Upgrade the style quotient of your home with the glossy foliage of Philodendron Serpens! Learn everything about growing this beauty indoors.
Native to the tropics, Philodendron Serpens will add a touch of tropical elegance to any indoor environment with its long, winding vines and beautiful green leaves. Not only is it a beautiful addition to any space, but it’s also easy to care for, making it perfect for novice and experienced gardeners alike.
- Botanical Name: Philodendron serpens Hook.f.
- Family: Araceae
- Thrives in bright, indirect light
- Loves temperature range of 65-85 F or 18-29 C
- Purifies the air of toxic elements
- Mildly toxic to pets
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Philodendron Serpens Plant Profile
Philodendron Serpens is a true tropical beauty, with its long and winding vines that can reach up to 1-2 feet indoors. These lush vines can climb or trail, making them versatile plants that can easily fit into any indoor space. Its long and narrow leaves are a rich shade of green with a glossy texture, slightly wavy edges, and a prominent midrib, adding an extra layer of interest to this already fascinating plant.
Growing to be around 4 to 8 inches in length and about 1 inch in width, these leaves are a true sight to behold and are potent in detoxifying any indoor environment. If you’re looking to add a touch of tropical paradise to your home, look no further than the stunning Philodendron Serpens.
Where is Philodendron Serpens Natural Habitat?
Philodendron serpens is native to Colombia to Ecuador in South America, specifically in the Andes mountain range. This beautiful plant thrives in the humid and tropical conditions found in this region, where it can grow to impressive lengths with its long, slender stems and glossy green leaves. The tropical natives of this plant make it a fit for thriving in any typical indoor environment.
Pot Size
To give your Philodendron Serpens the space it needs to thrive, make sure to grow it in a 6-8 inch pot. The trick is to get a container that is one size bigger than the plant’s root ball.
As the plant grows, you’ll need to repot it into a larger container to ensure the roots have enough room to breathe. Plus, repotting can be a fun opportunity to refresh your plant’s home with some stylish new décor. Make sure to drill enough drainage holes in the pot to prevent any waterlogging, which can harm the roots.
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Philodendron Serpens Plant Propagation
Like most Philodendrons, stem-cutting is the easiest way to propagate Philodendron Serpens. Follow the following steps for successful propagation:
- Choose a healthy stem with at least one or two leaves attached and make a cut just below a node using a clean and sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears.
- Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
- You can dip the cutting in the rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
- Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of perlite and peat moss, and water the medium thoroughly.
- Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location.
- To maintain humidity around the cutting, cover the pot with a plastic bag or dome to create an indoor greenhouse.
Once the cutting has rooted and produced new growth, you can remove the plastic bag or dome and nurture it like a mature plant.
Philodendron Serpens Growing Requirements
Light
The Philodendron Serpens prefers bright, indirect light, so it’s best to place it near a north or east-facing window where it can enjoy a few hours of mild morning sunlight. However, be sure to avoid direct sunlight as it can damage and scorch the leaves.
While the plant can tolerate low light conditions, it may not grow as quickly or produce as many leaves in such conditions. But you can always supplement it with artificial light using a grow light or LED strips. This will ensure that your plant receives the necessary light it needs to grow strong and healthy.
Soil
Philodendron Serpens thrives in well-draining soil that’s chock-full of organic matter, providing the perfect balance of moisture and nutrients.
To create the ideal soil mix, start with a base of peat moss, topped with a layer of perlite and vermiculite, to promote drainage and aeration with an ideal pH of 6-7.5. An orchid or cactus mix amended with a spoonful of organic fertilizer will make your job easier.
Water
This tropical houseplant thrives in a moist environment, but be careful not to overwater it. A simple trick to check the right time to water is to stick your finger into the top inch of the medium. If it feels dry, it’s time; if it feels moist, wait a few more days before watering.
Give your plant a weekly deep watering session until water drains out from below the pot. This will provide the right amount of moisture without drowning the plant’s roots. Remember, overwatering can lead to root rot, which is definitely not something you want for your beloved plant!
Temperature and Humidity
To keep this beauty at its best, maintain temperatures between 65-85 F or 18-29 C and relative humidity of 60% to 70%. While the Philodendron serpens is not too picky, extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity can stress the plant, causing it to lose its shine. So, keep it away from cooling or heat vents.
Help your plant feel more comfortable on dry days by misting it with tepid water or setting up a pebble tray around the plant to boost air moisture. These little tricks will keep your houseplant looking like a royal beauty in your home, bringing a touch of the tropics to your everyday life.
Philodendron Serpens Care
Fertilizing
This tropical houseplant is relatively easy to care for that doesn’t require a lot of fertilization, but providing it with some nutrients during the growing months will help it thrive. Feed your Philodendron Serpens once a month with a half-strength liquid fertilizer in the spring and summer.
Remember not to fertilize the plant during its dormancy in the colder months.
Pests and Diseases
Philodendron Serpens can be susceptible to pests and diseases like spider mites, mealybugs, or scale insects. These tiny pests can be difficult to see with the naked eye but may leave fine webs on the plant. Treat them using an insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.
Overwatering or poor drainage is the main cause of root rot, featured by yellowing leaves and a mushy, foul-smelling root system. Leaf spot is another fungal disease that causes dark, water-soaked spots on the leaves. Ensure not to overwater the plant and maintain proper air circulation.
