Bring home the freshness of the tropics flared with a colorful twist by Growing Philodendron Strawberry Shake Indoors!
Native to the rainforests of South America, Philodendron Strawberry Shake wins hearts with its beautifully variegated foliage, low maintenance, and indoor air cleaning features! Learn everything about growing this fantastic houseplant with our care guide.
- Botanical Name: Philodendron erubescens ‘Strawberry Shake’
- Family: Araceae
- Attains a matured height of 2-3 feet indoors
- Loves bright, indirect light
- Thrives in a temperature range of 55 to 80ºF (12 to 27ºC)
- Purifies the air of toxic elements
- Mildly toxic to pets
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Philodendron Strawberry Shake Plant Profile
A hybrid of the Philodendron erubescens, Philodendron ‘Strawberry Shake’ is an absolute stunner in the world of houseplants. Its heart-shaped leaves are deep green in color, with striking pinkish-red variegation that starts as small flecks or dots on the leaves when the plant is young, gradually becoming more prominent as the plant matures.
As the name suggests, the variegation on this plant resembles the pink swirls of a strawberry milkshake, creating a playful and whimsical vibe in any room. With its sprawling growth habit and striking coloration, the Strawberry Philodendron deserves a center spot in your houseplant collection.
Is Philodendron Strawberry Shake Rare?
The Strawberry Shake Philodendron is considered a rare and highly sought-after plant. This is due to its unique and striking coloration, which makes it stand out in any collection. While it can be challenging to find, there are nurseries and online shops that specialize in rare plants and may have the Strawberry Shake available.
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What is Philodendron Strawberry No Shake?
Wondering what is Philodendron Strawberry No Shake? Well, it is basically used to describe a plant that has reverted to its original form, resulting in a plant with green leaves instead of the characteristic pink variegation. While this can be disappointing, it’s not uncommon and is usually due to the plant not receiving enough light.
To prevent a reversion, provide the plant with adequate light and ensure that it is not overwatered.
Philodendron Strawberry Shake vs Pink Princess
Philodendron Strawberry Shake and Philodendron Pink Princess are both highly sought-after plant varieties due to their unique pinkish-red variegation. The ‘Strawberry Shake’ plant has a more uniform and distinct pink variegation with a sprawling growth habit, while the Pink Princess has a more mottled pattern and a compact growth habit.
Both plants are relatively easy to care for, preferring well-draining soil and low to medium-light conditions. However, the ‘Strawberry Shake’ plant may require a bit more light to maintain its vibrant pink coloration.
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Ideal Pot Size
The ideal pot size for the strawberry shake philodendron depends on the plant’s root ball. Get a pot that is one size bigger than the plant’s root balls so the roots get enough space to breathe without pooling a lot of water at the bottom.
For a small plant, a 6-8 inches pot is sufficient, while larger plants may require pots 10-12 inches containers. It’s important to ensure that the pot has proper drainage to prevent overwatering.
Philodendron Strawberry Shake Propagation
Propagation via Stem cuttings is the most common method of multiplying Philodendron Pink Princess. You’ll need a healthy, disease-free plant, sterile clippers, and some good quality, well-draining medium for the process.
- Find a healthy stem and make a cut just below a node using sharp, sterile clippers to get 6 inches-long cuttings.
- Leave it for a day in a dry spot to callous over, and dip the end of the cutting in the rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
- Fill a pot will a well-draining potting mix and plant the cutting into it.
- Mist the medium to keep it evenly moist, and place the plant in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight.
- Cover the cutting with a plastic bag or a clear plastic container to create a humid environment that will encourage root growth. Remove the covering every few days to allow air circulation.
You’ll notice new growth within a couple of weeks. Take good care of the plant and watch it thrive happily!
Philodendron Strawberry Shake Growing Requirements
Light
Strawberry Shake Philodendron produces the best colors in bright, indirect light, preferably a North or East facing window. While they can tolerate lower light conditions, too little light will fade the pretty pink variegation on the foliage. If you notice the plant is not producing new growth or the leaves are becoming yellow, it may be an indication that it needs more light.
However, avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves. A few hours of mild morning sunlight is all the plant needs.
Soil
Philodendron Strawberry Shake prefers a well-draining medium that is rich in organic matter. Combine equal parts of peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite with a fistful of organic manure to provide the right blend of nutrition and drainage.
Do not use regular potting soil or contaminated medium, as that will suffocate the roots, leading to stunted growth.
Water
When it comes to watering Philodendron Strawberry Shake, you need to strike a balance between under and overwatering. These plants prefer to be kept moist but not overly wet, and they are sensitive to water quality as well.
Use filtered or distilled water to prevent mineral buildup in the soil. Keep an eye on the top two inches of the medium and water the medium when it feels dry to the touch. Allow excess water to drain out from the bottom before watering the plant again.
Temperature
Philodendron Strawberry Shake plants thrive in temperatures between 55 to 80ºF (12 to 27ºC). They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but should be kept away from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes. If the temperature drops below 50°F, it can affect plant growth, keep the plant inside indoor greenhouses or use heat lamps to induce warmth.
Humidity
Philodendrons prefer a humid environment and can benefit from regular misting or using a humidifier. Relative humidity of 60-80% will enhance the foliage vibrancy, while if the air is too dry, it can cause the leaves to become brown around the edges. Place a pebble tray near the plant to increase humidity levels, but be careful not to overwater.
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Philodendron Strawberry Shake Care
Fertilizers
Philodendron Strawberry Shake benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season in spring and summer. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can provide the necessary nutrients to support healthy growth.
Feed the plant every 4-6 weeks with a half-strength liquid fertilizer or a balanced houseplant blend during the growing season. Do not fertilize during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Pests and Diseases
While Philodendron Strawberry Shake plants are generally healthy and hardy, they can be susceptible to pests and diseases, including spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Treat them by spraying insecticidal or neem oil solution once a month on the affected spots. You may also clean the glossy foliage using a cotton cloth dipped in a soapy solution to prevent dirt and dust accumulation.
Overwatering can lead to root rot or other fungal diseases, so ensure proper ventilation and that the plant is not overwatered.
Where to Buy Philodendron Strawberry Shake?
Philodendron Strawberry Shake is a highly sought-after plant and can be difficult to find in local nurseries or garden centers.
However, you must look for reputable online plant retailers that specialize in rare and exotic plants, and they often have Philodendron Strawberry Shake for Sale. You can also try searching on plant-selling websites, such as Etsy or eBay, where individual sellers may offer the plant for sale.
Another option is to join plant enthusiast groups on social media platforms, such as Facebook or Instagram. Additionally, you can try contacting local botanical gardens, plant societies, or horticultural societies.
When purchasing Philodendron Strawberry Shake, make sure to buy from a reputable seller and check the plant’s condition before buying. Look for a healthy plant with no signs of disease or pests, and make sure it has been properly cared for before bringing it home.
