Nurture your green thumb and bring tropical vibes to your home with the Philodendron billietiae. Learn all about growing this plant below!
Native to South America, Philodendron billietiae is a stunning tropical houseplant with elongated, heart-shaped foliage exuding an extraordinary gloss that will liven your bland interiors! Learn all the tips and tricks to help this gorgeous thrive on your work desk or by the couch in your living room!
- Botanical Name: Philodendron billietiae
- Popular as Emerald Vine Philodendron
- Prized for elongated, glossy foliage with a prominent midrib and edges
- Grows to a height of 3 feet
- Loves bright, indirect sunlight
- Toxic to pets and humans
Learn about Growing an Indoor Philodendron Micans here
Philodendron billietiae Plant Profile
Philodendron billietiae is a stunning species with eye-catching, heart-shaped elongated leaves adorned with prominent midribs, yellow edges, and orange petioles. This majestic beauty can grow up to 3 feet in height with foliage upto 12 inches, making it a true statement piece for any room.
With its upright growth habit, the Emerald Vine Philodendron is like having a miniature jungle inside your home! Plus, its glossy leaves are perfect for adding a touch of tropical flair to your décor, creating an everlasting impression on your guests.
Ideal Pot Size
The ideal way to find the right size is to get a pot that is one size bigger than the root ball of the plant. A 4-6 inches pot is a good option for Philodendron billietiae. You may upgrade the plant to a one-size bigger container once you see the roots coming out of the drainage holes.
Although an unglazed clay pot is ideal for maintaining the proper soil moisture, you can also opt for glossy ceramics with enough drainage holes to multiply the beauty of your Emerald Vine Philodendron.
Philodendron billietiae Propagation
Philodendron billietiae can easily be multiplied via stem cuttings. The detailed steps are as follows:
- Get a healthy, disease-free plant and snip a stem that is at least 6 inches long using sharp, sterile clippers. Cut just below a node, where a leaf attaches to the stem.
- Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder to promote root growth. Brush off the excess.
- Fill a container with a well-draining rooting medium, such as perlite, vermiculite, or sand. Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent water from standing in the bottom.
- Plant the cutting into the rooting medium, ensuring the cut end is buried about 1 inch deep.
- Water well and place the pot at a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
After about 4-6 weeks, gently tug on the stem to see if roots have formed. If you feel resistance, the stem has rooted. Now you may sit back and watch your plant thriving!
Requirements for Growing Philodendron billietiae
Light
Philodendron billietiae prefers bright, indirect light to maintain the elegant gloss and texture of its leaves. Direct sunlight can scorch the edges and rip off their shine. Neither the plant appreciates extremely shady spots as lack of bright light will stunt its growth and produce smaller leaves.
The best bet is to keep the plant near a North or East facing window where it can bask in a few hours of the morning sun, while keeping away from the scorching afternoon heat.
Soil
Philodendron billietiae needs well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good potting mix for this plant should consist of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and organic compost to provide the perfect balance of water retention and nutrition.
Do not use typical garden soil or any contaminated clayey medium, as that will suffocate the roots, hence, killing the plant.
Water
Like most of its cousins, Emerald Vine Philodendron needs consistent moisture to thrive, but it is also important not to overwater the medium, i.e., it should remain evenly moist but not waterlogged.
To hit the right balance, keep an eye on the top one inch of soil and let it dry a little between the watering sessions. Follow a weekly deep watering session and let it seem out of the drainage holes. This will ensure the roots get thoroughly wet while preventing excess water from pooling at the bottom.
Temperature & Humidity
This gorgeous houseplant is a tropical plant that prefers a warm and consistent temperature, ranging from—60-85°F (16-29°C). It is important to keep the plant away from cold drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations, as this can cause stress and negatively impact its health. If the temperatures fall below 50F or 10C, consider exposing the plant to heaters or placing them in indoor greenhouses to induce some warmth.
Philodendron billietiae prefers moderate to high levels of humidity. In a typical home environment, humidity levels can be low, so consider increasing the humidity around the plant by misting it regularly, using a pebble tray, or placing a humidifier nearby.
Philodendron billietiae Care
Fertilizer
Philodendron billietiae benefits from regular fertilization during its growing season. Use a balanced NPK fertilizer every 4-6 weeks after diluting it to half its strength during the growing season. Over-fertilizing will lead to salt buildup in the medium. Hence, that should be avoided at all costs, especially during the winter.
Pests and Diseases
Being a thriving indoor specimen, Philodendron billietiae is susceptible to several common houseplant pests, including spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. To prevent infestations, inspect the plant and spray it with an organic neem oil solution every month.
Also, clean the foliage with a soapy solution to prevent dust and debris accumulation on the glossy leaves.
