Looking for a rare and beautiful houseplant to add to your indoor garden? Look no further than Philodendron mexicanum!
Philodendron Xanadu! This bushy tropical plant has everything you could want in a houseplant – beauty, ease of growth, and versatility. Whether you have limited space or are looking to create a tropical oasis in your home, the Xanadu plant is sure to impress. So sit back, relax, and let’s explore everything this stunning plant has to offer!
How to care for a Thaumatophyllum Xanadu
Philodendron xanadu plant originates from the Brazilian rainforest where it grows in a hot, steamy environment in the shady understory? Although we can’t recreate that exact microclimate, taking care of your Philodendron Xanadu is actually pretty easy! All you need to do is make sure it gets the essentials: proper light, watering, and heat. So don’t worry, let’s get started on making sure your Xanadu plant thrives!
Summary of Philodendron Xanadu
| Botanical Name: | Thaumatophyllum xanadu |
| Light needs: | Philodendron xanadu, Philodendron ‘Winterbourn’ |
| Hardiness Zone: | 9 to 11 |
| Common name: | Philodendron xanadu, Philodendron ‘Winterbourn’ |
| Watering needs: | Watering once per week is generally sufficient |
| Fertilizer: | During the growing season (typically Spring and Summer) |
| Soil: | Moist but not soggy soil, organic-rich and well-draining soil, |
| Humidity: | Provide ample moisture -50 to 70% |
| Temperature: | 65 to 82ºF (18 to 28ºC) |
| Where to buy: | Etsy, Walmart, Amazon local nurseries |
| Toxicity: | It’s toxic, so keep it away from pets and children |
Xanadu plant Humidity Requirements
One key factor in maintaining this plant’s health is ensuring the ideal humidity level. Although it prefers humidity at 70% or higher, Xanadu plants are actually pretty forgiving.
You can still keep your plant thriving with a humidity level between 50-70%, and it can even handle a lower 40% humidity level. But if you’re after the lushest foliage and best growth, you may want to consider increasing the humidity for your Philodendron Xanadu.
There are a number of ways you can achieve this, like placing a tray of water under its pot or misting its leaves. But the most effective solution is to add a small humidifier in the vicinity of your plant and other indoor plants.
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Fertilizing Xanadu philodendron
If you want to make sure your Xanadu plant stays healthy and has lush leaves, using fertilizer is a great idea. For your Philodendron xanadu, a 10-10-10 ratio fertilizer is perfect. Any good liquid indoor plant fertilizer will do the trick. During spring and summer, fertilize your plant once a month, but stop during the dormancy period in fall and winter. I suggest fertilizing after watering for best results. To avoid issues, dilute the fertilizer to half its recommended strength and pour it evenly over the soil surface. In case you notice any build-up of fertilizer salts in the soil, don’t worry! Just flush out the soil by running water through it for about 10 minutes. That’s it! Your Xanadu plant will look great!
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Water requirement for Winterbourn plant
This plant loves moist soil, just like it’s used to in the rainforest, but be careful not to make the soil too wet, as this can harm the plant and eventually cause it to die.
To water your Philodendron Xanadu, you should check the top 2 inches of the soil, and if it feels dry, it’s ready for watering. You can test this by simply sticking your finger into the soil.
Once it’s ready for watering, pour some room-temperature distilled or rain water over the entire surface of the soil until a little bit starts to drain out at the bottom. If you can’t get your hands on distilled or rainwater, tap water will do, but let it sit for a day to allow the fluoride and chlorine in it to dissipate first.
By following these helpful tips, you’ll keep your Philodendron Xanadu happy and healthy for years to come!
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Best Soil for Philodendron Xanadu
when it comes to planting a Philodendron xanadu, it’s important to use soil that is both porous and well-draining. Make sure to include plenty of organic matter in your soil mix for the best results.For optimal growth, aim for a pH level of 5.6 to 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. If you’re looking for a simple soil mix, using 100% peat moss is a great option. It will hold onto just the right amount of moisture while still providing enough air space for the roots to breathe.
