The Philodendron billietiae has become a popular houseplant because it looks great and grows quickly. It also makes for a nice accent indoors or outdoors. But how do you care for it to grow healthily?
There are many types of philodendrons, and each type requires a slightly different care regimen. In this article, Iβll go over everything you need to know about caring for the philodendron billietiae.
Iβll cover everything from growing tips to watering techniques. Iβll even tell you how to repot your philodendron billietiae once it starts to get big and how to propagate the billietiae for more plants.
7 Key Takeaways on Philodendron Billietiae
- The Philodendron billietiae is a climbing plant recognized for its deep green, elongated leaves that can grow up to five feet tall.
- It is essential to use a well-draining potting mix for the Philodendron billietiae to prevent root rot while maintaining moisture.
- This tropical plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, and it is important to keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid leaf burn.
- High humidity is crucial for the Philodendron billietiae, which can be achieved through methods such as using pebble trays, misting, or grouping plants together.
- To promote healthy growth, fertilize the Philodendron billietiae with a balanced slow-release fertilizer three to four times a year or use a diluted liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season.
- When pruning the Philodendron billietiae, remove any dead or yellowing leaves and leggy stems using sterilized tools to prevent the spread of disease.
- It is important to note that the Philodendron billietiae contains calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic to pets and small children if ingested.
Philodendron Billietiae Overview
The Philodendron billietiae is a variegated vine-climbing plant that is a member of the Araceae family. This plant wonderful choice if you are looking for a philodendron plant for a large bright space. This is an Aroid perennial vine that can grow to heights of five feet.
It was discovered in a tropical rainforest by Frieda Billiet in the early 1980s. It is native to Costa Rica, Brazil, and French Guiana.
A quick look at the physical appearance of Philodendron Billietiae:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Leaf Shape | Long, narrow, and elongated with pointed tips |
| Leaf Color | Deep green with a glossy surface |
| Leaf Size (Max Size) | 3 feet (90 cm) in length and 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in width |
| Stems | Bright orange or yellowish, thick and sturdy |
| Growth Habit | Climbing or vining plant |
| Max Height | 5 feet (1.5 meters) Grows taller if grown outdoors |
| Texture | Smooth, with a leathery feel on the leaves |
| Petiole Shape and Lenght | Distinctly ribbed or grooved. grows as much as 1 foot long |
| Petiole Color | Yellow-orange with black spots |
| Flower | Blooms rarely. Appear as white or creamy colored flowers with spathe and spadix. |
When the leaves are younger, they have straight edges that develop into ridged borders as they mature. Foliage is shaped much like an elephant ear with a characteristic notch in it.
This plant can be considered both an epiphyte and a semi-epiphyte. In nature, it may grow on both land and trees, with some plants fixing their roots firmly in the ground.
Philodendron Billietiae is an ideal plant to grow if you:
- Have plenty of space (width-wise), as its large leaves spread horizontally.
- If you want a climbing plant that adds a tropical vibe to your home or garden.
- Are looking for an air-purifying plant that improves indoor air quality.
Philodendron Billietiae Care Guide
If you are a beginner in indoor gardening, luckily, Philodendron Billietiae is pretty easy to care for. Below, Iβll show you the care requirements and tips that Iβve learned to help your plant thrive.
Soil for the Philodendron Billietiae
The Philodendron billietiae likes a well-draining soil mix and fresh soil. The concept behind a well-draining soil type is that it wonβt allow your plant to drown. Excess water will drain, while still keeping the soil moist for the roots to absorb water.
This mix mimics the soil of lush rainforests, where the roots can access moisture without sitting in waterlogged conditions. When soil beds are waterlogged, you get compacted soil and it does not allow roots to absorb oxygen for growth.
I recommend blending your own potting mix, you can use the following materials using equal parts:
- Sphagnum Peat Moss β This retains moisture and adds organic matter
- Organic Compost β Provides necessary nutrients
- Perlite β Improves aeration and drainage in the potting mix
Light for the Philodendron Billietiae
The philodendron billietiae needs bright indirect sunlight just like most tropical plants growing in lush rainforests. In its native habitat, it will receive sunlight but is partially shaded by taller plants and trees.
Never expose the billietiae to direct sunlight, as this will scorch and result to leaf burn. If you position this plant in an indoor setting with artificial light, such as a lobby without windows, place it off to the side of light sources, so that light does not directly hit the foliage.
Tips for balanced growth:
- Rotate Your Plant β You can rotate your plant once a week to make sure it receives light evenly for healthy leaves all the way around.
- Use Grow Lights if Natural Light is Unavailable β You can use 20-30-watt full-spectrum grow lights if natural light is limited to mimic sunlight and maintain balanced growth.
