If you’re looking for an interesting and exotic houseplant, the philodendron bloody mary is a great option. This plant is native to South America and has lush, dark green leaves that are marbled with red veins. The plant can grow up to six feet tall, so it’s best suited for a large pot or garden bed.
Philodendron bloody marys can live for many years with proper care, but they do require some special attention.
It can be grown indoors or outdoors and will live for up to 10 years if cared for properly. In this article, we will discuss how to grow and care for the philodendron bloody mary.
Planting a Philodendron Bloody Mary Outside
If you live in a warm climate, you can plant your philodendron bloody mary outside. It will grow best in direct sunlight, and prefers soil with a pH of between six and eight. Be sure to water it regularly, and fertilize it twice a year with an organic fertilizer.
Planting a Philodendron Bloody Mary Indoors
If you live in a cooler climate or don’t have enough outdoor space for your plant, you can grow the philodendron bloody mary indoors. It needs at least four hours of direct sunlight per day, so choose a spot near a window.
The pot should have drainage holes so that the soil doesn’t become soggy. You’ll need to water it regularly and fertilize it every two weeks with an organic fertilizer.
Pruning
If your philodendron bloody mary starts to grow too large, you can prune it back. Cut off the stem at a leaf node (a point where a leaf is attached to the stem). This will encourage new growth.
Sunlight
The philodendron bloody mary needs plenty of sunlight to thrive. It should be placed in a sunny spot near a window, or if grown outdoors, in a location that gets full sun.
Soil pH
The philodendron bloody mary prefers a soil pH of about six. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, you can adjust the pH by adding limestone or sulfur to the soil.
Watering Requirements
This plant needs plenty of water, but should not be overwatered. The best way to determine if your plant needs water is to check the moisture level of the soil. If the top few inches of soil are dry, then it’s time to water your plant. It’s also important to avoid watering the leaves of the plant, as this can lead to fungal diseases and make your plants leaves turn yellow.
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20 should be applied monthly during the spring and summer months.
Philodendrons need plenty of nitrogen to stay healthy, so be sure to use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. You can either use an organic or synthetic fertilizer; just be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Humidity
The philodendron bloody mary prefers humidity levels of 50-70%, and a temperature range of 65-85 degrees F. You can increase the humidity level by placing the pot on a tray of wet pebbles, or by using a humidifier.
If the air in your home is too dry, you can increase the humidity by placing the plant on a tray of wet pebbles.
Temperature
The philodendron bloody mary can tolerate a range of temperatures, from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Propagation
To propagate a new philodendron bloody mary, take a stem cutting from an existing plant and place it in water or soil. The new plant will sprout roots and grow into a new plant.
Related Article: Philodendrons Leaves Are Turning Brown
Pests and Disease
The following pests and diseases are known to affect the philodendron bloody mary:
Spider mites: These tiny pests can be difficult to see, but they can cause extensive damage to the plant. You can treat them with a miticide or insecticidal soap.
Scale: These small insects attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant and suck sap from the plant. They can be removed with a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Fungal diseases: These can be treated with a fungicide.
Philodendron bloody mary: Conclusion
The philodendron bloody mary is a beautiful and exotic houseplant that requires regular care to thrive. Sunlight, soil pH, watering requirements, pruning, and fertilizing are all important factors to consider when caring for this plant. With a little bit of TLC, your philodendron bloody mary will grow beautifully and thrive for many years. Thanks for reading!