Plant & care for Philodendron scandens

Of the Philodendron scandens, also called climbing philodendron, can decorate the home as a climbing or hanging plant. How to properly care for and propagate the plant, learn from this article.

One of the easy-care decorative leaf plants is the Philodendron scandens - if its location and climate requirements are met. In this article you will find an overview of the origin, the most beautiful varieties as well as the care and propagation of the climbing philodendron.

Philodendron scandens: origin and characteristics

The climbing philodendron (Philodendron scandens, synonymous also Philodendron hederaceum

) is an evergreen climbing plant from Central America and the Caribbean, the genus name of which is Philodendron (ancient Greek phílos = Friend; déndron = Tree) translated means "tree friend". In the natural habitat, these arum plants (Araceae) grow in the shade of large trees or as epiphytes even on their large neighbors.

Under the best conditions, the climbing philodendron can reach heights of between 3 and 6 meters, whereby the plant climbing up the trunk of trees is only slightly spreading. Of the Philodendron scandens forms heart-shaped, velvety glossy leaves that can be up to 30 cm long with age. The light to dark green leaves grow on a petiole up to 10 cm long. As a houseplant the Philodendron scandens but not so big for us. It can be cultivated as a climbing plant on a climbing aid, as a hanging plant or as a hanging plant. In very good conditions, flowers rarely form. In its homeland, the climbing plant forms arum-typical flowers with an inflorescence stalk, a bract and a cob. Particularly noticeable are the long aerial roots that hang down from the plant and can reach a length of up to 6 meters in older plants in the natural habitat.

Tip: That Window leaf (Monstera) is also often referred to as tree friend and philodendron and sold as such. It is therefore important to pay attention to the correct botanical name when buying.

The most beautiful climbing philodendron varieties

With us, two types of philodendron in particular were able to prevail:

• Philodendron scandens ‘Brazil’: Will also be Philodendron scandens Called ‘Variegata’ and forms a conspicuous leaf pattern in light green or white in light, not directly sunny locations. It is very easy to care for.
• Philodendron scandens 'Micans': The dark green, velvety leaves sometimes have a slightly reddish, conspicuous leaf margin.

Planting Philodendron scandens: location, soil and co.

As an original climbing plant in the shade of trees is a partially shaded to shady location for the Philodendron scandens well suited, whereby long, direct sunlight should be avoided. Too intense midday sun can lead to sunburn, yellow or brown discoloration of the leaves. The ideal growth temperature for the climbing philodendron is 20 to 25 ° C, with a minimum temperature of 15 ° C. In the temperate zone, it is advisable to keep the plant under glass or exclusively as a houseplant. In general, drafts should be avoided, as otherwise the growth of the plant will be disturbed.

As a substrate is suitable for Philodendron scandens a humus-rich and at the same time lime-poor soil, as it is very sensitive to lime. A loose substrate also allows good soil aeration and thus reduces the risk of root rot. The prefers slightly acidic soils Philodendron scandens compared to neutral soils. A high quality earth - like ours Plantura organic universal soil - offers the ideal basis for healthy and vigorous plant growth, as it can sustainably supply the plant with a high nutrient content and a high proportion of compost. Thanks to a balanced proportion of coconut pulp, it is also able to store enough water for the plants and at the same time keep the soil aeration at a high level. In addition, a layer of pine bark can be applied or, alternatively, acidic primary rock flour (from Granite or basalt) should be mixed with the earth in order to keep the soil pH value slightly acidic keep.

Care of Philodendron scandens

Of the Philodendron scandens is a very sturdy plant that, with the right background knowledge, requires little maintenance.

It is important for the plant to have a permanent supply of water during the vegetation - from April to October. Of the Philodendron scandens However, it has a relatively low water consumption for its size. Therefore, if there is excessive watering without sufficient drainage, there is a risk of waterlogging and thus root rot. The soil should therefore be tested for moisture with a finger test before each watering. Because the Philodendron scandens is very sensitive to lime, rainwater or mineral water, which is best at room temperature, is suitable as irrigation water. If the humidity is low, the plant can occasionally be sprayed with a little lime-free water - this ensures a good climate and at the same time cleans the leaves of dust.

During the growing season, the Philodendron scandens be fertilized every two weeks so that the plant has all the nutrients that are important for growth. If there is a lack of nutrients, the leaves of the Philodendron scandens discolor and fall off, and growth and new leaf formation are also stopped. To prevent this, a high-quality liquid fertilizer that is given over the irrigation water is particularly suitable. Our Plantura organic indoor and green plant fertilizer supports the growth of healthy and strong plants through a demand-oriented nutrient ratio and a resource-saving lower phosphorus content. The addition of microorganisms promotes the absorption of nutrients from the substrate and the root growth is sustainably strengthened.

You should do it every one to two years Philodendron scandens Repot, not only because the plant is getting bigger, but also because every potting soil sags over time and trace nutrients - not all of which are found in fertilizers - are running out. The tree friend indicates the need for a new pot by pushing many aerial roots out of the top of the pot and stagnating overall in growth.
The new pot should always be around 20% larger than the old one, especially with young plants. The best time for repotting is early spring from March, before the start of vegetation. The plant can be removed from its old pot and excess soil removed. Of the Philodendron scandens must then be placed in the new pot before the added soil is lightly pressed and watered well. At the same time, a new climbing aid can be used if the Philodendron scandens is cultivated as a climbing plant. To do this, old shoots should be carefully detached from the old climbing aid before it is pulled out. You can then insert the new climbing aid before the shoots are attached to it with the help of a plant ring or a cord. It is important to ensure that there is enough space for future growth. Finally, the Philodendron scandens be brought back to its location.

A topiary of the Philodendron scandens is not necessary, because the runners can easily be led back to the climbing aid. If they become too long for the hanging plant, they can simply be cut off with sharp secateurs. Disturbing, old and dry shoots and leaves can be cut off, as can diseased leaves.

Hibernating climbing philodendrons

During the hibernation, the climbing philodendron should be moved to a cooler, draft-free place where it is 16 to 18 ° C. A winter garden, a bright stairwell or less heated living rooms are suitable for this. During the winter months you should only water the plant cautiously, as the water uptake is restricted. The root ball is allowed to dry off, but not dry out. Fertilization should be avoided completely.

Philodendron scandens multiply

It is particularly easy to multiply the Philodendron scandens about cuttings. Sections of the plant that have at least one leaf and roots can be used for this. The cut off parts of the plant can be put in a pot filled with a mixture of soil and sand and watered well. The pot can then be covered with a sheet of glass or cling film to create a micro-greenhouse. In a warm place of ideally 25 ° C, the parts of the plant will take root after two to four weeks. Occasionally the lid should be opened to prevent fungal attack.

Is the Philodendron scandens poisonous?

Of the Philodendron scandens is mildly poisonous, as calcium oxalate crystals are contained in almost all parts of the plant as a natural protection against eating. Above all, the leaves of the Philodendron scandens Often gnawed by cats, which can lead to slight symptoms of poisoning and long-term damage to the kidneys. For humans, however, there are no cases of poisoning Philodendron- Plants known.

Do you like evergreen, exotic plants, but do you find flowering plants even more beautiful? Then read our article on the A leaf.