Philodendron Atabapoense Plant Care

Want to have another Philodendron plant in your collection? The Philodendron Atabapoense is a magnificent Araceae plant with extensive, dark-green, arrow-shaped leaves with rich maroon undersides and long petioles, native to Venezuela.

The beautiful leaves of this houseplant are its most prominent feature, which brilliantly adorns the interiors while also purifying the air.

Under the leaf-like spathe, these rare plants have blooms that grow on the spadix. This inflorescence has the appearance of a giant flower. The tiny flowers sprouting on the spadix, on the other hand, are actual flowers, not modified leaves.

Although peeps that are kept indoors rarely blossom, however, during the warm days of spring and summer, the spathe will still produce a slender, long stalk. So, you can still have your flowers if given appropriate care!

Now, do these new plants attract your attention? Before buying them, learn how to efficiently take care of them first. And don’t worry because you are in the right hands! Read below to find out more.

Philodendron Atabapoense Plant Care Basics

Before we give you those essential tips, we provided a little overview of the Atabapoense Philodendron.

Philodendron Atabapoense care card

Now that you are familiar with this new plant let us learn how to care for these rare plants. Enjoy reading!!

Recommended Potting mix

The Atabapoense philodendron plant grows well in loose, well-drained organic soil. By adding stones, orchid bark, or a small amount of sand to the planter, you can improve drainage and aeration. You may get some peat moss or sphagnum moss and mix it in with the potting mix to balance this out and ensure that they don’t dry out too quickly but have moist soil as well.

well-draining soil with organic matter for philodendron atabapoense

This will help hold in some water while still allowing the plant to breathe around its roots and avoid suffocation due to waterlogging.

The optimal pH level for soil is 6.1-7.3, which is somewhat acidic but not acidic enough to be considered neutral. Always make sure you choose a pot or planter with good drainage!

Lighting Requirement

Philodendron atabapoense maroon undersides

To stay green and fresh, they need enough sunshine to create enough chlorophyll. So these beauties will be happy if treated as an outdoor plant with some shades. Keep your Philodendron Atabapoense between 70-85 percent indirect sunshine and partial shade for optimal solar exposure.

The Atabapoense may withstand some direct sunlight without harm. The plant, on the other hand, requires acclimatization to survive. If not, the plant’s leaves will get bleached, then brown, and eventually wither. They don’t do well in prolonged bright light because they grow in rainforests with many overhead covers.

You can’t grow them in the dark, either; if there isn’t enough light, they won’t survive. If you’re growing this plant in an office with no windows, you’ll need to offer at least artificial grow lights to keep it alive.

Watering Needs

When it comes to the watering needs of this Philodendron, understanding the drying cycles of the soil in your zone is usually a good idea. This will assist you in developing and maintaining a moderate watering strategy.

When you finish analyzing it, you may arrange its watering schedule by keeping track of the average time it takes for the soil to dry thoroughly.

In the spring and summer, it should be watered once or twice a week.

While it doesn’t need to be watered for two weeks in the winter.

Pro tip: Overwatering is a severe problem for this Philodendron Atabapoense. Droopy leaves indicate that the plant is either under-watered or over-watered.

Ideal Temperature & Humidity

temperature requirement

Your Atabapoense Philodendron will best flourish at 75 to 85 degrees FahrenheitAnd it is self-evident that it cannot tolerate frigid temperatures. As a result, if you place them outdoors, you’ll have to move your plant inside for the winter.

In the fall and winter, move your Philodendrons to a warm location before the temperature drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius)

Philodendron Atabapoense also thrives in humid environments. Maintain a humidity level of 65 to 70% around your Philodendron if you want it to grow healthier and greener. It’s best to keep this plant in a group with other plants so that the humidity level around it remains constant.

The use of a humidifier is also a viable option. With a humidifier, you may achieve the same indoor humidity levels as rainforests. Another best and most straightforward method is to use a pebble water tray underneath the plant. Ensure, however, that the water remains at a lower level and does not reach the soil through the drainage holes.

Necessary Fertilizer

slow release fertilizer for philodendron atabapoense

Although you don’t need to fertilize your Philodendron Atabapoense very often, a decent meal can help increase its foliage and ensure that it grows happily and healthily. It will be alright if you feed it with a suitable fertilizer 2-3 times a year. This yearly feeding will let your Philodendron grow more quickly.

You may use a slow-release fertilizer available to the plant for a more extended period.

Feeding should be done in the following order: early spring, summer, and late summer. Also, for luxuriant development, add a diluted vitamin solution to its base. Always remember that overfeeding can burn its roots, so be careful with the amount you feed it.

Propagation

The Philodendron Atabapoense is relatively easy to propagate! No need to buy new plants to multiply your collection. And this can be accomplished by planting stem cuttings in the soil. Don’t worry because we’ll guide you all throughout. 

