Content Index
If you are into tall plants with huge and big leaves, you may want to take a closer look to Philodendron Bob Cee. This plant is big; in fact, it is quite large. As a part of Aroid variant, the plant doesn’t look dull at all. On the contrary, it looks stunning with lush deep green hue and impressive shape. It’s safe to say that this plant is naturally gorgeous, which gives you the freedom and flexibility to manage it as you wish as your collection.
Because of the size, this plant can be grown outdoor. However, those who want to grow it indoor can also do it. With the right size of a container, plant collectors and enthusiasts should be able to manage their plant quite effortlessly. It’s a good thing that the plant is easy to care. It’s not fussy or complicated. Meet all of its requirements (which are pretty basic and simple), and you will be rewarded with naturally beautiful and breathtaking greenery that will definitely make a statement.
Overview
- Scientific name: Philodendron Bob Cee
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Philodendron
- Origin: Tropical Brazil
- Soil: Moist, rich and well-draining, 80% almost dry
- Temperature: Between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit
- Humidity: 50% to 80%
About Philodendron Bob Cee
What makes this Philodendron unique is the leaves with their saw tooth-shapes. The leaves are narrow and long. When combined with the lush greenish hue and the serrated (deeply vined) leaves, the result is breathtaking. The plant itself is quite huge; even gigantic. The leaves themselves can grow up to 1.2 meters in the overall length. In the wild, the size is bigger and wider because it can climb.
The reason why the plant gets its name because of the fact that it is actually a hybrid. And Bob Cee was the one who made it happen. The discovery took place after his passing, so no one knows whether the plant has already had its name or whether it is a parentage. Based on the collective agreement, the name was given to honor him.
Soil Requirement
Philodendron Bob Cee enjoys well-draining and loose soil. It should also be organic and rich. Preventing overwatering is crucial to prevent further growth issues that may happen to the plant, such as root rot, waterlogged, bacterial growth, and such things alike.
Although you are always welcomed to use the regular commercial potting mix for your plant, you are also free to create your own mixture. Who knows? You probably are able to come up with the right ‘recipe’ that suits your plant better. To start off, you can try combining these:
- A part of orchid bark
- A part of perlite
- A part of potting soil
- Half part of horticultural charcoal
The potting soil itself would hold off the moisture (at least the needed amount of it) so the roots will be hydrated. In the meantime, the orchid bark, charcoal, and perlite are meant to encourage good drainage while supporting improved airflow as well. Since the bark and charcoal are somewhat chunky, the roots should get enough oxygen.
You don’t want to avoid too loose or too heavy soil. The previous one would cause excessive drainage, so there won’t be enough water to hydrate the plant. Your plant will be in a ‘thirsty’ state most of the time. The latter one, on the other hand, will hold excessive water, leading to waterlogged issue. It can cause root rot in the long term.
Read also : Philodendron Bernardopazii : Loving Exotic Greenery
Water Requirement
Philodendron Bob Cee loves moist soil. It can tolerate temporary or short term drought. You want to have the proper watering regime with this plant. The quantity should be right; not too much and yet not too little too. Only water your plant when the top soil is dry. When you insert your finger to the soil, it should be dry before you can water it again. If it is still damp or moist, then wait for tomorrow or several days.
Each plant is different and unique. This is why you should develop your own watering habit so you know exactly how many days it have dried up or how often you should water it in a week. Keep in mind that watering frequency during winters should be reduced. No need to water it as often as in springs or summers.
Lighting Requirement
The Bob Cee Philodendron loves plentiful of light, but the indirect type. It can tolerate bright sunlight, but it should be the indirect type. It would be a good idea to expose your plant to plenty morning light as well as afternoon light. Avoid exposing it too much to the broad day light because it may burn your plant.
If you are going to place it close to the windows, make sure that there is a filter that can block the light to the plant, such as sheer curtain, a shade, and such things.
Humidity and Temperature
Philodendron Bob Cee appreciates mild to high humidity level, typically set between 50% and 80%. It can tolerate the common household humidity level quite well. But if you are thinking about increasing the level, you can do it with several ways:
- Misting the leaves. It can increase the humidity level only temporarily. Not to mention that you shouldn’t soak the leaves so it won’t promote bacterial growth.
- Using the humidifier.
- Using the pebble tray. This is possibly done as long as the water level doesn’t touch the bottom part of the pot
- Grouping several plants together. Make sure that you provide enough space between one another
The plant also loves mild to warm temperature. The one set between 60 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit would be much appreciated. Although the plant can tolerate 95 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s not advisable. It would be too extreme of a heat. Philodendron Bob Cee doesn’t like cold either. If it goes below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the growth would be stunted.
Propagation
If you are confident enough about your ability to take care of your Philodendron Bob Cee plant, you should be able to propagate it through stem cuttings method. It’s basically making ‘clones’ from the parent plant.
The steps are:
- Pick a health stem cuttings. The stems should have a minimum of 2 (or even 3) leaves and a node.
