Philodendron Mayoi Plant Care

Did you know that the Philodendron mayoi is a relatively uncommon aroid? Despite the fact that it grows abundantly in the wild, its commercial demand far exceeds its supply!

With its vast, crimson underbelly that resembles palm leaves, it’s easy to see why collectors are overjoyed to acquire this unusual beauty in their indoor plant collection. This tropical plant has leaf blades that are roughly 18cm (7 inches) long.

An aroid botanist, Dr. Simon Mayo, was honored with the name Philodendron mayoi. It was thought to have been discovered on a study voyage to Manaus in the 1940s. It is where some adult specimens were found. Although, this has yet to be confirmed by biodiversity information systems.

If you wish to add this to your tropical plants (and we suggest you do), keep reading to know about the basic guide regarding its care and maintenance.

Philodendron Mayoi Care Basics

Philodendron mayoi plant

Before we give you the tea in this article, we summarize what this plant actually is, and it’s needs. Take a look at it first:

Philodendron Mayoi Care Card

Proper Soil Mix

organic soil

Philodendron mayoi grows on soil that is loose, well-drained, and high in organic matter. This allows the plant to avoid having any standing water at its base. Peat and bark are proven to improve the soil’s drainage quality. You can also aid the plant by adding a little perlite to the soil.

This will ensure that it receives the necessary moisture while preventing the soil from becoming damp and soggy.

Preferred Light Condition

Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal for this genus Philodendron. Yellowing leaves or a sunburn mark can result from exposure to the sun. It can also withstand 2 to 3 hours of direct sunshine, ideally in the morning.

Avoid placing it in direct sunlight since it will burn its leaves after hours of exposure daily. Similarly, scorching midday sun or hot summers will damage its lovely leaves. So, the most excellent location for your Philodendron mayoi is near a window that faces north or east. This provides sufficient illumination without being overly harsh.

Pro tip: Rotate your plant regularly to guarantee even development on all sides, and dust the leaves frequently to ensure optimal photosynthetic activity.

Amount of Water Needed

Keep the potting mix moist but not wet at all times. Water your Philodendron mayoi in a moderate amount. This happens about every 7 to 10 days on average. To ensure this, make a hole in the soil with your finger. You can skip the watering if the texture is dry on top but still moist underneath.

On the other hand, give the mix a good drink if it’s a little on the dry side.

Remember that overwatering can be detrimental to the plant. It causes the soil to become wet, leading to root rot and even plant death if left unchecked. As a result, avoid it at all costs if you want to keep your plant happy. On the other side, you should avoid running out of water.

If you notice brown leaves or browning tips, it’s a sign that it’s not getting enough water.

Suited Temperature Range

Mayoi plants, like other Philodendrons, prefer to be kept at a relatively warm temperature. It thrives when the temperature is kept between 65 and 80 degrees (18.3 and 26.6 degrees Celsius).

It will begin to stress if left in a location where the temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).

plant temperature requirement

So, before it becomes cold in the winter, make sure you move them to a warm indoor location. This is especially true for persons who live in colder climates.

Best Level of Humidity

When the humidity level is kept between 60% and 85%, the plant does well. And it is undeniable that it is difficult to achieve in an average household. Here’s a tip to better achieve it: you can buy a tiny humidifier or group plants together to create more humidity.

Misting also is the simplest and most used method. This will need to be done a couple of times per week.

It’s also worth noting that, while somewhat low to moderate humidity isn’t harmful to the plant, it does restrict its growth and capacity to produce its best foliage. This is because the plant is accustomed to this level of moisture in its natural habitat.

Frequency of Fertilization

fertilization

The Philodendron mayoi thrives faster and more vibrantly if you feed it during its growing season. During the spring and summer, use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month. To limit the possibility of overfertilization, dilute the formation to half intensity.

The plant does not need to be fed at other year periods when it is not generating new leaves.

