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Philodendron Lupinum is a beautiful plant with beautiful green foliage that changes shape over time. As the plant matures, the leaves turn into a sword-like shape and get quite large.
Philodendron Lupinum main care directions.
- Water. Water Philodendron Lupinum when the soil is almost dry. If you stick your finger in about 1-2 inches deep and it’s dry, it’s time to thoroughly water your plant.
- Light. Philodendron Lupinum thrive in bright indirect sunlight. Do not place this plant in a spot that gets bright direct sunlight as this can burn the delicate foliage.
- Fertilizer. Fertilize Philodendron Lupinum during the active growing season. This is usually during the spring through fall seasons. Use a natural or synthetic fertilizer to feed your plant nutrients.
- Humidity. Philodendron Lupinum thrive in humidity of 60%+. Use a hygrometer to check the humidity in your home.
Philodendron Lupinum thrive with these care tips.
Light
Philodendron Lupinum thrive in bright indirect sunlight.
You can also place this plant under plant grow lights depending on how strong the lights are. Be careful to not burn the foliage as these are delicate leaves and do not like bright direct sunlight. Place this in a room that gets morning or afternoon sun.
Morning sun (east facing) is the most delicate type of sunlight and afternoon sun (south facing) tends to be the most harsh sunlight. Use that as a guide as to where is the best place for your plant.
If you’re running low on sunlight in the home, take advantage of plant grow lights. I use and recommend T5 Barrina grow lights. I use these for 2 greenhouses and one shelf. They run on a timer for 13 hours a day so it’s all effortless.
Water
Water Philodendron Lupinum when the soil is almost dry.
Use a moisture meter or your finger to check the plants soil. Stick your pointy finger about a knuckle deep to check the plants soil. If the soil is moist, you do not need to water yet. If the soil is dry, it’s time to thoroughly water your plant.
I recommend beginners use a moisture meter as it gives you a better idea on when your plant needs water. I personally find they are accurate although they are a controversial item in the plant community.
Soil
Philodendron Lupinum thrive in well-draining soil. A chunky soil mix is great for this plant and also great for people who tend to be overwaters. With chunky mix, water doesn’t stick around as much as it would with a very dense soil mixture.
An easy chunky soil recipe is 2 parts coco coir, 2 parts perlite, and 1 part orchid bark.
If you don’t want to make your own soil, buy pre-made potting mix. Fox Farm Ocean Forest is a high quality mix that contains a blend of the best ingredients.
You can also grow this plant in a leca or lechuza pon substrate if you prefer a semi-hydroponic method of growing plants. Philodendron are easy houseplants to grow in semi-hydroponic. I have most of my Philodendron growing in semi-hydroponics.
Temperature
Philodendron Lupinum thrive in home temperatures of around 70°F.
Just like other houseplants, do not place this plant in a spot that does get drafts (keep away from windows, doors that lead to the outside, or vents).
Fertilizer
Fertilizing plants is so important for plant production. If you want to see healthy new growth and larger leaves, feed your plant natural or synthetic fertilizer. Fertilizer gives your plant the nutrients it needs to thrive in your home.
It’s important to fertilize your plant only in the active growing season. Typically this is during the spring through fall months. For me, I don’t experience winter so I actually fertilize year round since my houseplants are actively growing year-round.
I use both Key Grow Solutions Blue Butterfly and I’ll Dyna Gro Foliage Pro. I mix a spoonful of the fertilizer into a gallon of water and use this water to feed my plants.
If you are using a non-organic, synthetic fertilizer, it’s always recommended to dilute the recipe in half because of how strong the N-P-K ratios are. If you are using an organic fertilizer, you typically do not have to worry about diluting the recipe because the N-P-K ratio is so low.
Humidity
Philodendron Lupinum thrive in high humidity. Humidity levels above 60%+ are ideal and you’ll notice much faster growth this way.
If you find that you want your plant to live in higher humidity conditions, read these tips to increase humidity.
- Put high humidity plants together in a group. When you group high humidity plants around each other, this creates a humid microclimate. The plants will continue to release moisture around each other through transpiration.
- Place a pebble tray underneath your high humidity plants. I purchased small rocks at a hardware store and placed them on a planter tray. Place your planter on the tray. Put enough water in the tray until it hits the planter bottom and the water will evaporate around the plant.
- Get a humidifier and run it daily near your houseplants.
- Place high-humidity plants in your bathroom. I place certain high humidity plants in my shower and they’re thriving.
Propagation
Propagating a Philodendron Lupinum is easy. All you have to do is take a stem cutting and place the stem cutting in water. I make sure the stem cutting is at least 4 inches long so it’s easier to propagate in water.