If you prefer to use a pre-made soil mix, a commercial aroid mix is perfect for Philodendron xanadus and won’t require any additional amendments.
If you choose a standard indoor plant potting mix, consider adding equal parts of perlite and peat moss to improve drainage.
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Pruning Thaumatophyllum Xanadu mature plant
Taking care of a Philodendron xanadu plant is pretty easy, and you don’t need to worry too much about doing a lot of pruning. You’ll only need to trim off any dead or damaged leaves, which might make your plant look less than its best. The only other reason you’d need to prune your Xanadu plant is if it starts growing too wide for the space you have it in. If that’s the case, go ahead and prune it to keep it in check.
When you’re pruning your Philodendron xanadu, be sure to use sharp, sterilized scissors or knives and cut the petioles as close to the stem as possible. And once you’re done, make sure you clear away any plant debris from the soil surface to avoid encouraging fungus gnats.
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Thaumatophyllum Xanadu potting & re-potting
When your Philodendron xanadu starts to become rootbound, which could be every year or two, it’s time for repotting. Even if it has reached its full size, giving it fresh potting soil by repotting every two years is advisable.If you notice that the roots of your Philodendron xanadu have filled its current pot, you can move it up to a pot that is one size larger, ideally with a diameter of 2 inches. However, going for a pot that is even larger than that can hinder its growth.
Ensure that the new pot has drainage holes to prevent the roots from sitting in water.
Apart from refreshing the potting soil, repotting can also be an excellent opportunity to propagate more plants by dividing your Philodendron xanadu.
Propagating thaumatophyllum xanadu
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Firstly, remove the plant from its pot and shake off as much soil as you can. If needed, give it a rinse with a handheld water faucet.Next, carefully separate the roots by gently tugging them apart. Only cut them if necessary – the idea is to end up with a few stems attached to a handful of roots, preferably from the outer edges of the main plant. After repotting the original plant, you can now pot up your new baby Philodendron Xanadus in smaller individual pots.
Are Philodendron xanadu toxic to pets?
The Xanadu plant is toxic to both humans and pets due to the presence of calcium oxalate in all parts of the plant. Ingestion or even skin exposure to the sap can cause severe reactions. The toxicity is a particular concern for animals, but care should also be taken around children.
Philodendron xanadu is considered moderately toxic to humans due to the calcium oxalate content. Children are more vulnerable to the toxicity as toddlers tend to put things in their mouths. If a child ingests the foliage, they may spit it out due to the unpleasant taste, but they may still experience pain in their lips and mouth. A cool washcloth or popsicle can help soothe the discomfort. However, if a child experiences a swollen tongue or airways, it is crucial to seek emergency medical help. In case of skin exposure to the sap, it is advisable to rinse it off immediately to prevent irritation.
This plant can be a potential risk for pets. Its sharp calcium oxalate crystals can harm their delicate tissues and cause unwanted symptoms like excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, tongue and airways swelling. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian immediately in order to prevent any serious organ damage. As a friendly precaution, consider finding a place for your Philodendron xanadu where it can be inaccessible to the little members of your household. And, since this plant grows to be less than 4 feet tall, you may even be able to keep it in an elevated platform out of reach.
Pests, Diseases & Leaves Problems With Philodendron xanadu
It seems like your Philodendron xanadu might be going through some growing problems. But don’t worry, it’s nothing that can’t be fixed with some TLC! If you notice your plant looking sick, it could simply be a reaction to poor growing conditions. The good news is that improving its environment can make a huge difference in its overall health.
If you see yellowing leaves but the soil isn’t oversaturated, it’s likely that your plant is getting too much sun. Moving it to a spot with less direct light can help.
On the other hand, brown leaves may indicate that the soil is too dry. Giving your plant a good soaking can help to fully moisten the soil and promote healthier growth.
Lastly, if you notice that just the leaf tips are turning brown, increasing the humidity levels for your Philodendron xanadu might be worth a try!
Remember, taking care of your plants is a process of trial and error. But with a little patience and attention, your Philodendron xanadu will be back to thriving in no time!
