Philodendron hederaceum var kirkbridei is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Central America and the Caribbean which is common in the houseplant trade. P. hederaceum var. kirkbridei occurs usually above 500 meters and in Premontain wet and Tropical wet forests. The native range of this variety is Costa Rica to Ecuador. It is a climber and grows primarily in the wet tropical biome. Hemiepiphyte; weakly flattened on one side with two sharply raised ribs on the side above petiole, very weakly sulcate on the opposite rounded side, prominently ribbed throughout its circumference, the ribs smooth or prominently warty, medium to dark green, matte, drying reddish brown; cataphylls unribbed or sometimes weakly 2-ribbed, deciduous intact; upper surface medium to dark green, drying brown to greenish brown, lower surface medium green, glossy, drying brown to greenish brown; primary lateral veins 3-4 per side. INFLORESCENCES 1 per axil; spathe blades yellow-green becoming cream colored toward apex outside, lighter green inside; ovary 5-locular, 20-25 ovules per locule. INFRUCTESCENCE with about 24 seeds per locule. Flowering in Philodendron hederaceum var. kirkbridei occurs during the late dry season and early rainy season (probably as early as March and as late as September).
How to keep Philodendron Hederaceum Var Kirkbridei.
Water
Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Increase frequency with increased light. Philodendron hederaceum var kirkbridei enjoys weekly watering sessions, allowing its soil to completely dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. During the winter months feel free to water Philodendron hederaceum var kirkbridei less frequently, adjusting to let it dry out fully. Philodendron hederaceum var kirkbridei does not need nearly as much water as some other plants. Over-watering them could actually harm them. If the plant is in high light or the temperature is warmer, it should be watered more often, but in low light or cooler temperatures, watering should occur less often. It is recommended to water it three times a week and often spray water on the plant and its surroundings for humidification. It is recommended to water them in the early morning. In addition, it is preferable to wipe off the residual water on the leaves, so as to effectively prevent the leaves from being burned by sunlight or breeding germs.
Fertilizer
Philodendron hederaceum var kirkbridei likes fertilizer and it is recommended to add some slow-release fertilizer in the culture medium when repotting every year. In addition, fertilizer should be added regularly, for example, spraying thin liquid fertilizer once every 2 weeks. Watering should be suspended 1 day before fertilization. 2 hours after fertilization, spray leaves with clean water to remove residual fertilizer, so as not to damage the leaves.
Toxicity
All parts of the plant contain needle-like calcium oxalate crystals, which if chewed or eaten, can cause immediate pain or a burning sensation and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat. Swelling may cause copious salivation, difficulty in breathing, swallowing or speaking.
Further reading →
The toxicity and danger assessments provided are for reference only. We do not assure their accuracy, so it's crucial not to depend on them. Seek professional advice when necessary for accurate guidance.
Botanical profile.
- Genus
- Philodendron
- Family
- Araceae
Other names.
