Is it the Philodendron atom or the Philodendron super-atom? Yes very confusing as the two plants are similar. So, the suppliers can make it difficult when you want to add a touch of tropics to your home. But a bit on that later. Today we will help with Philodendron atom care.
More About Philodendron Atom Plant
The Philodendron atom is a new kid on the block for a plant parent, and finding information on it isn’t easy. Still, we have learned that it is bigger than the dwarf cultivar Philodendron selloum atom, recently changed to the Thaumatophyllum selloum atom or the Philodendron super-atom.
Still, the super atom and Philodendron atom originate from South America and are found in Brazil and Paraguay. So, yes, there is a lot of confusion around the two botanical names as both are called the atom plant.
You will find that some articles advise that the super atom is a smaller plant, but we could not notice any difference. While you also see the plant referred to as the Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum.
Yes, very confusing, we know, but you know that the care is similar to most Phileo plants, and the word says it means to love. One thing is for sure the subtropical plant is unique with its gleaming dark green leaves.
Tropical Plants Care
When it comes to Philodendron atom care, the plant has an excellent reputation as a tolerant plant. Although most philodendrons are low-maintenance and outdoor plants and can flourish in your bedroom to any other part of your living space. So, keep reading about ensuring your plant’s proper Philodendron atom care.
Best Soil For Philodendron Atom
As a tropical plant, the Philodendron atom needs soil requirements that retain moisture. However the potting soil needs to drain well, and the container must have enough drainage holes. So, the best is nutrient-dense soil made for tropical plants.
The best elements we can recommend for this tropical plant are one part potting mix, one part perlite, and one part peat moss mixed with some compost or orchid bark. Thus an alkaline soil with an alkaline pH level above 7 is ideal.
Another helpful tip is to add some garden lime to help increase the alkalinity, as most Philodendron plants can handle changes in the pH department but not too much. Furthermore, we recommend watering your indoor plants with distilled water free from chemicals.
If you cannot do this, it also helps to leave your tap water standing for 24 hours at room temperature to allow the chemicals to evaporate.
Direct Sunlight Or Part Shade for Philodendron Atom
Like other plants in the Philodendron genus, the Philodendron atom thrives mostly in indirect sunlight. The light needs to filter through something like your sheer curtains or tinted windows if treated as an indoor plant. Too much direct light makes your plant’s gorgeous leaves burn and wither.
So, depending on where you live, an east-facing window is ideal where your plant can receive a few hours of direct sunlight but bask in indirect light the rest of the day. Still, it can also flourish in low light if you do not have enough natural light for this low-maintenance plant.
Watering Philodendron Atom to Prevent Root Rot
Watering Philodendron atoms is essential when it comes to this plant thriving. While the plants are laid back, it is also not as thirsty as other plants. Yet, during the growing season, in warmer months like spring and summer, you may find you will water often.
You might water once a week in spring and summer and less during winter. So, please give it a deep watering and allow the excess water drain out of the drainage holes. Then please let the soil dry between watering.
The reason is that overwatering can lead to root rot and the death of this beautiful plant. Also, as your plants are dormant, it will take longer to water your Philodendron atom plants during fall and winter.
Another helpful tip with watering is to not water from the top but at the base of the soil. The reason is that the leaves do not absorb moisture like the roots. So if you notice the Philodendron atom’s leaves turning yellow, you have over-watered your plant.
The same applies to underwatering, as you will notice brown leaves turning brittle.
Fertilizing Philodendron Atom
The Philodendron atom is a slow grower and needs little fertilizing. But using the correct feed during the year helps. It helps to fertilize your plant once a month in summer and winter, and you only need to feed it a few times.
We recommend a liquid fertilizer as it is better than a slow-release one as you can control the amount used.
Temperature and Humidity
As important as providing your plant with moist soil, it flourishes in high temperatures and humidity levels. So as your plant grows indoors, you need not worry about frost or freezing winter temperatures.
The ideal temperature range is between 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 26°C). Another tip is that while it is a tropical plant, excessive heat results in moisture absorption, while low temperatures can stress your plant.
