QUESTION:
Please identify my plant and tell me how to care for it.
ANSWER:
Hi Denise,
Your plant is called a Philodendron Selloum “Green Princess.” It is a new philodendron hybrid that is becoming very popular. The care is quite easy.
Light: Medium to bright indirect light. Direct sun with burn the leaves causing ugly brown marks.
Water: Unlike other philodendrons, this plant likes likes moist but not soggy soil. During the winter, water less often, keeping the soil barely moist. Be sure there are drip holes in the bottom of the pot so excess water can escape and never allow the plant to sit in water.
Plant Food: Feed monthly during the spring, summer, and fall with a water-soluble balanced plant food diluted to ½ the recommended strength. Too much plant food causes excess salt build up in the soil and can result in leaf burn. The leaves on a philodendron usually turn pale green when the plant needs more fertilizer.
Temperature: Philodendron Selloum “Green Princess” likes warm temperatures above 55°F(12.8°C). Keep these plants away from drafts, air conditioners, and open doors especially during the winter.
Humidity: The “GreenPrincess” requires a more humid environment to grow well. If your home is very dry in the winter, place your plant near a humidifier or sit it on a wet pebble tray. Be sure the plant is on the stones and not in the water.
Soil: Grows best in a rich, slightly alkaline soil that retains moisture. The leaf tips burn if there is too much salt in the soil usually usually caused over-feeding or using water that has passed through a softener
Pot Size: When the roots have filled the existing pot, it’s time to move your philodendron to a larger pot The new container should only be 1″-2″ wider and deeper than the previous container.
Toxicity: All philodendron plants are very poisonous because they contain calcium oxalate crystals. Eating any part of the plant may cause the following symptoms: pain in the mouth, drooling (dogs & cats), and vomiting. If swelling of the lips, tongue, and airway occurs, it becomes difficult to breathe or swallow.