The Philodendron hastatum, or Silver Sword Philodendron, is a popular houseplant known for its distinctive, glossy, silver-blue foliage that resembles a sword’s blade as it matures. Native to Brazil’s rainforests, this tropical Aroid naturally climbs. Providing support enhances its appearance and vigor.
Why Silver Sword Philodendrons Climb
The Silver Sword Philodendron is a hemiepiphyte, starting rooted in soil and then climbing structures like trees. In its native habitat, it uses aerial roots to attach to supports, ascending towards filtered light. These specialized roots emerge from stems, serving as anchors and absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air.
Allowing your Silver Sword Philodendron to climb mimics its natural environment. This upward growth encourages larger, more mature leaves, which are more defined and sword-shaped. Climbing also promotes stronger stems and a robust overall plant structure. Providing a vertical path fosters healthier growth and a more impressive display.
Selecting the Right Climbing Support
Choosing the correct climbing support is important for successful growth. Moss poles are ideal because their fibrous material (sphagnum moss or coco coir) provides an excellent surface for aerial roots to attach and absorb moisture. Sphagnum moss poles retain water well, benefiting aerial roots. Coco coir poles offer a similar function, though they may be less water-retentive.
Trellises also support vining stems, allowing the plant to be woven through. While trellises offer good physical support and can be aesthetically pleasing, they lack the moisture-retaining properties of moss or coir poles, which is less beneficial for aerial root development. Simple stakes offer temporary support for smaller plants but lack the surface area and moisture retention needed for a mature climbing philodendron to thrive and develop larger leaves. Consider the plant’s current size, its potential mature height of 10-15 feet indoors, and home humidity when deciding.
How to Train Your Silver Sword Philodendron to Climb
Training your Silver Sword Philodendron to climb involves a gentle approach to encourage its natural upward growth. Begin by securely planting your chosen support, such as a moss pole, directly into the pot with the philodendron. The pole should be firmly anchored to prevent it from toppling as the plant grows. Position the support close to the main stem, ensuring it is stable within the potting mix.
Once the support is in place, carefully guide the philodendron’s stems towards it. Identify the aerial roots, which appear as small brown bumps or string-like growths along the stems, and position them in contact with the pole. These roots anchor the plant. Use soft plant ties, such as Velcro plant ties, twine, or plant clips, to gently secure stems to the support at various points. Avoid tying them too tightly, as this can damage stems or impede growth.
To encourage aerial roots to firmly attach, particularly with moss poles, maintain consistent moisture on the pole. Regularly misting the moss pole is beneficial, as roots seek and absorb this moisture, adhering more readily to the damp surface. Some growers pour water directly into the top of the moss pole for thorough saturation. As the plant grows taller, you may need to add extensions; many designs allow for stacking, or you can attach a new pole section using ties or stakes. Continue to re-tie stems as needed and ensure new aerial roots are guided towards the support for continuous vertical progression.
Care Considerations for Climbing Silver Sword Philodendron
Providing climbing support influences care requirements, necessitating adjustments for continued health. Watering practices may need to evolve, especially with a moss pole. The moss pole needs to be kept moist to encourage aerial root attachment and provide supplemental hydration. This means watering the pole regularly, possibly more frequently than the soil, by misting or pouring water directly onto it.
Increased vertical growth can affect the plant’s light exposure. Ensure the entire plant receives bright, indirect light; too much direct sun can scorch leaves, while insufficient light leads to leggy growth. Rotate the plant or adjust its position for even light distribution. Maintaining adequate humidity is also beneficial, particularly for aerial roots on the pole. Aim for humidity levels above 60%, achievable with a humidifier or by grouping plants.
A climbing philodendron with larger leaves and vigorous growth may require increased fertilization during its growing season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, monthly during spring and summer to support active development. Pruning helps maintain the plant’s desired shape and encourages bushier growth, especially if it becomes too tall or leggy. When pruning, always use clean, sharp tools and cut above a leaf node to promote new growth.