Once the roots are at least 1-2 inches long, you can replant in your choice of substrate. Some people prefer a chunky mix while others prefer semi-hydroponics.
Common Questions
Are Philodendron Lupinum rare?
You can find Philodendron Lupinum on Etsy and speciality plant retailers. You will not find this plant at big box stores like Lowes or Home Depot.
How much is a Philodendron Lupinum?
Philodendron Lupinum starter plants cost about $40 on Etsy.
How do you care for Philodendron Lupinum?
Philodendron Lupinum do well in bright indirect sunlight or under plant grow lights, depending on how strong the grow lights are. This plant loves humidity in the 60%+ range and would do well in a greenhouse cabinet.
Give this plant fertilizer during the active growing season which is typically March through October. Prune off any dead leaves at the bottom to encourage new growth up top.
Are Philodendron Lupinum fast growers?
Just like other Philodendrons, Lupinum are fast growers if given the proper growing conditions which are high humidity and bright indirect sunlight.
Do Philodendron Lupinum climb?
Philodendron Lupinum climb so it’s great to give this plant a moss pole or trellis to encourage growth.
Are Philodendron Lupinum poisonous?
Yes, this plant is highly toxic to both animals and humans.
Why is my Philodendron Lupinum yellow?
Philodendrons are known to turn yellow when the plant is receiving too much water. Make sure you’re only watering your plant when the soil is almost dry.
Make things easier by using a moisture meter which will tell you how dry the soil is.
You can also move your philodendron Lupinum to semi-hydroponics which is often better for people who tend to be over waterers.
Why is my Philodendron Lupinum leaves curling?
Philodendron Lupinum leaves curl when the plant is thirsty. Make sure you’re watering your plant on a proper schedule.
Do Philodendron Lupinum like to be misted?
You can mist Philodendron Lupinum but you’re better off making sure the plant is getting adequate humidity. Place your plant near other high humidity plants as this creates a microclimate of higher humidity.
You can also place this plant near a humidifier or in a greenhouse.
How fast does a Philodendron Lupinum grow?
In the right growing conditions, Philodendron Lupinum grow quite quickly just like other Philodendrons.
Does Philodendron Lupinum fenestrate?
Philodendron Lupinum leaves do not fenestrate. Instead the plant gets larger and the leaves get even cooler looking as the plant matures.
How big does a Philodendron Lupinum grow?
Philodendron Lupinum can grow up to six feet tall depending on the conditions the plant is growing in.
How do you know if your Philodendron Lupinum is happy?
Philodendron Lupinum is happy as long as there’s new growth.
Is Philodendron Lupinum toxic to pets?
Yes, this plant is toxic to pets and humans. You can get more information on toxic and pet-friendly plants at ASPCA here.
Common pests
Philodendron Lupinum is susceptible to pest pressures just like other Philodendrons. Some of the most common pest pressures for this plant include mealybugs, scale, aphids, and spider mites. Pests are bad for your plant because they suck the life out of stem and foliage.
To help prevent any pest infestations on your plant, here’s what to do.
- Inspect your houseplant before bringing it home.
- Treat your new houseplant with a natural or synthetic pesticide when you bring it home.
- Quarantine your houseplant away from your other houseplants for at least two weeks.
- Regularly check your plants for pests. This is also a great time to clean your plants.
- Cut off dead leaves as dead matter can attract bugs.
If you find a plant that has pests on it, quarantine the plant away from your houseplants and clean the plant with an organic or nonorganic insecticide.
I use Bonide Systemic on my plants as a preventative and find it’s incredibly effective. This is the one product you always hear about in the plant community because it works so well.
Common issues
Brown tips: If your Philodendron Lupinum has brown tips, this may mean you’re overwatering your plant. Make sure your plant is in well-draining soil and that you are only watering when the top inch of soil is dry.
Yellowing leaves: If your Philodendron Lupinum has yellow leaves, this can mean you’re giving your plant too much sunlight. Move your Philodendron Subhastatum to a spot getting less sunlight.
Curly leaves: If your Philodendron Lupinum has curling leaves, this may be due to the plant being thirsty or being placed in a spot that is drafty. Do not place this plant near a door leading to the outside, window, or vent.
Key Points To Remember
Philodendorn Lupinum are beautiful plants that make for a unique houseplant. As the plant matures, the leaves change shape and become even more unique as time goes on.
Give this plant adequate humidity and bright indirect sunlight and you’ll have a happy plant that keeps on growing.
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