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To those who love velvety plants, the philodendron camposportoanum can be the best choice. It is an admirable plant that is perfect to decorate your house.
The plant has unique and beautiful leaves with a deep green color and velvety texture. When the plant gets mature, there is an orange-pink sheen.
The plant is also called the philodendron campos and hammer leaves. They are primarily found in tropical areas such as Brazil. This makes the plant become a rare species.
Overview
- Botanical Name: Philodendron camposportoanum
- Popular Name: Philodendron campos, Hammer leaves
- Size: A foot in height and leaves can grow between 2-8 inches in width.
- Type: Perennial
- Sun Exposure: Filtered sunlight
- Soil Type: Well-draining soil
- Soil pH: 6.5-7.0
- Toxicity: Humans and pets
Care Guide
The hammer leaves are native to a tropical area. But don’t worry, you can create a condition that is similar to its natural habitat. This includes the soil, temperature, humidity, watering frequency, and also fertilizing. In this article, you will learn more about how to grow the philodendron campos properly.
Water Requirements
Different from other philodendron species, the philodendron camposportoanum prefers the soil more hydrated. Instead of checking a few inches of the soil, you only need to check the very top layer.
When you touch the soil and it is dry, then you need to water the plant soon. Just don’t overdo it. Wait for the water to drain well in between watering.
Even though the plant like moist soil, it should be well-aerated or it will lead to root rot.
When the water sits too long in the saturated soil, the roots will get little oxygen supply. Thus, it leads to rotting roots. If this happens, your plant wouldn’t likely survive.
Light Requirements
This category seems to be the easiest but it is not that simple. You cannot just put the plant under direct sunlight and expect it to grow. It is a misconception. Instead, your plant will experience leaves burn.
Philodendron is sensitive to direct light. Whilst it needs a long medium to bright sunlight rays, you should place it under the filtered area. Filtered sunlight will help the plant to grow well.
You can buy a light meter to measure the brightness of the area in a room. This tool is beneficial because our eyes cannot decide whether a room is a good area to grow a plant. Here, using the light meter can correct that.
When you are using the light meter, you will be familiar with the term FCs or foot candles. Here a good amount to grow the philodendron is around 400 FCs.
If you cannot get the light meter, don’t worry. This is not the only option. You can place the plant in an eastern-facing window or nothern window to get cool direct morning sun.
Humidity
This little plant loves the high level of humidity. A humidity level of at least 60% can help the philodendron camposportoanum thrive. Anything lower than 50% will damage the plant.
For some people who live in an area with lower humidity, this will not be a good thing. But you don’t have to worry. There are ways to level up your humidity level at home.
One way to increase the humidity level is by grouping the plants. This will allow them to help each other.
Another way to increase the humidity level is by using a humidifier. It is very simple and effective.
Tip: note that misting the plant is not suggested if you have poor circulation because it can increase bacterial or fungal infections.
Temperature
The philodendron camposportoanum are native to a tropical areas. This is why the plant loves warmer temperatures. Place the plant in an area between 60F (16C) and 75F (24C). At this range, the philodendron will thrive well.
Keep in mind to not place the philodendron in an area below 55F or 13C during the night. During winter, you need to bring the plant inside because the temperature will drop and it will damage the plant.
Fertilization
The philodendron campos enjoys slow-release fertilizer. It is beneficial for the plant because you don’t make it over-fertilize or under-fertilize it.
If you are not using the slow-release fertilizer, you can use the liquid version and feed the plant once a month during the growing season which is spring and summer.
In the winter, cut back the fertilization because, at this rate, the plant is dormant.
Note: if you are using the all-purpose fertilizer, you need to ensure that it has a high amount of nitrogen. This component will promote healthy growth on the leaves and gives a more gorgeous shade of green.
Grooming/Pruning
Pruning is not a vital thing in growing the philodendron camposportoanum. Because the plant is small, it is only necessary to remove disease or withering leaves. Pruning can sometimes be necessary to keep the philodendron in its shape.
Besides pruning, you need a growing stick to help the plant stay neat and make its way upwards.
Repotting
Repotting is necessary to keep the philodendron stays healthy and get enough space. Besides, repotting also makes sure that the plant has sufficient space to grow.
If you start noticing the roots growing out of the drainage holes, then you need to repot the plant soon.
Repotting is perfect to do during summer and springtime. This is the perfect time for the plant to adapt to the new home.
When choosing the pot, make sure you pick a plant that is 2-3 inches bigger than the old pot. This is to prevent the water from submerging the plant. Besides, extra spaces often stress out the roots. A stressed plant is prone to diseases.
Read also : Philodendron Snowdrift : A Plant With Unique White-ish Appearance
Propagation
Stem cutting and air layering are the most effective in propagating the philodendron. You need to propagate the plant during the growing season for the best result.
Propagating using stem cutting
- Cut the stem with a length of around three or four inches. Make sure you cut the stem below the leaf node. Besides, when cutting the leaves, make sure it at least has two leaves attached.
- In cutting the plant, you have to use sterilized cutting shears. Use 70% isopropyl alcohol to sterilize the pruning shears.