We recommend keeping your plant’s roots and leaves away from too much heat or drafts. The same can be said about humidity, as your plant thrives in a humid environment. So, it helps to keep the humidity between 60-65%.
A great way to achieve this is by grouping your houseplants, or you can invest in a humidifier. Preferably, we do not recommend misting the Philodendron leaves as it can cause bacterial and fungal infections.
Alternatively, a pebble tray is also helpful, but please ensure the water does not cover the plant’s roots.
Pruning Requirements Philodendron Atom
The atom plants are small plants with slow growth and do not need repotting often. Nevertheless, we recommend checking the drainage hole at each growing season to see if the aerial roots grow into the soil and through the holes.
But if you notice it needs a new pot, it helps to go up a size bigger and not too much, as it can also lead to root rot. The good news is that you need not prune your plant only to remove a few leaves if diseased or damaged.
Propagating Philodendron Atom
When it comes to propagation, the tolerant plant is done through a Philodendron atom cutting. Here are some easy steps on how you can get a cutting from the mother plant:
When the mother plant develops aerial roots, it helps to wet the soil a few days before the time to get cut.
A sterilized knife, it helps to select a stem cutting with several nodules. Another helpful tip is to choose a cutting with a few plant leaves.
Prepare a small container with nutrient-rich soil you have moistened to plant, or you can use a transparent container with water.
Then place your cutting in indirect sunlight and avoid direct sunlight. In about two weeks, new growth appears, and once the roots reach a few inches, transplant your baby into a permanent home.
Philodendron Varieties
Here at Plantly, we love the Philodendron, and you can find wide varieties available to grow with your other houseplants.
Dark Green Heartleaf Philodendron
The heartleaf is one gorgeous plant with a trailing habit adding elegance to any windowsill. Another fabulous thing about the plant is that it looks lovely in a hanging basket. The deep green leaves are sure to capture the attention of passersby.
Velvet Leaf Philodendron
The miniature-sized plant has glossy green leaves with a velvety touch spread on brown stems. It is also a trailing vine that looks beautiful in a hanging basket. It displays different colors depending on how the light falls on your plant.
Check our blog Philodendron Micans Plant Care for more tips on how to grow this gorgeous, trailing vine.
Philodendron Super Atom
Earlier, we mentioned that you could also find the Philodendron Super Atom plant. When compared to the Philodendron atom, there is not much difference. Both plants have glossy green leaves with ruffled edges.
Common Problems With This Unique Plant
One of the most common problems with your plants is root rot resulting from overwatering. As mentioned earlier, providing your plants with enough drainage holes in the pot is best, allowing excess water to drain. Another helpful tip is to leave the soil dry between watering.
A sign that your plant is rotting is when it becomes mushy at the base, has a rotten smell, or topples over. Another concern is leaving dropping; it will take some trial and error to figure out the problem.
Usually, it can be from low humidity levels or fluctuations in temperature. If your plant stands in too much sun, it also weakens the leaves causing them to fall off. Lastly, you can have an insect infestation from aphids, mealybugs, to spider mites.
We recommend rinsing your plant with water to wash the pests off the leaves. Then it helps to follow it up with neem oil treatment or a dish soap mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Philodendron atom plants are new kids on the block and in high demand, making them rare plants that come at a high price. Who can withstand those wavy evergreen gloss leaves, don’t you agree?
Yellow leaves are a sign of overwatering and best to wait until the soils dry before you water again. Then, you can gently remove the leaves allowing for new growth.
Looking at the leaves is a tell-tale sign of underwatering your plant. Brown leaves with crispy edges can be from underwater, but they can also be from too much sun. The best is to check if the soil is bone dry or not.
The Philodendron Super Atom is classified as a dwarf cultivar, which indicates its smaller size compared to other varieties. Additionally, a noticeable distinction lies in their foliage. The leaves of the Philodendron Atom exhibit a slightly more undulating or wavy appearance along the edges in comparison to the leaf edges of the Philodendron Super Atom.
Whether you want to buy, sell, or simply reach out to other plant enthusiasts, Plantly is the right place to be!
