Xanadu Plant
The Xanadu Plant (Philodendron bipinnatifidum) is a tropical evergreen plant that typically grows as an indoor houseplant. It is a member of the Araceae family, along with many other popular indoor houseplants. The foliage has two leaflets that are deeply cut and have a glossy dark green hue, with white waxy bloom on top. It has a tall upright stem and grows up to 4 - 6 feet tall on maturity. This plant can be trained to grow on a moss stick or trellis. It prefers bright, indirect light and an even balance of moisture.
This plant requires moist soil to thrive, but not too wet. Let the soil dry out slightly in between watering and water less in the wintertime. An easy way to check for moisture levels is to put your finger into the soil to about your second knuckle. Overwatering and underwatering should be avoided, as the plant is susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
The Xanadu Plant prefers bright, indirect light. Make sure to avoid direct sunlight since it can scorch or burn the leaves. It can tolerate low light, however providing it with a brightly-lit area will encourage lush growth. You also need to adjust the position of the plant in relation to the sun depending on the season and light intensity.
The Xanadu plant should be kept in an area between 15-24°C (59-75°F). It can tolerate warmer temperatures but prefers cooler areas and temperatures lower than 8°C (46°F) can be extremely damaging.
This plant would benefit greatly from humidity. Increase the humidity by placing a humidifier in the same room or use a pebble tray. Misting the leaves regularly can also help. However, it is very important that the plant doesn’t stay wet for too long. Too much moisture will cause the plant’s leaves to yellow and the plant to rot.
The Xanadu Plant prefers a well-draining, organic potting mix or soil-less mix with some perlite. Adding a small amount of compost and peat helps create the perfect blend. The pH should be around 6.0-6.5.
The Xanadu Plant should be fertilized throughout the year, although more so in the spring and summer months. Use a half-strength balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks and fertilize when the soil is wet. During the winter months, fertilizing should be reduced to once every 6-8 weeks. Water-soluble fertilizer is the best to use, but you can also use slow-release granular fertilizer. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label for application.
The Xanadu Plant is surprisingly resistant to pests, but watch out for aphids, mites, and mealybugs. If you spot one of these pests on your plant, it’s important to act quickly. First, remove the infected leaves. You can then treat them with a non-toxic insecticidal soap, which can be purchased at any gardening store. Pay close attention to the underside of the leaves, as this is where the pests hide. Repeat the treatment a few times until the infestation is completely gone.
It’s important to repot your Xanadu plant once it has outgrown its current pot. Typically, this happens every 2-3 years, depending on the growth rate. When it is time for repotting, choose a slightly larger pot that has good drainage holes. Make sure to add enough soil and fertilizer to ensure the plant is in an ideal environment for its roots to spread out and soak up the nutrients that it needs.
Light pruning is recommended to keep the plant looking tidy and promote bushier growth. Be sure to wash and sterilize your pruners before use to reduce the spread of disease. Take care not to prune more than 20-25% of the top growth as it can stop the plant from flowering. Pruning should be done with sharp tools to make clean cuts without damaging the stem.
In its natural habitat, the Xanadu Plant lives partly buried in the leaf litter. In your garden or pot, you can add a layer of mulch to keep the plant moist. Organic mulch is recommended, for example, cocoa, moss, or bark chips. Make sure to use the mulch to loosely cover the roots without completely burying the plant.
The Xanadu Plant can be propagated from cuttings in the spring or summer months. Take a 3-4 inch long cutting just below a leaf node and remove any damaged or wilted leaves. Make sure to use a sterile pair of scissors to avoid spread of disease. Dip the cutting in a rooting hormone before planting into a pot filled with a quality potting soil mixture. Provide bright but indirect light and keep the soil slightly moist. You should see roots in about 1-2 months.
The Xanadu Plant does not require a support structure, however, if you choose to use one, be sure to use a moss stake or trellis. Make sure to tie the stem lightly and use soft material to avoid damaging the plant.
The Xanadu Plant has a rest period during fall and winter months. During this time, you should reduce the watering intervals and fertilizer application. This will ensure that your plant has enough energy to continue growing in the spring.
The Xanadu Plant is non-toxic to pets and humans.
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