Philodendrons, a diverse group of nearly 1,000 species, are popular houseplants known for their tropical foliage. Originating from Central and South American rainforests, they exhibit various growth patterns. Philodendron crawlers are a distinct category, offering a unique aesthetic and specific care. This article defines these plants and outlines their optimal home care.
Understanding Philodendron Crawlers
Philodendron crawlers exhibit a horizontal growth habit, spreading along the ground. They develop long, creeping stems, or stolons, from which leaves and roots emerge. This allows them to cover significant surface area, mimicking their natural spread across the forest floor. Roots from these stolons anchor the plant and absorb nutrients, contributing to a dense, hedge-like appearance in their native habitat.
Differentiating Growth Habits
Philodendrons have three main growth categories: crawling, climbing (vining), and self-heading (upright). Climbing philodendrons use aerial roots to attach to trees, growing vertically for light. These plants benefit from moss poles or trellises to encourage larger leaf development. In contrast, self-heading philodendrons grow in an upright, bushy form without external support.
Understanding these distinctions is important as each influences space requirements and environmental interaction. Crawlers, for instance, need wide, shallow pots for their outward growth, unlike climbers that use vertical space.
Caring for Philodendron Crawlers
Philodendron crawlers thrive in the right environment. They prefer bright, indirect light, mimicking the dappled sunlight under a dense tree canopy. While they tolerate lower light, insufficient light results in slower growth and leggy stems. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves.
They prefer consistent moisture but are sensitive to overwatering, which leads to root rot. Water when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry, ensuring thorough drainage and discarding excess water. High humidity, ideally above 60%, is beneficial, reflecting their tropical origins. Maintain temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C); they are not tolerant of cold drafts or temperatures below 55°F.
For potting, wider, shallower containers or “trough” style planters are suitable for their horizontal spread. A well-draining, airy aroid mix, composed of bark, perlite, and peat moss for aeration and moisture retention, is preferred. During the growing season from spring through fall, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength once a month to support healthy foliage.
Popular Crawler Varieties
Several philodendron species exemplify the crawling growth habit. Philodendron gloriosum is a well-known crawler, admired for its large, heart-shaped, velvety leaves with striking white or pinkish veins. It spreads along the forest floor, developing impressive leaf sizes.
Philodendron mamei is another popular crawling variety, with green leaves often featuring silver or grey mottled variegation. Philodendron plowmanii is notable for its textured leaves and unique form. Philodendron pastazanum, or “Pasta,” has glossy, heart-shaped leaves and a rhizomatous stem that grows on the soil surface.
Troubleshooting Crawler Challenges
Philodendron crawlers can encounter common issues. Yellowing leaves signal either overwatering or insufficient light. Consistently soggy soil causes root rot, while leggy growth with smaller, paler leaves indicates insufficient light. Browning leaf tips point to low humidity and can be addressed by increasing ambient moisture.
Pest infestations, such as spider mites, mealybugs, or scale, may affect plants. Regular inspection of stems and leaf undersides, and wiping foliage with a damp cloth aid early detection. Treat active infestations with horticultural oils like neem oil or insecticidal soap. Proper air circulation also deters fungal issues, contributing to plant health.