The Philodendron Grazielae is not only a beautiful and rare houseplant, but also easy to care for.
This care guide will cover how to care for your Philodendron Grazielae properly. From choosing the right soil to watering this tropical plant, I’ll tell you everything you need to know.
Philodendron Grazielae Overview
With hundreds of Philodendron species available, the Philodendron Grazielae, which is native to Peru and parts of Brazil, stands out for its large, glossy heart-shaped leaves on thick stems.
A member of the Araceae family, its stems are quite beefy, giving this philodendron plant an impressive look as a climber with vines that reach upward, rather than cascading over.
The Philodendron Grazielae can use some help if you want it to sit upright, so trellises and moss poles are a great option if you don’t want a hanging basket. Growing upright will also encourage them to grow larger leaves.
The Philodendron Grazielae is a slow grower and native to tropical rainforests. They feature stems that are not overly long, but grow to between 18 and 24 inches. Leaves can grow to as much as four inches long.
This is a rarer philodendron, so you may not find one at just any garden center or nursery. A nursery specializing in exotic plants may offer you more of a selection.
Philodendron Grazielae Care Guide
Soil for the Philodendron Grazielae
When welcoming any new plant, the correct type of soil becomes crucial to the plant’s well-being.
The Philodendron Grazielae will be healthy in a well-draining soil or good quality indoor plant potting mix.
If you prefer to mix your own growing medium, mix equal parts of perlite, sphagnum peat moss, and limestone (crushed).
Light for the Philodendron Grazielae
The Philodendron Grazielae enjoys lots of bright indirect light. In its native habitat, it would be shielded by other rainforest plants under a protective canopy.
When cultivating a Grazielae, the native environmental conditions should be replicated as closely as possible. Placing your plant near a sunny window or on a shaded balcony porch or patio is ideal, so that your plant is able to photosynthesize.
The foliage of this plant can become easily scorched when exposed to direct sunlight, even in the early morning hours.
Water and Humidity for the Philodendron Grazielae
This philodendron plant isn’t too picky when it comes to watering. Like all plants, it’s important not to overwater, so waiting until the top two inches of the soil bed is dry before watering again is a good idea.
How often you need to water the Philodendron Grazielae will depend on where you live, the climate, and season of the year. Indoors, a weekly or biweekly watering will most probably be sufficient, but if positioned outside, your plant may require water more often.
Do not allow the soil to be wet and soggy as this can be the cause of root rot, fungal infections, as well as fungus gnats taking up residence in your plant’s soil. Excess water in soil beds will impede oxygen from penetrating and reaching the roots to be absorbed, so your plant is at risk of drowning.
Normal household humidity levels are okay for the Grazielae, but it enjoys higher humidity that measures about 60% like most tropical rainforest plants. This may be a little humid for most rooms, but a bathroom is usually more humid than other living spaces.
To increase humidity levels, a humidifier will make your plants happy. Misting your plant or a pebble tray are viable alternatives. Grouping several plants near each other will benefit all as transpiration will elevate humidity levels in the immediate area.
Temperature for the Philodendron Grazielae
This lovely Philodendron Grazielae variety thrives in standard home temperatures measuring between 65° and 85° Fahrenheit.
It can tolerate hotter weather temperatures outdoors as long as it has shade and sufficient water. If temperatures drop to 60°F or below, bring your plant indoors to help protect it from freezing.
Fertilizer for the Philodendron Grazielae
While fertilizer may not be necessary, an occasional feeding can give your Grazielae a boost. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer 20-20-20 diluted to half strength monthly during the growing season.
Symptoms that your plant may need feeding include stunted growth, undersized leaves, and faded leaves. Once the green leaves start losing its color, see if it could use some nutrients.
Pruning the Philodendron Grazielae
The Philodendron Grazielae is a slow grower in the Philodendron family, so it will not require much pruning.
If your plant is too long or too bushy for your taste, don’t hesitate to trim it. However, be careful of trimming too much at one time to avoid stressing your plant.
Repotting the Philodendron Grazielae
As a very slow grower, the Grazielae will not require repotting too often. Plan on repotting every two years unless its roots are emerging from the drainage holes or the soil surface.
This will indicate a need for repotting. The best time for repotting is spring or at the beginning of summer.
The pot size should only be an inch or two larger than the root ball to avoid being rootbound. The pot should also have a sufficient number of drainage holes for excess water to drain out. If the water doesn’t drain out, a plant can become waterlogged and lead to root rot or other issues.
Propagating the Philodendron Grazielae
The Philodendron Grazielae can be propagated with relative ease with stem cuttings and air layering.