- When you have cut the stem, let it sit for a while so the stem can cure itself. Let it sit in a warm environment for around a week to allow the cut ends to callous which makes it easier to root.
- Prepare a good pot with good drainage holes and also the potting soil.
- Once the cutting is cured, you can start planting. Begin by pushing the finger into the soil until it reaches your knuckle. This will leave an inch of stem cutting. You need to pack the soil around the stem cutting to make it strong and sturdy.
- Sometimes the plant cannot stand on its own. You can use a straw to support the plant for a while.
- Last, you just need to nurture the philodendron cutting like the regular one. Don’t forget that this plant needs adequate water and sunlight.
Propagation using Air Layering
- The air layering method requires you to make a wound. The wound should be around 2 inches deep, and 2 inches in length. The wounds should be created towards the plant’s top so they will be easier to remove later. However, make sure to sterilize the knife first using 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- As the wound has opened, the next step is to spread the sphagnum peat moss. The sphagnum moss should be moistened. The purpose here is to make the sphagnum moss stick to the wound. If it doesn’t stick, you can string it around it.
- Next, wrap the wound with plastic wrap. You should be careful not to tie it too tight or too loose. The sphagnum moss needs to breathe but also needs to stay on the wound. This will promote roots. You can use duct tape to make it stay on the wound.
- You will need to wait until around three weeks to see the roots starting to grow. During this time, try to find some pots with good drainage holes to let the excess water out.
- If you see the roots have grown around 4 inches, remove them from the plant’s parent using sterilized pruning shears. You have to cut some inches below the wound.
- Next, remove the plastic wrap and make sure you do it carefully because you will damage the roots.
- Next, it is time to plant the new philodendron. Use well-draining and moist soil. Otherwise, it won’t grow.
Toxicity
The philodendron campos should be placed out of children’s and pets’ reach. It is because all of the plants’ parts contain calcium oxalate crystal which is very toxic when it is ingested.
As long as the philodendron camposportoanum is not ingested, it is considered harmless. However, you still need to grow it carefully. When treating the plants, you are suggested to use gloves to avoid you contacting the sap.
The symptoms you might exhibit when ingesting the plant include a burning sensation around the mouth and tongue and irritation on the skin. You might also feel difficult to swell and breathe. Besides, you will vomit too in some cases.
Pests and Diseases
It is common for the philodendron camposportoanum to be attacked by pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common.
Spider mites – The spider mites are one of the most annoying pests because they suck the sap out of the plant. The sap is very important because it is needed for the photosynthesis process.
The pest usually hides around the rounded edges of the leaves. It is very small and typically hard to see.
To check it, you can spray the plant with water. You will see them fly away.
Mealybugs – This one is a cotton-like substance. It is a soft-bodied bug that sucks the sap out of the plant. Besides, the pests also absorb the nutrition from the soil.
Our natural suggestion to combat this pest is by using neem oil. It is very easy to find in the garden store.
Dilute the neem oil with fresh water and spray it on the plant.
Varieties
The philodendron camposportoanum characteristic is its small feature. It has a velvety texture with a tri-lobe shape. The plant has a deep green hue and it will bring a subtle orange-pink radiance when it is mature.
Growth Rate
If we compare the philodendron camposportoanum, it is not a big species. It is relatively small and grows about 1-1.5 feet in height. The leaves can grow between 2-8 inches in width.
Leaf, Flower, Stem, and Seeds
- Leaf – It has dark, velvety foliage and then grows with an orange blush when it is matured. The leaf comes in a heart-shaped form.
- Flower – It is very rare to produce a flower. Don’t expect blooms until it is fully mature which takes around 15-16 years. Besides, the plant rarely blooms when it is grown indoors.
- Stem – The plant is a crawler, so you need support to help the plant grow upward. The stem has a leaf node which later can be used to propagate the plant.
- Seeds – As the plant is very rare to bloom, it is also rare to obtain seeds.
Soil Requirements
Just like other philodendron species, the philodendron camposportoanum need moist and well-draining soil to grow well. You are not allowed to overwater the plant and also not let it to be dry.
The first thing to understand when it comes to soil requirements is aeration. The pot and soil should let the water go thoroughly. This is why a pot with good drainage holes is important. This will not let the excess water sit and submerge the plant which later can invite disease.
Think about porous soil mix which is not only well-aerated but also allows oxygen to reach the roots. Besides, you also need to consider the acidity of the soil. We have discussed this in the “overview” part.
A great combination for a perfect soil mix includes sand, shredded bark, lime, sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
Read also : Philodendron Green Congo: The Jungle Vibe
FAQs
Why Are My Philodendrons Leaves, Turning Brown?
Brown leaves can indicate many things. One of them is due to overwatering. As we have discussed above, overwatering is very dangerous to the plant because it can kill the plant. It will lead to disease and infection.
This is why before watering the plant it is necessary to check the condition of the soil. Push your fingers until one or two knuckles and see if it is moist or not.
When it comes to overwatering, it is easy to fix it as long as your plant is not experiencing root rot. You just need to cut back on the watering frequency. But if your plant has already been suffering from this disease, you need to pull out the plant from its pot and cut the affected area.