Pro tip: It’s not a good idea to fertilize too much. It has the ability to not only scorch the plant but also kill it. As a result, you must avoid this from happening.

Methods for Propagation

Propagation is simple with a mature vining philodendron because it produces notoriously gorgeous aerial roots from its nodes. Propagating in the early spring, or at least when the weather is warm, gives your plant a better chance of producing solid and robust roots. Ready to replicate this beauty on your own? 

Well, here’s how the Philodendron mayoi propagation process:

  • Cut a few portions exactly under the nodes of a healthy plant.
  • Simply put the cuttings 3 inches deeper in the potting mixture. To make the cuttings more stable, press the soil around them with your fingertips.
  • Mist the soil with water to keep it wet. Just make sure it’s a light mist, not a heavy watering, so the cutting doesn’t get washed away.
  • Place the arrangement in bright, indirect sunlight and allow them to bask for 6 to 8 hours.
  • Don’t forget to water lightly once the top 3 inches have dried.
  • Baby roots will appear in three to four weeks. After that, the newborn shoot will take place in about 5 weeks or more. Finally, you can plant these cuttings in your garden!

Acceptable Growing Zones

This tropical plant thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11 allowing it to thrive outside. Anything lower (which is cooler) can cause problems in the winter because it cannot endure freezing temperatures.

Even if you reside in a zone lower than 9, you can put the plant outside in the summer. However, if the weather turns colder in the fall, make sure to bring it inside.

Potting and Pruning Tips

Because it grows so quickly, your Philodendron mayoi will require more frequent repotting than most of your other houseplants. Only move the plant to a larger container once the roots have completely filled the present one.

You can repot this outdoor plant during the summer and not in the winter months.

On the other hand, to manage the growth and shape of the plant, use sharp and sterilized pruners. Cut back damaged, diseased, infected, or leggy foliage to prevent the plant from looking bad.

Philodendron Mayoi Varieties and Similar Plants

If you’re looking for other types of Philodendron like this beauty, no worries! We also provide them for you. As much as there are many varieties of Philodendron, we’ll provide the most popular and stunning ones.

They are the following:

Philodendron xanadu

philodendron xanadu

The plant’s glossy, broad leaves contain 15 to 20 lobes per leaf and are perched on tall, robust stems. The plant is usually more comprehensive than tall, with a height of fewer than four feet.

Philodendron pedatum

Philodendron pedatum

This remarkable climbing plant, also known as an Oakleaf Philodendron, has green leaves that change shape as they mature. They start small and round, then develop deep lobes as they grow, eventually reaching up to nine inches long.

Philodendron bipennifolium

Philodendron bipennifolium

This big climber has unusually trippy-looking leaves that can grow over a foot long and have a horse-head appearance. It’s one of the most widespread and popular Philodendron cultivars, valued for its unique leaf form.

Philodendron Mayoi Plant Diseases & Pests

There aren’t many insect or disease problems with Philodendron mayoi. And keeping the plant healthy is the greatest approach to avoid these problems. However, as soon as you notice thrips on your Philodendron mayoi, get a soft cloth and some neem oil, and carefully wash down all of the leaves on your plant.

As for the disease, just look out for overwatering because this will cause root rot to this beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

To differentiate these two, the Philodendron Tahiti is a large-leafed, deeply cut Philodendron. It has a deep green color and a mounding to the semi-cascading growth pattern. While Philodendron Mayoi is a beautiful species with deeply lobed leaves and bright green color. Its glossy, rubbery leaves resemble palm leaves, with four to six lobes on either side of the blade.

Yes! This beauty is considered a rare aroid.

Philodendron selloum and Philodendron mayoi are frequently confused. However, the Philodendron mayoi can also be identified by its red petiole and veins on the underside.

You can now purchase this rare beauty here at Plantly! Yes, don’t miss this chance and experience our swift flow of transactions online. Message us directly, and let’s get started!

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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