Philodendron Pastazanum Care Guide

Greenery and plant enthusiasts are always on the lookout for unique and rare plants to add to their collection. If you’re one of them, you might have come across the Philodendron pastazanum or “my Pasta” on social media. This heart-shaped plant with its beautiful foliage is highly sought after, and for good reason. But, taking care of this plant requires some knowledge and care to ensure its proper growth and development. In this article, we will discuss some important care tips for Philodendron pastazanum, and how to avoid one of the most common mistakes that many plant lovers make.

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Features of Philodendron Pastazanum

One of the most striking features of Philodendron pastazanum is its crawler habit. The main stem or rhizome grows vertically, while the petioles, which carry the leaves, also grow vertically from the stem. This creates a unique and stunning visual effect, making it a popular choice among collectors and houseplant enthusiasts.

Among the all varieties of Philodendrons, the heart-shaped varieties are particularly striking. If you are like me, you may be growing different types of heart-shaped Philodendrons such as Philodendron Mamei, Philodendron plowmanii, Philodendron gloriosum, Philodendron verrucosum, Philodendron Dean McDowell, and Philodendron Sodiroi. Each of these plants is undoubtedly stunning, but today we’ll be focusing on the Philodendron pastazanum –

The plant with extremely green and glossy leaf texture, and breathtakingly large leaves take attention of everyone. The Philodendron Pastazanum is native to Ecuador and is a climbing plant that grows up to ten feet tall in the wild. Despite its size, it can be grown indoors and is a perfect choice for houseplant enthusiasts who want a unique-looking plant that is not commonly found in homes.

Scientific Name	Philodendron Pastazanum
Common Name	Pasta Plant Philodendron
Family	Araceae
Origin	Pastaza, Ecuador
Height	3-5 feet
Soil	Well drain soil
Water	When the soil dries deep two inches
Sunlight	Diffused bright light
Temperature	65-85°F (18-29°C)
Humidity	65%-75%
Toxic to Cats & Dogs	Yes
Hardiness zone	USDA Zones 10-11
Pests	Aphids, mealybugs, scale, spider mites
Diseases	Root rot

How to care for Philo Pastazanum

However, it is vital to note that not a lot of information is present regarding Philodendron Pastazanum care, which is daunting for first-time growers. But don’t worry, because I’m here to help. I have been growing Philodendron pastazanum for some time now, and I would love to share my knowledge and experience with you.

Philodendron pastazanum is not the easiest plant to care for, with the right conditions, it can thrive and grow into a beautiful specimen. One of the most common mistakes is burying the rhizome in the soil, which can lead to rot and a decaying plant. The rhizome should be kept on the soil surface, where the leaves emerge. Here are some tips for proper Philodendron pastazanum care. Philodendron pastazanum prefers well-draining soil, bright, indirect light, high humidity and temperature range from 45°F to 95°F.

Light requirement

Philodendron pastazanum also does not tolerate positions where the direct sun can reach its delicate leaves. The ideal place to grow your Philodendron pastazanum is next to the east window. This way, the plant will enjoy a few hours of mild morning sunlight. Although it tolerates partially shaded positions, it will grow more slowly, and the leaves will not reach their maximum potential if the plant does not have the right amount of light.

It’s no secret that houseplants require good lighting, and Philodendron pastazanum is no exception. The plant requires what the vast majority of other houseplants do, and that is a bright place with a lot of diffused lighting. It’s best to avoid placing your Philodendron pastazanum in areas where direct sunlight can hit it because the plant’s leaves can burn.

Temperature

Philodendron pastazanum grow and flourish in temperature range of 65 to 85 F. This is the optimal temperature range for this plant, and it will not grow as well if kept outside of this range. It’s important to note that this plant is not winter-hardy in most climates, so it is best grown indoors in colder regions.

During the winter months, it’s important to keep your Philodendron pastazanum in a warm room that is consistently heated. It should not be exposed to cold airflow or drafts, as this will cause damage to the plant and inhibit its growth.

If you live in a warm climate, you may be able to grow Philodendron pastazanum as a garden plant. However, it is only suitable for growing in the US climate zone 11, where the winter temperatures never drop below 40 F. If you live in a colder climate, it is recommended that you keep this plant indoors where it can be protected from the cold.

Watering requirement for Pastazanum philodendron

Philodendron Pastazum requires moderate watering during the growing season from March to mid-September. It is recommended to water the plant approximately once a week, allowing the surface of the substrate to dry lightly before watering again. Over-watering can be detrimental to the health of Philodendron Pastazum, so it is always better to water less frequently or with smaller amounts of water.

To ensure the longevity of your Philodendron Pastazum, it is essential to use distilled or stagnant water at room temperature while watering. This will prevent any damage to the plant’s root system caused by harsh chemicals or temperature fluctuations in the water supply.

