Philodendron Ilsemanii is a unique plant that is of the Araceae family and is known as the Mottled Ilsemanii Variegata or baby tears. This plant is excellent for those who love plants but do not have the time for high maintenance.
There is a wide variety of information on caretaking, where to find them, and whether they are meant indoors or outdoors. It is with great pleasure to offer this from learning all I have about these unique plants and more information throughout this article concerning the Philodendron Ilsemanii.
In This Article
How To Care for the Philodendron Ilsemanii
Philodendron Ilsemanii is made for those on the go and working long hours who may not have time to spend a day working to keep plants alive. Once the setup is taken care of, it does not take much to keep up with them.
Philodendron Ilsemanii are plants that go in special organic potting soil with high manganese in fertilizers and do not need much water, but the soil (pH balanced 5-7) must remain damp. They live in temperatures of 55 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit and thrive on high humidity, up to 90 percent.
They are best kept in the shade or a room where direct sunlight does not shine on them. The plants need about 85 percent light, but direct sunlight will dry them out, so be careful.
It is recommended to keep the leaves sprayed with room temperature water and only water the plant when the soil is dry. The requirements in the summer may take about four to six times a week to water, whereas in the winter, it should only need watering twice a week.
When the plant is fully grown, it has bright green leaves and stems. It is rare, but some white flowers are found underneath the bright green leaves in full blossom.
Some More Tips On Caring for the Philodendron Ilsemanii
These tips do not take much work and are only done when necessary. Repotting is only needed when the roots begin to overflow out of the pot.
Like all plants, caution and special care must be taken when transplanting Philodendron Ilsemanii. It is wise to keep the new pot ready to go and nearby once the plant is removed from the old one.
It is required to have complete control and total grab deep in the soil and pull the soil and the roots together. Never pull by the plant or the roots because this will severely damage the plant as it will rip and tear, cutting off the flow of valuable nutrients.
Ensure to move slowly with the plant as it is moved from one pot to the next because all the roots must stay intact. Also, test the soil in the new pot to feel that it is damp and not soaked with water once the plant is in its new home.
It will take about two weeks for the plant to regain its strength, so do not fertilize it until after the two-week mark.
Tips on Pruning a Philodendron Ilsemanii
There are a few things to be careful of while pruning the Philodendron Ilsemanii. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Always use clean tools that are disinfected when pruning because harmful residue can harm the plants.
- Do not prune in inactive seasons for growth. Prune between spring and summer. The plant may not have the potential to grow back what is cut off in the winter months, which could harm the plant.
- Some people may have allergies when pruning, so be sure to always wear gloves for protection.
- Remove the spiky buds and the yellow leaves, so it is easier to manage while pruning.
- Pruning yellow leaves prevents the discoloration from spreading to the rest of the plant.
Growing More Philodendron Ilsemanii Plants
Philodendron Ilsemanii looks better when they grow in numbers. Since the plants are not that difficult to take care of, planting more is easy.
However, keep in mind that conditions that are not favorable could cause a longer time for the plants to grow. Be patient because it may take more than two weeks for the plant to grow, even in favorable conditions.
Here are some tips for propagation.
- Stem cuttings are the best way to propagate. Take a stem off the plant, start it out in a plastic cup, and use plastic wrap to keep the humidity up inside the cup.
- Do not put the plant in direct sunlight, as this will damage the growth and cause it to fail to take root. Keep the plant in indirect sunlight by using curtains or solar windows blocking the sun’s harmful UV rays.
- Use organic soil for the best growth results, so the plant is well-fed.
- When the stem takes root, use wooden sticks and stick them in the soil next to each side of the stem. Tie the stem to the sticks to ensure the plant grows upright.
Common Problems People Face When Growing Philodendron Ilsemanii Plants
Almost everything done in life has its ups and downs. The enjoyment of growing Philodendron Ilsemanii is virtually effortless, but there are things to consider that go wrong with all plant life.
Below is information on problems people face when growing plants and the solutions to each.
- Pests: There are two types of bugs to watch out for when growing Philodendron Ilsemanii. The first is spider mites, and the other is thrips. Spider mites eat holes in the leaves and edges, and thrips cause wilting and discoloration. To get rid of them, clean the leaves with a soft cloth and a warm soapy water solution.
- Lack of Oxygen: When the plant is overwatered, it deprives it of oxygen. It is compared to choking the plant and cutting off the air supply. To solve this problem, make a schedule to water every two or three days to keep the soil damp.
- The Leaves Curling: Some people notice the edges of the leaves starting to curl. This is caused by too many nutrients, which burn the plant from the inside out. There is too much fertilizer, and to solve the issue, cut back on the amount of fertilizer added and spray the leaves with water as the cutting-back process takes place.
- Discoloration of the Leaves: The leaves will become discolored for numerous reasons, and the only way to solve the problem is to go through a quick trial and error. These are the things to look for and change: too much or too little exposure to sunlight, too much fertilizer, and too much or not enough watering.
Other Critical Information and Warnings Concerning Philodendron Ilsemanii
The Philodendron Ilsemanii grows better inside the home, but if grown outdoors, certain conditions must be in place, or the plant will die. It must be covered to avoid too much rain and direct sunlight.
The weather conditions could also kill the plant if freezing temperatures are present. Climates that are too hot can also harm the plant.
They grow from three feet to 20 feet in height during the active growth months. If anyone has growth issues with the plant, adding a mixture of half and half water and coffee grounds is recommended.
Coffee grounds are full of nitrogen and cause the plant to grow quickly and healthily. Be careful not to overdo it because it can harm the plant, just like adding too much fertilizer.
The Philodendron Ilsemanii can offer a welcoming feeling to the home but heed these warnings. They clean the air by trapping dust particles but are also toxic if consumed by children or pets.
It is strongly advised to keep these plants away from children and pets. If consumed, get medical attention immediately.
Finding the Philodendron Ilsemanii
There are different versions of the Philodendron Ilsemanii. People call this plant a “unicorn” due to the fact it is a rare plant and hard to find.
The prices online for some locations have prices set in the thousands of dollars. Not every nursery or plant shop sells these exotic plants.
However, looking online, depending on the location of the city and state or even a country a person lives in, they may find them in a garden section in Walmart or Target. Keep in mind those stores are few and far between.
Propogating the Philodendron Ilsemanii
This is a great video overview of how to propogate your Philodendron Ilsemanii:
Potting a Philodendron Ilsemanii
Here is a good video walking you through the process of potting a Philodendron Ilsemanii
The Two Types of Philodendrons
Those who grow and handle the plants know there are two types of Philodendrons. They are the climbers and the non-climbers.
The Philodendron Ilsemanii has aerial roots that latch on to what it can to grow upward. It takes an average-sized room to develop them, and the stems must be supported.
The non-climbers grow like regular plants but have large lobed leaves. They are known for growing to immense sizes and growing better in large open spaces.
Can Philodendron Ilsemanii Be Tissue Cultured?
Yes, it is possible to tissue culture Philodendron ilsemanii. This can be done by taking a small cutting from the plant and placing it in a sterile environment where it can grow undisturbed. The cutting will need to be placed in a medium that contains all of the nutrients necessary for plant growth, and the environment will need to be kept clean and free of pests and diseases. If all goes well, the cutting will develop into a new plant that is identical to the parent plant. Tissue culture is an efficient way to propagate philodendrons, and it can produce large numbers of plants in a relatively short period of time.
Philodendron Ilsemanii Price
The Philodendron Ilsemanii is a very expensive plant that can cost anywhere from $750 to $5,000 depending on the maturity of the plant and where you purchase it from.
Where to Buy a Philodendron Ilsemanii?
There are a number of places online to purchase this plant. Here are some current listings:
- https://hkvariegatedplantshop.com/product/philodendron-ilsemanii-variegata-2/
- https://www.etsy.com/listing/1322481506/philodendron-ilsemanii-variegated?gpla=1&gao=1&
- https://www.etsy.com/listing/1330139799/philodendron-ilsemanii-rooted-plant
- https://www.etsy.com/listing/1232362048/philodendron-ilsemanii
- https://thomsvariegatedplantsshop.com/shop/philodendron_ilsemanii/
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Sources & Resources
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235766448_Philodendron_ilsemanii_Engl_a_new_species_of_Philodendron_subgenus_Meconostigma_(Araceae)_from_northern Peru
- http://ww2.bgbm.org/herbarium/imageCollection.php?ID=7010&filter=e0
- https://www.tropicos.org/NameDetails.aspx?nameid=2785562
- http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=3&taxon_id=200011335
- https://www.ecuadorenlinea.net/noticias/solo-las-flores/filodendros-del-peru-una-exposicion-en-el-museo-nacional_94736
- https://www.scielo.org.pe/pdf/rbho/v27n1/a05v27n1.pdf
Image Credit: https://thomsvariegatedplantsshop.com/