After that, you have to change the soil mix and repot it. However, recovering from rot root is not easy. In most cases, the root rot kills the plant.
The brown leaves can also be caused by light intensity. Check if the plant gets the proper spot. The philodendron should not be placed under direct sunlight because it will burn the leaves. This is why the plant turns brown and crisp.
Why Is My Philodendron Looking Leggy?
This is the opposite of browning leaves. When the plant looks leggy, it means your philodendron doesn’t get sufficient light. Insufficient light can cause various problems and even can kill the plant.
If your plant is placed around the window, rotate the plant regularly so all of the plant’s parts get equal sunlight exposure. If your place doesn’t get sufficient sunlight, you can buy artificial lighting but you should be careful.
According to the University of Missouri, you must avoid lights that are labeled as white lights. It is because such lights don’t produce sufficient red rays for the plant to grow well.
Why Do My Philodendron Campos’ Leaves Curling Up?
When the philodendron camposportoanum leaves curl up, it means you feed the plant too much. Fertilizing can be very healthy for the plant if you do it correctly. But if you overdo it, it results salt buildup. What you can do here is reduce fertilization and flush the plant.
How Does The Philodendron Campos Clean The Air?
The philodendron campos acts like a bio-filter. The leaves function by absorbing toxins in the air and then it releases clean and fresh oxygen back into the air.
Can I Prevent Infestation On My Philodendron?
Yes, you can prevent the plants from pest infestation. What you need to do is just clean the plant regularly. Besides, do regular checks in case you find early infestation on the plant.
Why Are My Philodendron’s Leaves Turning Pale?
The pale color of the philodendron’s leaves can be from various reasons. Some reasons can be overwatering, sunlight, or nitrogen deficiency. What you need to do is test the problem one by one.
What Is The Difference Between Philodendron Campos and Florida Ghost?
Both plants may seem similar because both of them have tri-lobed leaves. But there is a difference between the two of them. The Florida ghost has paler leaves and it is rarer compared to philodendron campos.
What Is The Difference Between Philodendron Campos and Micans?
Philodendron campos are often mistakenly as micans. It is due to the velvety and smaller features. However, the philodendron campos have an orange-pink sheen while the Americans have a purple hue.
The philodendron micans are mostly found in Mexico and the Caribbean while campos grow in Brazil.
Is the Philodendron Campos A Crawler?
Yes, the philodendron campos is a crawler because of its smaller size. The plant grows outwards than upwards. If you want to make the plant stand, you should place a stake to help it stand up.
Is The Philodendron Campos Rare?
The philodendron campos is considered a rare plant due to its distinguishing characteristics and high demand.
Do The Philodendrons Love Sun Or Shade?
The philodendrons mostly love medium to bright filtered sunlight. The plant cannot be placed under direct sunlight as direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Even though the philodendron mostly can survive in a shady area, when it is placed there for too long, it will slow its growth. Besides, the plant will start losing its shade.
If you grow the philodendron outside, place it under the tree canopy so it won’t get direct sunlight. If you place it indoors, around the windows, don’t forget to rotate the plant regularly so all of the parts get sufficient light.
Do All Philodendrons Like To Be Misted?
Misting the philodendron can provide instant freshness and humidity. Higher humidity can encourage larger leaves. The plants will get benefit from the right misting. However, you should be careful because if you overdo it, it will lead to disease.
How Often My Philodendron Should Be Watered?
Watering the philodendron can be tricky. It can be troublesome if you don’t know how to do it correctly. The right way to water the plant is by checking the condition of the soil first. Use your knuckles to check the condition of the soil.
If the two knuckles of the soil are dry, then you can water the plant right away.
How To Know If My Philodendron Needs More Light?
There are several signs that your philodendron campos need lights. One of the signs is the leaves and stems look leggy. You will also notice the color of the philodendron look paler which means it lacks chlorophyll which is used for photosynthesis.
Can The Philodendron Campos Survive Low Lights?
Yes, it can survive low lights but you will not get the maximum potential. You should not place the plant in a shady area for too long because it will stunt the growth and make it lose its shine.
How To Know If My Philodendron Campos Is Healthy?
The signs of a healthy philodendron can be seen in its leaves. The leaves look healthy with their unique characteristics such as deep green color, and velvety texture. Besides, there are no lesions, browning, or yellowing leaves. The stem and the leaves are also not leggy. If you are lucky to grow your philodendron until its maturity, you might see the plant blooming.
How To Keep A Philodendron Healthy?
To make the philodendron healthy, your only job is to mimic the environment. As the plant is native to a tropical area, it is important to pay attention to some aspects such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, and soil mix.
How To Keep The Philodendron Looking Bushy?
If your philodendron is the vining type, like the philodendron campos, you need to prune the plant regularly. This is a quick tip to make the plant look bushier and promote healthy growth.
How Do I Know If My Philodendron Needs Water?
Your philodendron will need water when the top soil is dry. Use your knuckle to check the soil condition. Or you can use the chopstick. Push through until some inches and see if the chopstick has the soil clung to it and changes its color.