As the dormant season approaches, the frequency of watering should be reduced to once every 15 days. Other factors such as room temperature or humidity levels may affect watering requirements, so it’s essential to monitor these conditions and adjust the watering frequency accordingly.

Potting and Repotting Pastazanum Plant

Potting Philodendron pastazanum is not commonly available as a container plant for purchase. However, it can be easily found for sale online as a cutting with a few leaves and a piece of stem containing aerial roots. Proper planting is crucial for the plant’s survival and further growth. Due to the stem being the thickened part from which the leaves grow, it is important not to cover it with soil. If the leaves are large or heavy causing the plant to be unstable, temporarily wrapping the substrate around the stem or covering it with a thin layer of soil can provide support. As soon as the aerial roots grow enough to hold the plant upright, remove the wrapping or soil layer so as not to cause rot.

Choosing an appropriate pot is important for the growth and success of Philodendron pastazanum. Since the plant crawls on the ground, a rectangular planter is preferred over a standard round pot. When placing the plant in the pot, it should be positioned along the narrower side to allow ample space for it to crawl on the surface as it grows. Although the plant can still grow in a larger round pot, it will take up unnecessary space as the plant does not require a wide pot but rather a longer one. Using larger pots for this plant will also require more soil, which can lead to potential issues with watering and root rot.

Steps to Repotting

To ensure that your Philodendron Pastazanum grows in ideal conditions, you may need to repot it occasionally. Here are the steps to follow:

Select a pot that’s slightly larger than the previous one and that comes with drainage holes.
Fill the pot with your soil mixture, leaving enough room for the root ball.
Gently loosen the roots of your plant and place it in the center of the new pot.
Cover the roots with soil and press it lightly to remove any air pockets.
Water the plant until excess water drains through the pot’s holes.

Humidity requirement Philodendron Pastazanum

Philodendron Pastazanum can tolerate lower levels of moisture, it would still thrive best if provided with 65 percent humidity. Here are few ways to help you maintain required humidity level.

Keeping the Leaves Hydrated
Your Philodendron Pastazanum can benefit from increased humidity, and one effortless way to achieve this is by spraying lukewarm stagnant water on its leaves. Just fill a spray bottle with stagnant water and mist the leaves lightly, ensuring gentle coverage.
Dusting the Leaves
Keeping the plant’s leaves clean is essential; besides, wiping them with a wet sponge or cloth can boost their hydration. Dip a clean cloth or sponge in lukewarm water and use it to wipe the leaves gently, making sure not to scrub excessively.
Pebble Tray
Creating a pebble tray near or beneath your Philodendron Pastazanum can help you create a humid environment to suit the plant’s needs. All you have to do is fill a shallow tray with small pebbles and pour water over. Then place your plant on top of the pebbles without letting the roots touch the water.
Grouping Plants
You may also group your Philodendron Pastazanum with other plants, as it creates a microclimate that increases humidity levels. The process of transpiration between the plants enhances humidity.
Investing in a Humidifier
With a humidifier, you can effectively raise the humidity level for your Philodendron Pastazanum and other indoor plants effortlessly. The device converts water into mist, and as it dissipates into the air, it increases humidity levels. Choose a suitable spot near your plant to place the device to get the best results.

Fertilizing Philo Pastazanum

The fertilizer should be dissolved in water and applied once every month. Another option for the fertilization of Philodendron pastazanum is slow-release granular fertilizer. This fertilizer can be mixed into the substrate at the beginning of the growing season. Slow-release fertilizers gradually decompose and provide constant nutritional support for your plant. This fertilizer also eliminates the need for regular fertilization.

It is essential to remember that using low-quality fertilizer can be detrimental to the health of your Philodendron pastazanum. Poor quality fertilizers contain salts that can damage the roots and cause more harm than good.

From the end of September until the following spring, there is no need for feeding Philodendron pastazanum with any fertilizer. It is a dormant period for the plant, and additional nutrients are not required during this time.

Perfect Soil for Philodendron Pastazanum Plant

Philodendron Pastazanum thrives in neutral to slightly acidic soil mix, with a pH range of 5 to 7. The soil should not retain moisture for too long as this can cause root rot. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that your soil has the right drainage properties for the plant to grow optimally.

Ready-Made Soil Mix

One easy way to ensure that your Philodendron Pastazanum gets the right soil is to use a ready-made substrate blend that’s specifically made for aroid plants. Garden centers typically offer these mixtures, and they’re designed to provide the perfect blend of nutrients, pH, and drainage that these plants require.

DIY Soil Mix

If you want to create your soil mix, you can do so by combining 60 percent all-purpose potting soil and 40 percent perlite. Perlite is a lightweight material that promotes good drainage and improves soil aeration. Additionally, you can add one handful of orchid clips to the mixture to increase the airiness of the soil and provide faster water flow.

Pruning philodendron pastazanum mature plant

This plant is known for its natural neatness, which eliminates the need for frequent pruning and cutting.However, with time, the leaves may become too dense and start to bother each other, affecting the plant’s development and overall appearance. In such cases, pruning becomes necessary to promote healthy growth and prevent fungal infections.