Propagating Stem Cuttings in a Growing Medium (Potting Soil Mix)
- Cut a four-inch length of stem with at least two leaves below a leaf node.
- Allow your cutting to rest in a warm room for several days until the cut end has created a callous.
- Prepare a pot with drainage holes and fill it with a growing medium.
- Make a hole in the growing medium with your finger.
- Place the calloused end of the cutting in the soil bed and pack around it with the soil.
- Position it in bright indirect sunlight and water it.
- Within several weeks, roots should have formed. You can dip the root in growth hormone before planting if so desired.
Propagating Stem Cuttings in Water
- Stem cuttings can also be rooted in water. Place the stem cutting in a jar of water. No leaves should be submerged. If they are, remove them.
- Keep your jar in bright indirect light in a warm environment. After two to three weeks, roots will start to form.
- When roots are approximately two to three inches long, transplant your stem cutting into potting soil.
Propagating with Air Layering Method
- At the top of your Philodendron Grazielae, use a sterilized knife to create a wound on your plant. The wound should be approximately two inches in length and depth.
- Put a toothpick through the top of the wound and the bottom.
- Place wet sphagnum moss in and around the wound.
- Wrap the stem, wound, and moss with plastic wrap, securely but not tightly.
- After several weeks, roots will grow from the sphagnum moss.
- When the roots reach three inches in length, use a knife to separate the wounded piece from the mother plant’s stem.
- Remove the plastic and transfer your new plantlet with roots into a pot with potting soil.
- Care for it as you would a mature Philodendron.
Philodendron Grazielae Toxicity and Pets
The ASPCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, indicates all Philodendrons as toxic to pets because they contain calcium oxalate crystals.
These plants are also toxic to humans, so if you have small children, beware. The best medicine is prevention by keeping your plant out of reach.
Calcium oxalate crystals, while not fatal, can cause swelling, burning, and respiratory difficulty. The sap from the plant will irritate the skin. In the case of family pets chewing on it, ingestion of a large quantity can contribute to kidney failure.
Poisoning symptoms to watch for include:
- Disappearance of appetite
- Swelling of the mouth, tongue, or lips
- Mouth lesions
- Pawing at the mouth and face
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Excessive salivation and drooling
- Vomiting
If your dog or cat has chewed a Philodendron Grazielae, immediately rinse its mouth. Also rinse and wash for skin irritation. If there’s swelling, call your vet. For severe symptoms, go to a pet emergency care clinic.
Philodendron Grazielae Pests, Diseases, and Problems
As a houseplant, your Philodendron Grazielae can be a home for any number of plant pests that visit indoor greenery. Pests to be on the lookout for include aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects.
Aphids are sapsuckers, so if you find sticky honeydew on your plant or around it, you probably have an aphid infestation. The honeydew may even attract ants. Treat your plant with insecticidal soap or organic neem oil.
Scale insects are also sapsucking pests. These can appear as hard bumps on foliage and stems. Remove affected foliage, scrape the bumps off stems and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs resemble tiny cotton balls on your plant. They should be removed manually. You can clean your plant gently with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol, or treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
If you notice infestations, isolate your Philodendron Grazielae from any other plants you own. Remove pests manually if possible. Spray the plant with water and then treat.
If your Philodendron remains green, but the leaves are drooping, you might be underwatering. Once it has been watered, it should revive practically immediately. If the leaves do not revive, remove them as they are probably dead leaves.
Yellow leaves point to overwatering. Check the potting soil to see that it is draining and allow it to dry out before watering again.
Philodendron Grazielae Diseases
Like most Philodendrons, the Grazielae will be susceptible to root rot and fungal diseases normally brought on by excessive watering. Leaves will turn yellow and wilt.
In the event of root rot, you will need to repot your philodendron in fresh potting soil. When you remove your plant from its original container, examine the roots and trim away any damaged, black, brown, or mushy roots. Dip the remaining healthy roots in a fungicide before repotting.
For fungal infections, the same method should be applied, but dispose of old soil and treat the entire plant with a fungicide. Organic neem oil also functions as a fungicide.
Philodendron Grazielae Final Thoughts
This Grazielae Philodendron is a thick vining and climbing plant that is low maintenance. With the right environmental conditions and minimal care, it will make a lovely addition to your indoor garden collection.
See guides to these other easy to care for philodendron varieties:
- Philodendron Birkin Care Guide
- Philodendron Gloriosum Care Guide
- Philodendron Lemon Lime Care Guide
Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Philodendron_grazielae_kz1.jpg
