Philodendron spiritus-sancti thrives in steady warm temperatures between 66 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit and average to high humidity.
It also grows best when planted in airy soil or orchid mix that is kept consistently but lightly moist.
Philodendron Spiritus-Sancti Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing a philodendron spiritus-sancti.
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Light
The philodendron spiritus-sancti thrives with bright, indirect lighting.
An ideal location is near (but not in) a bright window.
When deciding where to place your plant, keep this in mind.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Direct light can burn the plant, while dim areas will not provide them with enough light.
Soil
Philodendron spiritus-sanctis hemiepiphytic nature is also very important when it comes to soil types.
These plants typically receive water and nutrients from rainfall and fallen leaves through roots exposed to mostly open air.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Airy, well-draining soil is critical.
Create air pockets by mixingpeat mossor sustainable alternatives likecoco coir, bark, pebbles, pumice, or sand.
Orchid potting mixes also work well for these plants.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
Water
These tropical plants like to be kept moist, but never soggy.
When deciding whether to water, check the soil first.
If the top few inches feel dry, then it is time to water the plant.
The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak
When you do water, be sure any excess water is allowed to drain out and away.
Do not let excess water sit in the pot.
How often you water will depend on your humidity levels.
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Temperature and Humidity
Philodendron spiritus-sancti prefers stable temperatures and humidity levels.
It thrives when kept between 66 degrees and 76 degrees Fahrenheit with no more than 80 percent humidity.
However, this plant has been known to tolerate slightly lower humidity conditions as well.
Therefore, they very rarely require fertilizer.
Pruning
As noted above, the vines can grow to be massive specimens.
They have been found to reach up to 65 feet tall in the wild.
Propagating these plants can be quite tricky, as cuttings do not root well.
Therefore,air layeringis your best bet.
If you decide to try this, proceed with caution.
Some have reported their plants going downhill after being cut, so losing the plant is a possibility.
They will most likely need to be repotted yearly.
Once the plant isroot-bound, move it to a pot that is several inches larger to enable new growth.
Clear pots allow you to monitor the roots without disturbing the plant.
When it is time to repot, gently tap the pot to loosen the roots.
Slide the plant out and plant it in its new pot with fresh, well-draining soil mix.
Philodendron spiritus-sancti is susceptible toroot rot.
Avoid the issue with careful watering and well-draining airy soil.
Never let water sit in this philodendron’s plant saucer or tray.
What Do Philodendron Spiritus-Sancti Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The flower may or may not produce a very short-lived fragrance.
Older, more mature plants are more likely to bloom than young, small plants.
Ensure that the roots get good airflow and receive enough water and nutrients.
Besides this, patience and time are needed.
Caring for Philodendron Spiritus-Sancti After It Blooms
When the flower fades, simply deadhead the spent bloom.
Common Problems With Philodendron Spiritus-Sancti
Philodendron spiritus-sancti is relatively problem-free when given the ideal conditions for growing.
The main sources of problems with this rare plant have to do with watering and its environment.
If the soil is soggy, the plant is getting too much water.
You will need to remedy this quickly to avoid root rot, which can be fatal.
Add more well-draining material to the soil, such as coco chips, sand, pebbles, or bark.
Allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
Take a look at your plants environment to determine which one is most likely to blame.
If it is too much light, try placing it in an area with a more indirect light source.
If it requires more humidity, try misting the plant or placing a humidifier near it.
They are in high demand but they are very rare and very few are found left in the wild.
There are more in cultivation than there are in the wild.
Philodendron spiritus-sancti is native to Brazil, specifically the state of Espirito Santo.
There are very few left in the wild.
