Philodendron Silver Sword Houseplant Care Guide

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Philodendron Silver Sword also known as the Philodendron Hastatum is a popular houseplant known for its silver-blue hue that is unlike other houseplants.

As the Philodendron Hastatum matures, the leaves grow larger and morph into a sword shape, giving the plant its name Philodendron Silver Sword.

Philodendron Hastatum main care tips.

1. Water. Philodendron Hastatum like to stay moist. Water this plant when the top inch or two of soil is dry and make sure to water thoroughly.
2. Light. Philodendron Hastatum enjoy bright indirect sunlight. Do not place this plant in direct sunlight as this can scorch the foliage.
3. Fertilizer. Fertilize Philodendron Hastatum during the active growing season which is typically spring through summer with a natural or synthetic fertilizer.
4. Humidity. Philodendron Hastatum are tropical plants and love humidity at around 60% but can live in lower humidity conditions.

Philodendron Hastatum thrive with these care tips.

Light

Philodendron Silver Sword thrive in bright indirect sunlight. A room with east, south, or west facing sun is great for this tropical houseplant.

You can also place this plant under plant grow lights. I use T5 Barrina plant grow lights for the majority of my plants. These lights run on a timer for 13 hours every day.

Sufficient lighting is so important for plant growth and can increase the chances of your plants even flowering in the home.

Water

Water Philodendron Hastatum when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Make sure to water your plant thoroughly.

You’ll know if you’re watering correctly if you see water coming out through the bottom of the pot.

If you tend to be an underwaterer or overwaterer, use a moisture meter which will tell you when the soil is dry or moist. One of the most common reasons people kill their plants is because they water too much. Your plants need way less water than you think probably.

Soil

Philodendron Hastatum thrive in well-draining soil just like most houseplants.

An easy soil recipe is 2 parts coco coir, 2 parts perlite, and 1 part orchid bark.

If you don’t want to make your own potting mix, use premade soil like Fox Farm Ocean Forest. This blend contains high quality ingredients that contain everything you need to grow healthy houseplants in your home.

You can also grow this plant in a leca or lechuza pon substrate if you prefer a semi-hydroponic method of growing plants.

Temperature

Philodendron Hastatum thrive in regular home temperatures of 70°F to 80°F. You can also grow this plant outside if you live in USDA hardiness zones of 9b-11.

This plant does not do well in colder temperatures outside under 60°F (15°C). It’s also important to place this plant in a spot that does NOT get drafts (keep away from windows, doors that lead to the outside, or vents).

Fertilizer

Philodendron Silver Sword enjoy fertilizer during the active growing season. Fertilizer gives your plant the nutrients it needs to thrive in your home.

Fertilize your Philodendron Hastatum when the plant is actively growing. For me, that’s year round since I live in a place that doesn’t really get winter. Fertilize using a slow release granule fertilizer or an organic or synthetic fertilizer.

I use Dyna Gro to fertilize my plants. I get a spoonful of fertilizer and mix it into a gallon of water. Then I use this water to feed all of my houseplants.

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 Hastatum are tropical houseplants and love higher than average household humidity. Humidity levels between 60%-80% are ideal but I’ve also found this plant can live in normal humidity conditions.

If your home is relatively dry (under 30% humidity), you may want to invest in a humidifier or put your plant under a pebble tray with water. I keep my house at about 40% humidity and my higher needs humidity plants are at about 60% humidity in a DIY Ikea greenhouse cabinet.

Best tips to raise the humidity in your home:

• 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.
• Mist your plants. Some people say this doesn’t help, but I think it does so I continue to do it.
• Place high-humidity plants in your bathroom. I place certain high humidity plants in my shower and they’re thriving.

I keep my Philodendron Hastatum in a greenhouse that I made. The plant seems to enjoy it.

Propagation

Propagating a Philodendron Hastatum is easy. Make a cut underneath 2-3 nodes and place those nodes in water. In about one month you will see roots growing from the nodes.

Once the roots are about 2 inches in length, you can pot your Philodendron Hastatum or move the plant to whichever substrate you prefer.

Common Questions

Are Philodendron Hastatum rare?

You can find Philodendron Silver Sword almost anywhere that sells plants. I’ve seen Philodendron Hastatum at Lowes, Home Depot, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, and local plant shops.

How much is a Philodendron Hastatum?

Philodendron Hastatum costs about $20 for a 4 inch pot.

How do you care for Philodendron Hastatum?

To make sure your Philodendron Hastatum thrives in its new home, place it in a spot getting bright indirect sunlight and humidity higher than 50%.

This would be a great houseplant for a bathroom or kitchen since those rooms typically get higher humidity than the rest of a house.

Are Philodendron Hastatum fast growers?

I’ve found Philodendron Hastatum to be a lot slower growers than my other Philodendrons.

Do Philodendron Hastatum climb?

As Philodendron Hastatum climb and mature, their leaves develop into more of a sword shape.

Are Philodendron Hastatum poisonous?

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

Why is my Philodendron Hastatum yellow?

If your Philodendron Hastatum is yellowing, this can be a sign of too much sunlight. Make sure your plant isn’t getting any direct sunlight. Yellow leaves can also be a sign of your plant needing fertilizer or extra humidity.

Why is my Philodendron Hastatum leaves curling?

Philodendron Hastatum leaves curl when the humidity is lower than it likes or if the plant is thirsty.

Make sure you’re watering your plant on a proper schedule. Use a moisture meter if you are not sure when to water your plant.

Do Philodendron Hastatum like to be misted?

Misting plants is a controversial subject as a lot of people think misting does nothing. I personally mist my plants but not on a strict schedule.

Since Philodendron Hastatum are from tropical regions, they naturally thrive on higher humidity. So if you want to mist your plant, you definitely can, but it’s best to simply give your plant adequate humidity by placing it near a humidifier.

Is Philodendron Silver Sword 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

I haven’t had any pest pressures on my Philodendron Hastatum, but some of the most common pests for this houseplant include spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and aphids. These pests can hurt your plant which is why prevention is key.

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. Sprinkle the Bonide granules on top of your plants soil and the product will work its magic. This is a great method to get rid of fungus gnats.

I spray the plant and wipe down the leaves and stems twice a week for a month until I know the infestation is gone. Make sure to check all of your other plants as it is easy for pests to spread.

Common issues

Brown tips: If your Philodendron Hastatum has brown tips, this may mean you aren’t giving your plant enough sunlight. Place your plant in a spot getting bright indirect sunlight or under plant grow lights.

Yellowing leaves: If your Philodendron Hastatum has yellow leaves, this can mean you’re not watering your plant correctly. Invest in a moisture meter which will help you water your plant at the correct times.

Curly leaves: If your Philodendron Hastatum 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 Hastatum AKA Philodendron Silver Sword are stunning plants that produce beautiful silver-blue foliage. As this plant matures the leaves form into a sword-like shape.

Give this plant bright indirect sunlight, extra humidity, and fertilizer during the active growing season to keep it happy and healthy.

Read more about houseplants:

• How To Get Free Or Cheap Houseplants
• 15 Creative Ways To Display Houseplants
• How To Build A Self-Sustaining Terrarium

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