So, how do you prune Philodendron pastazanum effectively? First and foremost, ensure that you use sharp, sterile scissors or a knife to prevent any infections. Make sure that you cut the leaf stalks to the point where they emerge from the rhizome. You can cut a few of the leaves together if they are too thick and bothering each other, and make sure to remove any dried or damaged leaves.

Pruning your Philodendron pastazanum is an appropriate preventive measure to keep it healthy and free from fungal infections. A densely ordered set of leaves create a setback in the circulation of air between them, allowing for a perfect environment for the development of fungal infections. When you prune your plant, you create enough space for air to circulate, which reduces the risk of fungal infections.

Propagation

Philodendron pastazanum can be propagated through seed, cuttings, or division of clumps. However, acquiring seeds for this plant can be a challenge. The indoor plants rarely bloom, which means pollination is infrequent, making this method the rarest and least reliable.

The most common and straightforward method for propagation is through stem cuttings. The horizontally positioned stem has pronounced nodes and pre-developed aerial roots, making the propagation process less problematic. Here’s how you can try to grow new plants:

Use sterilized pruning shears to make a precise cut. Ensure that the stem is not crushed when cutting as it can be quite tough.
Cut the stem between two nodes, ensuring that the cut part has already developed aerial roots. Cuttings without aerial roots will still work, but the formation of a new plant will take longer.
Sprinkle powdered charcoal or ground cinnamon on the cutting and cut on the parent plant to prevent open tissue infections and speed up wound healing.
You can root the cuttings in water or soil (mixture of perlite and all-purpose substrate).

Cutting in water:

If the cuttings have at least one leaf, place them in a jar of water, making sure that the water level is one inch below the edge. Clean the water periodically. When the cutting develops additional roots (after a few weeks), transplant it into a pot with an airy substrate.

Cutting in soil:

If you prefer soil, place the cutting in a prepared container filled with a combination of soil and perlite in equal proportions, making sure that the soil is moist but not soggy.

Cover the pot with a transparent plastic bag to increase humidity and place it in a bright corner with plenty of indirect lighting. Occasionally remove the cover to aerate the cutting. Water when the substrate’s surface is 70% dry.

In the next four to five weeks, the cuttings will take root, and new leaves will sprout.

Common Issues With Philodendron Pastazanum

Philodendron pastazanum is usually a healthy and robust plant that is resistant to diseases and pests when it grows under suitable conditions. However, inadequate plant care and conditions can cause various problems. Here, we will discuss the most common issues that occur:

Yellowing of the leaves often results from overwatering or insufficiently porous substrate, leading to water accumulation around the root ball.

Brown tips on the leaves signify dry air or inadequate watering.

Root rot causes the stem to become soft and mushy, emitting an unpleasant odor. It is due to damp substrate, and the plant must be immediately removed from the pot. Keep it exposed to the air for several hours, followed by planting it in slightly moist substrate.

If the leaves are spotted, this may indicate a fungal infection due to high humidity or poor ventilation. Remove the infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide.

Just like most other plants, Philodendron pastazanum can also be attacked by common pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, or thrips.

Spider mites have caused significant damage to my Philodendron pastazanum over the past few months. These tiny pests are hard to detect, as they hide in crevices and are very small. The mites create webbing on the leaves and petioles of your plant, and will ultimately cause damage to the leaves. Infested leaves will turn yellow and die, and small holes may also appear.

Mealybugs are easier to spot than spider mites, as they resemble little cotton balls. However, they are still harmful. Mealybugs feed on your plant’s sap and can lay up to 600 eggs. It is essential to identify these pests early, as they will feed on your plant in large numbers and cause extensive damage.

Thrips are another type of pest that you do not want on your Philodendron pastazanum, as they can spread diseases and even bite humans. Thrips are tiny, just 1mm in length, and look like miniature grasshoppers. When they feed on your plant, they produce a toxic substance called salvia and can transmit viruses.

Scale is a common pest that feeds off your plant’s sap. Brown scale is the most common type of scale and is hard to spot. Scale does not move much and prefers to stay put, producing in large amounts. Infestations can be serious, but your plant has a good chance of surviving if caught early.

Whiteflies are not as harmful as the other pest species described above, but they can still damage your Philodendron pastazanum. They are easy to spot, as they will become airborne when you shake a leaf.

Regularly cleaning the leaves of the plant decreases the possibility of pests attacking. However, if they persist, isolate the plant to prevent their spread to other plants and treat it with insecticidal soap, neem oil solution, or chemical insecticide meant for houseplants.

To keep your Philodendron pastazanum healthy, use well-draining potting mix, water once a week when the soil is almost dry, and ensure that the rhizome is above the soil. Bright indirect light is optimal. Check your plant frequently to catch any potential problems early on.