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Philodendron Subhastatum is a beautiful plant with beautiful green foliage. Some would say the best part of this plant is the vibrant red back part of the leaf. Although this is a Philodendron, the care needs are a little different than other Philodendrons.
Philodendron Subhastatum main care directions.
- Water. Water Philodendron Subhastatum when the plant is almost dry out. This plant likes to stay more on the moist side.
- Light. Philodendron Subhastatum thrive in bright indirect sunlight. You can also place this plant under plant grow lights depending on how strong the lights are.
- Fertilizer. Fertilize Philodendron Subhastatum during the active growing season. This is usually during the spring and summer.
- Humidity. Philodendron Subhastatum are tropical plants and love humidity above 60%+.
Philodendron Subhastatum thrive with these care tips.
Light
Philodendron Subhastatum thrive in bright indirect sunlight. These plants are fast growers when given adequate growing conditions. You can place this plant in a room that gets morning, afternoon, or evening light.
I’d advise against placing this plant in a room that gets very little light, like a north facing (early morning) room.
If you’re running out of room to place plants near sunlight, use plant grow lights. I use T5 Barrina plant grow lights and love them. I run the grow lights on timers so they run 13 hours everyday.
Water
You should water your Philodendron Subhastatum when the soil is almost dry.
Unlike other Philodendrons that are hardy and can dry out completely, you want to be more careful with your Subhastatum and stay on top of the watering schedule.
If you’re unsure when to water your plant, invest in an affordable moisture meter that tells you if the plants soil is on the dry or moist side. I really believe my moisture meter has saved so many plants. The meter is so fun to use, too!
Soil
This plant definitely thrives 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, use pre-made houseplant mix. Fox Farm Ocean Forest contains a blend of high quality ingredients great for any houseplant.
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 Subhastatum 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 go back and forth using Key Grow Solutions Blue Butterfly or Dyna Gro. I put in about 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 Subhastatum are tropical houseplants and prefer higher 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.
- 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.
Propagation
Propagating a Philodendron Subhastatum 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 Subhastatum rare?
You won’t find Philodendron Subhastatum at big box stores like Lowes or Home Depot. You can find this plant online on sites like Etsy or even local plant Facebook groups from private sellers.
How much is a Philodendron Subhastatum?
Philodendron Subhastatums are going for around $45 for a 5 inch pot on Etsy.
How do you care for Philodendron Subhastatum?
Philodendron Subhastatum thrive in bright indirect sunlight or under plant grow lights. This plant loves higher humidity and would do well in a greenhouse.
Water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Make sure to fertilize your plant in the active growing season.
Are Philodendron Subhastatum fast growers?
Just like other Philodendrons, Subhastatums are fast growers if given the proper growing conditions.
Do Philodendron Subhastatum climb?
Philodendron Subhastatum climb so it’s great to give this plant a moss pole or trellis to encourage growth.
Are Philodendron Subhastatum poisonous?
Yes, this plant is highly toxic to both animals and humans.
Why is my Philodendron Subhastatum 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 Subhastatum to semi-hydroponics which is often better for people who tend to be over waterers.
Why is my Philodendron Subhastatum leaves curling?
Philodendron Subhastatum leaves curl when the plant is thirsty. Make sure you’re watering your plant on a proper schedule.
Do Philodendron Subhastatum like to be misted?
You can mist Philodendron Subhastatum 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. I DIY’d a greenhouse by using an IKEA Milsbo cabinet and putting in grow lights and a fan for circulation. I didn’t need to be a humidity in the cabinet because the plants create a microclimate of humidity.
How fast does a Philodendron Subhastatum grow?
In the right growing conditions, Philodendron Subhastatum grow quite quickly just like other Philodendrons.
Does Philodendron Subhastatum fenestrate?
Philodendron Subhastatum 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 Subhastatum grow?
Philodendron Subhastatum can grow up to six feet tall depending on the conditions the plant is growing in.
How do you know if your Philodendron Subhastatum is happy?
Philodendron Subhastatum is happy as long as there’s new growth.
Is Philodendron Subhastatum 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 Subhastatum 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 at keeping pest pressures down. All you do is sprinkle the Bonide granules on top of the plants soil and the product will work its magic.
Common issues
Brown tips: If your Philodendron Subhastatum 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 Subhastatum 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 Subhastatum 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 Subhastatum are unique plants with beautiful vibrant red backsides. This plant is mostly easy going and the main thing you have to watch for is the watering schedule.
As long as you give this plant adequate sunlight, water and humidity, you’ll have a happy growing plant.
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