Philodendron Mexicanum Houseplant Care Guide

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Philodendron Mexicanum is an easygoing plant that is great for houseplant enthusiasts who want a non-fussy climbing plant.

Philodendron Mexicanum main care directions.

Water. Keep your Philodendron Mexicanum on the moist side. If using a moisture meter, the soil should read closer to the dry side.
Light. Philodendron Mexicanum thrive in bright indirect sunlight. These plants are known for growing under canopies in forests so they get mostly filtered sunlight. A south, east, or west facing window with a sheer curtain between the sunlight and plant is best.
Fertilizer. Feed your plant fertilizer in the active growing season. This is typically March through September depending on where you live.
Humidity. Philodendron Mexicanum are tropical houseplants and prefer higher humidity, but can be acclimated to regular household humidity (30%-40%).

Philodendron Mexicanum thrive with these plant care tips.

Light

Philodendron Mexicanum do best in bright indirect sunlight or under plant grow lights depending on how strong the plant lights are. Do not put this plant in direct sunlight as this can easily burn the foliage and essentially kill your plant.

This plant will do great in a room that gets morning (east facing), afternoon (south facing), or evening (west facing) sun. If putting in a south facing room, make sure the plant is a few feet away from the window as southern exposure is the strongest sunlight during the day.

I love using plant grow lights. I love and use T5 Barrina plant grow lights and have them running on a timer for 13 hours a day. I have limited space for plants so being able to put these plants in a spot getting no sunlight is amazing.

Water

Philodendron Mexicanum like to stay on the moist side but can handle some drying out. I recommend putting your finger in the soil to check the soils moisture level. Place your pointy finger about 2 inches in and if the soil is dry, it’s time to thoroughly water your plant.

You may find that your plant needs more water depending on how much sunlight it gets. The more sun the plant gets, the more it’ll need water.

You can also use a moisture meter to check your plants soil. A moisture meter will tell you when the plant is on the dryer side or if it’s still moist. I like using moisture meters for plants that are hard to reach, like in a hanging basket or far away on a shelf.

Soil

Keep your Philodendron Mexicanum in well-draining soil.

A chunky soil mix is ideal for houseplants because this helps ensure the plant never gets root rot while simultaneously getting enough oxygen to the plant. A chunky mix allows for aeration in the soil which is beneficial to your plant.

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 premade potting mix like Fox Farm Ocean Forest. This mix is top notch and contains everything your plants need to thrive.

If you’re a semi-hydroponics enthusiast and prefer growing plants in leca or lechuza pon, this is a great plant for that. Philodendrons do well in semi-hydroponics. I also find it way easier to know when to water my plants in semi-hydroponics.

Temperature

Keep your Philodendron Mexicanum in regular home temperatures around 70°F.

I recommend avoiding placing houseplants in drafty areas near windows, doors that lead to the outside, or around vents. Many plants hate drafts and can die in these areas.

Fertilizer

You must fertilize your houseplants if you want them to grow happy and healthy. You’ll notice larger foliage and faster growth when you give your plants those nutrients they desire.

Fertilize your houseplants in the active growing season. For most people, this is typically spring through summer. I live in an area that doesn’t have winter so my plants tend to grow year-round, which mines I’m fertilizing almost year round.

I use Key Grow Solutions Blue Butterfly and I’ll sometimes switch to Dyna Gro Foliage Pro.

If you are using a non-organic, synthetic fertilizer, you need to dilute the recipe in half because of how strong the N-P-K ratios are. If you are using an organic fertilizer, you do not have to worry about diluting the recipe because the N-P-K ratio is so low.

Humidity

Philodendron Mexicanum are pretty hardy plants and can easily acclimate to normal household humidity.

However, if you want to raise your humidity around your plant for better growth, use these tips.

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 Mexicanum is easy.

With clean shears, take a stem cutting that has a node or two. Place the cutting in water when the nodes fully submerged. Once the roots are a couple of inches long, you can move your plant to your preferred substrate whether it be a chunky aroid mix or semi-hydroponics.