- You don’t have to limit your propagation to one stem cutting. Feel free to take more of it, provided that your plant is bushy enough to allow such thing from happening. However, first timers would usually make one cutting only. As they see fruitful results and their confidence grows, they will likely make more cuttings.
- Use very sharp and sterile shears or knife or scissors to make the cutting stem. Cut the stem right below the node. Remember, the node is crucial. Without it, your cutting won’t grow or propagate
- Plant the cutting in a pot that you have prepared, together with the proper soil
- Water the plant thoroughly. Make sure to keep it moist while putting it in an area that gets bright light. It should also have good humidity, good airflow, and warm temperature.
- The roots should start appearing after 3 to 4 weeks. Try to pull the plant. If you feel a resistance, it means that the roots have grabbed the soil in a firm hold. It’s a good sign.
- In several months, you should be able to see new leaves appearing. Congrats! You have managed to propagate your plant
There are also other things to know:
- It’s possible to plant 2 cuttings within a pot, as long as you make sure that you have created enough space between them
- Some people may choose the transparent pot so they can have a better look into the soil without having to disturb the plant. The transparent pot has its own advantage. Not only it enables you to see the roots and check their progress, but you can also see the inside of the pot and leave it in peace.
Fertilizer
It’s okay to fertilize Philodendron Bob Cee, especially in spring times and summer months. However, you should cut off the frequency during winter season. If you apply the fertilizer once a month during the active growing season, you need to apply it once every 2 to 3 months during winters.
Toxicity
Bob Cee Philodendron is toxic. All parts of the plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, a type of irritants that can cause inflammation to your skin and digestive tracts (mouth, tongue, throat, and stomach). The plant should be kept away from pets and kids’ reach.
Read also : Philodendron Martianum : The Catchy Fat Boy Greenery
FAQ
Philodendron Jungle Boogie vs Bob Cee?
If you take a glimpse of the plant, they may look similar, which often leads to them being thought to come from the same source or variant. However, they are quite different. If you inspect them closely and you compare them side by side, you will see that the Jungle Boogie Philodendron somewhat generate more, but compact, leaves that would bound together tightly.
Is Philodendron Bob Cee a climber?
Yes. In fact, the plant will grow bigger and taller if you provide a cedar stake, a stick, or a moss pole. During its growth, the plant will climb the provided support.
Can you only plant Bob Cee outdoor?
No. This is a versatile plant, meaning that you have the flexibility to plant it in any environment or setting that you want. If you do want to plant it outdoor, however, make sure that it gets the needed humidity and warm temperature. If you live in the area where it can be cold, you need to come up with a plant to remove it to the indoor setting as the plant can’t tolerate frost or too low temperature.
Is this plant rare?
You can say so. A few years back, not many people (or collectors) knew its existence. However, because of social media and the internet, the plant is now ‘hunted’ and becomes the priority in collectors’ wish list. It’s one of the main reasons why the plant becomes quite difficult to find.
Where to buy Bob Cee Philodendron?
This is actually a good question. Considering the fact that Philodendron Bob Cee is rare, you may have to exert extra efforts to be able to find one (and finally purchase one). You can try your local nurseries, but if it doesn’t work, try the reputable online sellers. Many have been able to find one from Etsy or Amazon. You should try and look around.
How much should I pay for Bob Cee?
Because the demand exceeds the supply, expect to dig deeper into your pockets. It’s hard to find one with price less than $100. Be ready to spend at least $100 for it.
Why do the leaves look pale?
Pale leaves can be caused by several reasons: not having enough nutrients (especially magnesium), pests infestation, or excessive sun. If the leaves turn pale having green veins, it’s highly like caused by excessive direct sunlight. Try moving it to an area with indirect light.
The leaves are yellowing. Is there something wrong?
Yellowing leaves are commonly resulted from pests, excessive direct light, and nutrient deficiency. You can try adding (Epsom) salt to your soil during watering. Mix a gallon water with a tablespoon of salt. Choose a shadier pot. Also check for pests. If there is any, treat your plant with neem oil spray or the inexpensive dish soap and water mixture sprayed on the leaves.
Is Bob Cee a fast grower?
It depends on the environment. With the right condition and environment, Philodendron Bob Cee can grow pretty fast. During the growing season, the plant may experience several inches of addition within a month. Once the plant reaches maturity, the growth speed will be slower, but the plant will still produce new stems and leaves quite regularly.
Does Philodendron Bob Cee require pot-bound?
It’s a kind-of situation. Philodendrons in general like having their roots a bit restricted. In this way, you won’t have to re-pot the plant too often. It is also good to support a controlled-growing manner so the plant will stay within a controlled environment.
Final Words
Bob Cee is basically just the same as other Philodendrons. It needs warm surroundings, enough humidity level, and plentiful of light (as long as it is indirect one). Caring for one isn’t complicated or fussy. If you want to have a unique looking greenery, nothing can beat Philodendron Bob Cee, for sure!
