The Philodendron erubescens ‘Strawberry Shake’ is a sought-after houseplant, a natural hybrid displaying captivating colors: irregular blotches of red, pink, cream, and green on large leaves, often with deep red stems. Care is straightforward once tropical needs are understood.
Strawberry Shake Philodendron Care Essentials
Bright, indirect light is essential for the Strawberry Shake Philodendron’s health and vibrant variegation. Place it near a sunny window, shielded from direct sun; direct sun scorches leaves, insufficient light causes legginess and variegation loss. Aim for 650-750 foot-candles to maintain striking coloration.
Water properly to prevent root rot. It prefers soil to dry partially between waterings; check top 2-3 inches and water if dry. Overwatering causes yellowing leaves; ensure ample drainage and complete excess water drainage.
Ideal soil mimics its natural epiphytic conditions: airy, chunky, and well-draining. Amend a high-quality potting mix with perlite and orchid bark for aeration and drainage, preventing waterlogging while retaining sufficient moisture for roots.
Temperature and humidity significantly influence growth. It thrives in warm environments, 65-85°F (18-29°C), but is sensitive to sudden temperature fluctuations and cold drafts, stressing the plant and damaging leaves. High humidity, ideally 60-80%, is beneficial; indoors, increase humidity with a humidifier or by placing it in humid areas.
Fertilize regularly for robust growth. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer monthly in spring and summer, diluted to half strength to prevent over-fertilization. Withhold fertilizing during fall and winter when growth slows, preventing salt buildup.
Repotting Your Strawberry Shake Philodendron
Repot when root-bound or stunted despite adequate care. Indications include roots circling drainage holes or emerging from soil. Repotting is best during spring or early summer, coinciding with the plant’s active growth period; it typically needs repotting every 1-3 years, depending on growth rate.
Select a new pot only one size larger (1-2 inches wider). An oversized pot holds excessive moisture, leading to root rot. Prepare a fresh, well-draining soil mix with perlite and orchid bark. Gently remove the plant, loosen circling roots, and place it in the new pot, ensuring the base is level.
Propagating Strawberry Shake Philodendron
Propagate using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with 1-2 nodes. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut just below a node, ensuring the cutting has leaves. Remove the lowest leaf or two to expose nodes for rooting.
Root cuttings in water, sphagnum moss, or a well-draining soil mix. For water rooting, place the cutting in a clear container with filtered water, ensuring nodes are submerged but leaves remain above the waterline. For sphagnum moss or soil, keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide warmth and high humidity around the cutting to accelerate root development.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Environmental issues often affect the Strawberry Shake Philodendron. Losing variegation is a frequent concern, typically from insufficient light. Increase bright, indirect light exposure to restore and maintain patterns; however, lost variegation may not fully return on older leaves.
Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering or poor drainage, leading to root rot. Browning leaf tips or edges signal low humidity or underwatering. Adjust watering frequency to allow topsoil to dry out and increase ambient humidity. Stunted growth may indicate nutrient deficiency, suggesting regular fertilization.
Pest infestations can affect the plant. Regularly inspect leaves and stems to detect pests early. If found, wipe with a damp cloth or treat with insecticidal soap. Fungal leaf spot diseases may require fungicidal spray.