Water and Humidity for the Philodendron Billietiae
The philodendron billietiae prefers high humidity as a tropical plant is native to warmer temperatures. It thrives best in consistently moist soil, but not in wet, soggy, or saturated soil. So overwatering the plant will lead to root rot and potentially kill it.
Check the soil bed before watering to see how dry it is, hereβs how you can do it:
- Stick your finger in the soil approximately to the knuckle or about two inches deep.
- If the soil is dry, you need to water.
- If a part of your finger touches moist soil, wait before watering.
If your home has dry air or average humidity, consider one of these methods to raise the humidity levels in the immediate area of your plant:
- Create a pebble or stone tray to place under your philodendron
- Use a humidifier for plants
- Mist your plant regularly but without soaking foliage as this can cause fungal infections.
- Group several plants together as transpiration will raise the humidity level around the plants.
Temperature for the Philodendron Billietiae
The philodendron billietiae prefers a warm climate and enjoys temperatures ranging from 65Β° to 80Β° Fahrenheit during the day and 55Β° to 65Β°F at night.
It does not tolerate frost and will suffer if in cold temperatures below 55Β°F. If you see droopy white leaves on your billietiae, itβs freezing and in cold shock.
Fertilizer for the Philodendron Billietiae
One option for fertilizing the Philodendron billietiae is to use a balanced 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer, three to four times a year.
If you prefer to fertilize more often, use a liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every two to four weeks during the growing season. Always fertilize when the soil is moist to avoid burning the root system with fertilizer in dry soil.
How to Prune the Philodendron Billietiae
You can either prune or pinch your philodendron billietiae to keep it healthy with an attractive appearance. If you want a bushier-looking plant, pinch off the tips of new growth when it reaches about 4 inches in length.
Here are some pruning tips that I recommend for your Philodendron billietiae:
- Remove Dead or Yellowing Leaves β All dead, yellowing, and damaged leaves need to be removed immediately to avoid diseases spreading or fungal infection.
- Prune Leggy Stems β Cut just above a node to promote a fuller, more compact shape.
- Use Sharp and Sterilized Pruning Shears β Do this to prevent disease spread, and prune during the growing season for the best results.
I personally use the Bypass Pruning Shears which I bought from Amazon. This was so helpful for me as it makes clean cuts, minimizing damage to the plant.
How to Repot the Philodendron Billietiae
Repot your plant every other year in a container that is a couple of inches larger than the current pot. It takes approximately two years for a root system to outgrow a pot.
If the plant becomes root-bound or stressed it will become more susceptible to disease. You may notice brown spots appearing on the leaves, which indicates stress and should be addressed by repotting.
How to Propagate the Philodendron Billietiae
The philodendron billietiae can be propagated using either stem cuttings or through air layering
1. How to Propagate with a Stem Cutting
- With scissors or garden shears sterilized with isopropyl alcohol, cut a stem length of approximately four inches in length below a leaf node. The cutting should have two or more leaves.
- Place your cutting to dry. Leave it for a week until the cut callouses over.
- When the cut heals, dip the cut end into growth hormone.
- Prepare a container with potting soil mix and drainage holes.
- Create a hole with your finger in the potting soil and place your cutting in the hole. Insert a moss pole for support, as the philodendron billietiae is a climber.
- Your cutting should be placed in a warm environment with bright indirect light. It will take several weeks for roots to form.
2. How to Propagate with Air Layering
Air Layering is a propagation method that can only be used during the growing season.
- Wound your plant with a sterilized cutting tool by creating a cut into a stem that is about two inches in depth and length.
- Place a toothpick in the wound to keep it open.
- Prepare moist sphagnum peat moss and spread it on the wound you have created. Wrap it in plastic wrap. Close the ends of the plastic with ties to increase the humidity around the wound, but not so tight as to prevent the peat moss from breathing.
- When new roots emerge, you can remove the plastic and cut just below the stem cutting with new roots.
- Transplant the new cutting with roots into a container with potting soil.
Is the Philodendron Billietiae Toxic to Pets?
Unfortunately, the Philodendron Billietiae is toxic. The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) says all philodendrons are toxic to pets (source).
The philodendron billietiae plant contains calcium oxalate crystals. These can be toxic to humans as well, so this plant should be kept away from small children.
Calcium oxalate crystals cause swelling, burning, nausea diarrhea, and respiratory problems. The sap is irritating to the skin and can cause an allergic reaction. Ingestion can contribute to causing kidney failure in pets.
Symptoms of poisoning to watch for include:
- Lost appetite
- Diarrhea
- Swelling lips, mouth, and tongue
- Nausea
- Mouth sores
- Vomiting
- Pawing at the face
- Swallowing problems
- Drooling
You can attempt to rinse out the mouth of your pet if it chewed this plant to relieve symptoms. The skin should also be washed and rinsed after contact with the plantβs sap.
Contact your veterinarian in the event of severe symptoms or go to an animal emergency care facility.