Common Questions

Are Philodendron Mexicanum rare?

You probably won’t find Philodendron Mexicanum at Lowes or Home Depot, but you’ll find this plant on Etsy or a site selling plants like Steve’s Leaves or Gabriella Plants.

How much is a Philodendron Mexicanum?

You can get a 4″ pot of Philodendron Mexicanum for around $150. Prices for this plant vary.

How do you identify a Philodendron Mexicanum?

Philodendron Mexicanum has sword-like and long foliage. The leaves are quite skinny.

How do you care for Philodendron Mexicanum?

To make sure your Philodendron Mexicanum thrives, keep it in bright indirect sunlight with average humidity. You can give this plant much higher humidity if you want, but it’s not necessary.

Keep your plants soil on the moist side and water your plant thoroughly when it’s time for a water. Fertilize your plant in the active growing season with an organic or synthetic fertilizer. If using a synthetic fertilizer, make sure to dilute the recipe in half.

Are Philodendron Mexicanum fast growers?

Just like other Philodendrons, Mexicanum are fast growers if given the proper growing conditions.

Do Philodendron Mexicanum climb?

Philodendron Mexicanum climb so it’s great to give this plant a moss pole or trellis to encourage growth.

Are Philodendron Mexicanum poisonous?

Yes, this plant is highly toxic to both animals and humans.

Why is my Philodendron Mexicanum yellow?

If your Philodendron Mexicanum is yellowing, this may mean your plant is receiving too much water. Only water your plant when the top two inches of the soil is dry. Use the finger method or invest in a moisture meter to get a better idea on when to water your plant.

If you’re not sure when to water your plant and still tend to overwater, you may want to move your plant to semi-hydroponics as it’s much easier to tell when your plant needs to be watered.

Why is my Philodendron Mexicanum leaves curling?

Philodendron Mexicanum leaves tend to curl when the plant needs water. Keep your plants soil on the moist side and make sure to give your plant a thorough watering when it needs it.

Do Philodendron Mexicanum like to be misted?

You can mist Philodendron Mexicanum but it’s not really necessary. If you want your plant to get more humidity, put it next to a humidifier or place your plant on a pebble tray filled with water.

You can place this plant next to your other plants and group them together. This creates a microclimate of higher humidity.

How fast does a Philodendron Mexicanum grow?

In the right growing conditions, Philodendron Mexicanum grow quite quickly just like other Philodendrons.

Does Philodendron Mexicanum fenestrate?

Philodendron Mexicanum leaves do not fenestrate.

How big does a Philodendron Mexicanum grow?

Philodendron Mexicanum can grow six to seven feet tall.

How do you know if your Philodendron Mexicanum is happy?

Philodendron Mexicanum is happy as long as there’s new growth and the plant is actively growing most of the year.

Is Philodendron Mexicanum 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

This plant is quite hardy against pests but it’s still best to use pest preventives to keep pests at bay. The most common pest pressures include mealybugs, scale, aphids, and spider mites.

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 because it’s so effective at getting rid of pest pressures. All you do is sprinkle the Bonide on top of your plants soil.

The product works its magic by working into the soil. If you have a fungus gnat problem, this is the one product that will definitely get rid of those annoying bugs.

Bonide Systemic Granules are a great way to get rid of unwanted pests.

Common issues

Brown tips: If your Philodendron Mexicanum has brown tips, this can 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 Mexicanum has yellow leaves, this can mean you’re giving your plant too much sunlight. Move your Philodendron Mexicanum to a spot getting less sunlight.

Curly leaves: If your Philodendron Mexicanum 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

Philodendron Mexicanum is a hardy plant that is quite easygoing. This plant is quite the prolific grower and grows stunning foliage. It’s a great plant for a beginner houseplant enthusiast or anyone wanting a different looking plant in their home.

Make sure to place your plant in bright indirect sunlight, regularly fertilize, and water whenever the soil hits the dryer side of things.