The Philodendron Callosum is a beautiful tropical plant native to the north of Brazil, French Guiana, and Venezuela. It’s a relatively rare species of philodendron that’s collected by plant enthusiasts worldwide. These plants can be grown as a house plant, kept in a greenhouse, or grown outdoors in USDA zones 9 to 11.
The Philodendron is a fast-growing perennial that grows long vines. All philodendrons belong to the Araceae family, of which there are over 400 species. Let’s look at how to care for a Philodendron Callosum.
What is a Philodendron Callosum
The Philodendron Callosum is a terrestrial plant that has long leaves that are 6 inches in length. The leaves are thick, textured, and glossy. They are tropical looking, which look great in any home or office. Although the plant grows on vines, they aren’t really climbers and generally stay pretty close to the ground.
Like all Philodendrons, this species is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Keep your family safe by keeping this plant away from small children and pets. It’s also best to wear gloves when handling this plant as the leaves can cause skin irritation in some people. The Philodendron Callosum produces a sticky sap, which can get on furniture, so it’s best to place a cloth or mat underneath the plant and keep it away from precious pieces of furniture.
How to Care for a Philodendron Callosum
Philodendron Callosum plants are relatively easy to care for as long as you get the basics right. They are low maintenance and can spread over vast distances as they are adequately cared for. Here are some tips to help you grow a thriving Philodendron Callosum.
Watering Requirements
To grow a thriving plant, you’ll need to water your Philodendron Callosum regularly. These plants don’t require much water but should be provided with small amounts often. Most people find that they need to water their plant one to three times weekly. The exact amount of water the plant needs will depend on the climate where you live. Wait until the first 2 inches of topsoil dry out completely before watering your plant again. You’ll find that your plant requires less water in the winter months.
Sunlight Needs
Philodendron Callosum grows best in a spot that gets bright indirect sunlight. They can also be grown in the partial shade outdoors or inside under a grow lamp.
Soil
It’s best to choose soil that’s loose and well-draining for your Philodendron Callosum plant. A standard houseplant pre mix works well, but you should also add some perlite and peat moss.
Ensure excess water can drain away by using a pot that has drainage holes in the bottom. You can also add a layer of stones or gravel to the bottom of the pot to stop the plant from becoming waterlogged.
Fertilization
The Philodendron Callosum can be fertilized two or three times during the growing season. It’s best to use a 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 fertilizer. If your plant’s leaves start to turn yellow on the edges, this may indicate a magnesium deficiency. You can rectify this by adding supplements to the soil. If you want to go down the organic route, a 2-1-1 organic fertilizer will work well.
Humidity
Philodendron Callosum are tropical plants that require high humidity. You can place your plant in the bathroom while taking a shower as it will benefit from the stream. Alternatively, mist your plant’s leaves, group tropical plants together, or use a pebble tray to add moisture to the area surrounding your plant. If you have many tropical plants, you may like to invest in a humidifier to stop the leaves from drying out.
Pests
Like most species of Philodendron, the Callosum is fairly pest resistant. Some people do find thrips or spider mites on their plants from time to time. These are pretty easy to eliminate and can be removed by hand. You can also use neem oil or insecticidal spray if an infestation has occurred.
Conclusion
The Philodendron Callosum is a rarer type of Philodendron, which has long, narrow leaves. The leaves are thick and textured, which is what makes the plants unique. Unlike most Philodendrons, the Callosum isn’t a climber; it generally stays close to the ground but can spread far and wide.
The Philodendron Callosum thrives with basic care. Aim to get the watering, sunlight, humidity, and fertilisations right, and your plant will thrive.