Philodendron Billietiae Pests, Diseases, and Problems
1. Philodendron Billietiae Pests
This particular philodendron does not attract a lot of pests, fortunately. But this doesnβt mean that it is immune to pest infestations.
If you purchase at nurseries or garden centers, check the plants for any insect infestation or plant diseases before bringing them home.
The most common pests to be on the lookout for are:
1. Mealybugs β These pests are immediately apparent because they look like deposits of cotton on the plant. They are sap suckers and will deplete a plant when they take up residence.
- Solution: If you have a mealybug infestation, remove what pests you can manually and then treat your plant with diluted organic neem oil.
2. Aphids β When new growth is stunted or damaged, your plant could have aphids. These are tiny pear-shaped bugs with antennae, but are barely visible to the naked eye. They can do a lot of damage as they are sap suckers and feed off the lymph of the plant.
- Solution: For aphid problems, using insecticidal soap will resolve the infestation effectively by suffocating the pests and disrupting their cell membranes.
3. Spider Mites β These tiny pests can be difficult to see, often appearing as fine webbing on the plant. They thrive in dry conditions and feed on plant sap, leading to yellowing leaves and overall decline.
- Solution: Increase humidity around the plant and spray it with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap. Always wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any webs or mites and repeat treatments as needed to control the infestation.
2. Philodendron Billietiae Diseases
The largest risks for your Philodendron Billietiae include bacterial infections, fungal infections, and root rot, with overwatering being the primary cause of these common issues.
Solution:
- Remove Infected Parts β Eliminate all infected plant parts, including leaves, stems, and roots.
- Wash Healthy Roots β Rinse the remaining healthy roots thoroughly and treat them with fungicide to prevent further issues.
- Repot the Plant β Transfer your plant to a fresh growing medium to provide a healthier environment.
- Delay Watering β Wait several days before watering to allow the plant to recover and prevent additional stress.
3. Philodendron Billietiae Growth Problems
1. Droopy White Leaves β Droopy white leaves indicate cold shock in your Philodendron Billietiae.
- Solution: Move your plant to a warm location away from cold drafts, such as windows, doorways, hallways, and heating or air conditioning units and vents.
2. V-Shaped Stains on Leaf Tips β These v-shaped stains indicate the billietiae is suffering from a magnesium deficiency.
- Solution: Spray your plant immediately with a mix of Epsom salts and water, or apply a fertilizer with a concentration of magnesium.
3. Leaf Tips Curling β If your leaf tips are curling, this generally indicates over-fertilization.
- Solution: Change your plantβs soil mix by repotting and use less fertilizer. Be careful of fertilizing too much. Remember to dilute any liquid fertilizers with water.
Other Variets of the Philodendron Speicies
Aside from the Philodendron Billietiae, there are also other Philodendron species that offer diverse aesthetics and care requirements for plant enthusiasts. Here are some popular varieties, each with their unique features:
- Philodendron Hope Selloum β The Philodendron Selloum Hope Houseplant variety features large, deeply lobed leaves that create a dramatic focal point in any indoor garden.
- Philodendron Grazielae β Known for its unique, heart-shaped leaves that add elegance to plant collections.
- Philodendron Gloriosum β This species stands out with its velvety, large leaves and striking veins that appeal to plant enthusiasts.
- Philodendron Birkin β Characterized by its stunning white and green striped leaves, making it a sought-after addition to any indoor space.
- Philodendron Black Knight β This variety has dark, almost black leaves, providing a dramatic contrast in plant arrangements.
- Philodendron Billietiae β Itβs unique for its climbing habit and beautiful variegated leaves, making it a favorite among collectors.
Philodendron Billietiae Final Thoughts
The Philodendron billietiae is easy to grow and maintain. If you keep them well watered, their foliage will stay variegated.
When looking for a large plant with variegated leaves, the Philodendron billietiae should definitely be considered.
Long impressive foliage featuring patches of variegation adds to its appeal. But to maintain the variegated variety, bright indirect light is necessary to maintain the unique variegation.
Philodendron billietiae FAQs
1. Does Philodendron Billietiae Climb?
Yes, the Philodendron Billietiae climbs and can grow up to 3 feet tall. It enjoys climbing poles, bamboo sticks, and mossy poles, making it a popular choice for decorating homes and offices.
2. What Makes Philodendron Billietiae Popular Plant?
Philodendron Billietiae is popular among plant enthusiasts due to its stunning variegated leaves and unique climbing habit, making it a beautiful addition to any collection of Philodendron species.
3. Can Philodendron Billietiae Adapt to Indoor Gardens?
Yes, Philodendron Billietiae can adapt to indoor gardens. It requires bright, indirect light and high humidity to thrive. Plant enthusiasts can also use grow lights to help these plants flourish in indoor settings.
For other philodendron plants, check out these care guides:
