years, or when it becomes root-bound. Signs include roots emerging from drainage holes or circling the inside of the pot. Spring is generally the most favorable time for repotting, as the plant enters its active growth phase.
When repotting, select a new container that is one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one, ensuring it has drainage holes. Watering the plant a day before repotting can help reduce transplant shock and make removal easier. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, inspect the roots, and trim any unhealthy or circling ones. Place the plant in the new pot at the same depth as before, backfilling with fresh, well-draining soil mix, and water thoroughly.