Here’s how you will propagate your Atabapoense Philodendron:

  • Cut a few stems and leaves from the stems with a sharp knife.
  • Dip the bottom ends of the hair in growth hormone and shave off any surplus. If the product is not available, you can skip this step.
  • Plant the cuttings in wet, well-drained soil or a growth medium now.
  • Place the pot in the shade. Also, maintain the soil moist and water when the top half of the soil becomes dry.
  • In approximately a month, these cuttings will sprout young roots. Around the sixth week, this will result in the creation of infant shoots. In less than four months, with proper care and the right environment, you can have a lovely Philodendron Atabapoense!

Growth Zone

USDA map for philodendron atabapoense

If you live in USDA plant hardiness zones 4a to 11, growing these tropical plants can be perfect as an indoor plant or on a patio. The USDA zones 9b to 11 are the most favorable for outdoor planting.

Potting and Pruning

Philodendron plants can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, or as a beautiful tree wrap outside. When it comes to repotting, there is no need to repot for the first 2-3 years. You must, however, change the soil before each growing season.

Occasionally, the philodendron atabapoense requires pruning and care. New growth will be stimulated by light pruning of the plant. Heavy trimming might be unproductive and cause the plant to be shocked, inhibiting its growth.

You may prune the plant by removing any dead, yellowed, or old leaves with a sharp knife. Pruning is a fantastic strategy to assist the plant in conserving energy. To avoid skin irritation from the plant’s sap, always wear gardening gloves when doing so.

Philodendron Atabapoense Similar Plants

Philodendron has around 450 species, as well as a bewildering array of cultivars and hybrids. There are good clumping and climber types as part of the “Aroid Fever” trend. Some of the newer, rarer, or more desirable Philodendron cultivars might be challenging to come by!

However, lucky finds can be found almost anywhere because there are so many beautiful species and cultivars. And we’re here to tell you some of those beauties just like this Philodendron Atabapoense!

 Philodendron Mexicanum

The leaf structure of this Mexican native is interesting. Their enormous leaves are thin and triangular, and as they grow, the backs of the leaves develop long lobes. These lobes fold over like a “dog-ear,” resulting in three-dimensional mature leaves.

It can discharge “happy sap” from the upper petioles, which attracts ants and serves as a natural pest deterrent, so protect your furniture and carpet. The sap is non-toxic and quickly wiped away.

Philodendron Bernardopazii

The gleaming, triangular leaves of this magnificent Brazilian aroid can reach a length of two feet. On the brilliant green leaves, pale veins stick out. It’s a sophisticated show plant with tall, draped growth that looks great at any scale.

This plant’s narrow-leaved variant is a lovely “dupe” of the impossible-to-find Spiritus Sanctii. However, the wider version is more widespread.

Philodendron Billietiae

philodendron billietiae

 This plant’s rippling, thick leather leaves can grow up to three feet long and ten inches wide. The contrast between the rich green leaves and the pale center and horizontal veins is striking. Early in life, the plant grows upright, then flips to sprawl mode as it matures and begins looking for a tree to climb.

Because this plant was just identified in 1995 and has only lately become popular, finding it can be tricky. There are also black and variegated varieties available.

Philodendron Atabapoense Plant Diseases & Pests

Fortunately, pests don’t seem to bother the atabapoense Philodendron. However, if not correctly taken care of, spider mites, scale, mealybugs, and whiteflies can still cause problems. Spider mites are the most bothersome of them all.

Use neem oil or insecticide spray to get rid of them as soon as possible. Don’t forget to inspect your plants properly twice a month. This will allow you to spot any problems that arise early on and tackle them.

Some of the illnesses that harm this plant are Erwinia blight and other bacterial infections. Keep an eye out for them because these diseases can be fatal. The yellowing of leaves can also be caused by bacterial diseases.

Overwatering can cause leaves to be yellow or fall off. Make sure you’re using a planter with plenty of drainage holes. Your Philodendron becomes susceptible to root rot and fungal diseases if your planter does not drain well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many collectors may have the challenge of spotting the difference between these two. But the Philodendron mexicanum’s coriaceous (leathery) arrow-shaped leaves have uneven basal lobes, giving the leaf the appearance of three leaves due to the top appendages. On the underside of the blades, the leaves are magenta to maroon.

Yes! Because of morphogenesis, this is a fast-growing plant that produces a variety of leaves. But keep in mind that appropriate care is present here.

Yes, this Philodendron Atabapoense is considered a rare plant.

Philodendron billietiae stands out with its orange stems and prominent green leaves adorned with orange nerves, while Philodendron atabapoense showcases green stems and green leaves with maroon undersides, adding a touch of rich color to its foliage.

Whether you want to buy, sell, or simply reach out to other plant enthusiasts, Plantly is the right place to be!

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