Pests
no houseplant is completely safe from bugs, and unfortunately, the Xanadu plant is no exception. But don’t worry, there are some simple steps you can take to keep those pesky critters away. Once a month, give your Philodendron xanadu a wipe down with either insecticidal soap or neem oil to keep pests at bay. If you happen to notice small raised yellow bumps and webs, simply spray the entire plant with plain water to eliminate spider mites.
If you spot little green insects hiding beneath the leaves, those are aphids. No need to panic, just grab a hand vac and vacuum them up. As for fungus gnats – those are little flies that tend to hang out on the soil surface. To avoid a gnat invasion, keep all plant material off the soil.
Finally, if you come across fluffy mealybugs under the leaves, grab a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol and gently wipe away those colonies. With a little bit of attention and care, your Xanadu plant will be thriving in no time!
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Diseases
To prevent diseases on your Philodendron Xanadu, it’s important to maintain moist soil without overwatering. Excessive moisture on leaves or soil can lead to harmful bacterial and fungal infections. If you notice yellowing leaves and mushy stems, it may be a sign of root rot. Check the root ball for black and foul-smelling roots. If present, trim the infected parts and repot in fresh, porous soil.
Bacterial or fungal infections can also cause leaf spot, resulting in unattractive blotches on the leaves. Remove all affected leaves at the central stem and dispose of them properly.
Appearance of Philodendron xanadu
The striking appearance of Philodendron xanadu is largely due to its abundant, glossy, and deeply-lobed leaves. This tropical evergreen is a great addition to both indoor and outdoor settings, adding a touch of the tropics to any space. Although Xanadu plants rarely flower, especially when grown indoors, the lush foliage alone is reason enough to cultivate this plant.
Leaves
These leaves are impressive – growing up to 18 inches long and 14 inches across, even the smaller ones can reach a foot long. And the way they’re shaped is just so cool! The leaves have deep lobes spaced out regularly, giving them a really open and airy look. As the Philodendron xanadu grows, new leaves will sprout from the center and older leaves will fall off from the bottom up. And can we just talk about how lush and glossy those leaves are? They’re a deep shade of green with a thick texture that you just want to touch. To keep them looking their best, just give them a quick wipe-down once a month.
Blooming
it’s pretty rare for this plant to flower when grown indoors in containers. That’s because they typically don’t get big enough to produce blooms. However, if you happen to have one growing outdoors in a tropical region where it can be planted in the ground, you may see some flowering in late spring to early summer once the plant has matured. The flowers themselves aren’t anything too exciting – just a red spathe wrapped around a spadix covered in tiny white flowers. Honestly, most people don’t grow Philodendron xanadu for the blooms anyway, so many growers even clip off the spikes as they emerge in order to let the plant focus its energy on producing lush, green leaves.
Fragrance
So, you might be curious about the scent of Philodendron xanadu. Well, for the most part, this plant doesn’t really have a fragrance. Some growers have mentioned that the sap has a slight aroma that’s similar to tomato foliage, but you would only catch a whiff of it when cutting leaves or accidentally damaging the foliage. And, since the sap can cause irritation, it’s probably best to avoid smelling it too often!
It’s also worth noting that indoor Philodendron xanadu plants never produce flowers, so there’s little chance of any scent coming from them. This makes them a great choice for places like nursing homes that discourage or forbid heavily scented plants. But, if you’re sensitive to fragrances, you may prefer unscented plants in your own home.
Plant Size
Philodendron xanadu can grow up to 2-4 feet tall and have a spread of 3-5 feet when cultivated indoors. It has a moderate growth rate and may take several years to reach its mature size.When grown outdoors, Philodendron xanadu can grow up to 5 feet in height and have a spread of 6 feet. The leaves grow denser as the plant matures, resulting in a full and bushy appearance. The leaves naturally droop down and out on their petioles, creating a dense, bushy look all the way down to the soil level. Philodendron xanadu has a sturdy and thick central stem that keeps it upright.
Suggested Uses
Indoor environments can be improved by using Philodendron xanadu as it is an excellent plant for indoor use. It has been scientifically proven to filter formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. If you have enough space, placing your Philodendron xanadu in a bathroom with natural light is a great idea. This not only adds natural foliage to soften the hard surfaces but also lets the plant thrive in the higher humidity level of the bathroom.
During summer, you can move your Philodendron xanadu to a shady spot on your balcony or patio, creating an instant tropical oasis.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is Philodendron Xanadu a great plant to have indoors?
As we are spending more time indoors, harmful toxins from cleaning products, furniture, and even cooking can build up in the air. Philodendron Xanadu is an excellent filter and can help to remove these pollutants from the air, making it a perfect addition to any home, office, or indoor space
What are the benefits of having a Philodendron Xanadu indoors?
One of the best benefits of Philodendron Xanadu is its ability to filter the air around it. This plant is especially effective at removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air in your indoor space.
What are the indoor air pollutants that Philodendron Xanadu can filter?
It’s all thanks to its leaves. Plants absorb carbon dioxide through small pores in their leaves called stomata. As the air flows through these pores, harmful chemicals are removed and replaced with fresh oxygen. In the case of Philodendron Xanadu, it’s been found to be particularly effective at removing formaldehyde from the air.
Can Philodendron Xanadu grow in a bathroom with natural light?
Yes, Philodendron Xanadu can grow in a bathroom with natural light, as long as it is not in direct sunlight. Bathrooms can provide a humid environment, which is beneficial for the plant’s growth. However, it is important to ensure that the bathroom has adequate air circulation to prevent disease and that the soil is not kept too wet.
How can Philodendron Xanadu soften the hard surfaces in a bathroom or any indoor space?
If you’re looking to soften up the hard surfaces in your bathroom or any indoor space, Philodendron Xanadu is an excellent option to consider. Its lush, green leaves give off a calming, relaxing vibe that can help to soften the edges of any room.
Can Philodendron Xanadu be placed outdoors during the summer?
If you’re looking to add some tropical flair to your outdoor space, Philodendron Xanadu is an excellent option to consider. During the summer, this plant can be placed outdoors to create an instant tropical oasis on your balcony or patio.
What kind of environment does Philodendron Xanadu prefer when placed outdoors during the summer?
Philodendron Xanadu prefers a bright, indirect light environment when placed outdoors during the summer. It should be protected from direct sunlight and wind, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and should be placed in an area with good air circulation to prevent disease.
How can Philodendron Xanadu be used to create an instant tropical oasis on a balcony or patio?
Philodendron Xanadu is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that can add a touch of the tropics to any balcony or patio. Here are some tips on how to use Philodendron Xanadu to create an instant tropical oasis:
By following these tips, you can create an instant tropical oasis on your balcony or patio using Philodendron Xanadu as a focal point. Remember to water the plant regularly, and ensure it is not exposed to extreme temperatures or harsh winds.
Is Philodendron Xanadu easy to take care of and what are its care requirements?
When it comes to caring for Philodendron Xanadu, it prefers a humid environment and should be watered once a week. If you’re looking to place it outdoors, make sure to keep it in a partially-shaded area to prevent the leaves from drying out.
What is Philodendron Xanadu?
Philodendron Xanadu is a species of tropical plant that is commonly used as an indoor decoration due to its natural beauty and air-purifying capabilities.
What are the benefits of having Philodendron Xanadu indoors?
Philodendron Xanadu is a well-known air-purifying plant that can filter formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from indoor air. Moreover, Philodendron Xanadu is also an excellent way to add natural beauty to any indoor environment.
In which area of my home is Philodendron Xanadu ideal?
Philodendron Xanadu thrives best in areas with natural light and high humidity levels. Therefore, it’s an excellent idea to place this plant in a bathroom with natural light. The Philodendron Xanadu’s natural foliage can soften the look of hard surfaces, while the high humidity levels in a bathroom can provide an ideal environment for the plant to thrive.
Can I move my Philodendron Xanadu outdoors in the summer?
Yes, you can move your Philodendron Xanadu outdoors in the summer, preferably to a shady spot on your balcony or patio. The plant will thrive in a tropical environment and provide an instant tropical oasis.
