A Philodendron hastatum ‘Silver Sword’ is a beautiful and rare tropical-inspired plant that can add a splash of exotic colour to any home. Native to Central and South America, this stunning plant has a natural habitat that is warm, humid, and full of bright light. With its delicate silver-blue foliage and bright green petioles, this plant makes an eye-catching statement and will indeed become the centre of attention in any room in your home.
The Philodendron hastatum ‘Silver Sword’ is a tough but delicate-looking plant, making it a joy to nurture and watch as it matures. Truly something special, this plant is sure to become a conversation piece in any home.
Tips for nurturing your Philodendron hastatum ‘Silver Sword’
Light
This plant loves and needs bright, indirect light. You can keep it near a sunny window or outside in a partially shaded area.
Temperature
The Philodendron hastatum ‘Silver Sword’ does best in warm temperatures of between 18-24°C (65-75°F).
Soil Type and Drainage
This plant prefers well-draining soil with a mildly acidic pH. A good quality potting soil should provide the perfect level of moisture and drainage.
Humidity
The Philodendron hastatum ‘Silver Sword’ enjoys high levels of humidity. To achieve this, you can mist the plant regularly or use a tray of pebbles with a layer of water.
Watering
This plant enjoys frequent but moderate watering. Water regularly during the warmer, growing months – about once every week or two. During the cooler months, reduce watering to about every four to six weeks. Check the soil before each watering, and if it feels dry, give the plant a good drink.
Toxicity
While not particularly toxic, the Philodendron hastatum ‘Silver Sword’ can irritate the skin and eyes if ingested, so it’s best to keep it out of reach of pets and small children.
Fertiliser
Feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertiliser every two to four weeks during the spring and summer growing seasons. Be sure to reduce this to once a month during fall and winter.
Troubleshooting pests, diseases and common problems
The Philodendron hastatum ‘Silver Sword’ is quite resilient against most common pests, but keep an eye out for scale, mealybugs, thrips and whitefly. Yellowing leaves and wilting can indicate the plant needs a drink; however, excessive yellowing can be due to over or under-watering too much heat or cold or insufficient light and airflow.
Propagation
You can propagate the Philodendron hastatum ‘Silver Sword’ using stem cuttings in a container filled with moistened potting soil. The cutting should be planted at least three inches deep.
Final Thoughts
The Philodendron hastatum ‘Silver Sword’ is a unique and attractive plant with an enchanting foliage pattern. Now that you know the best way to look after it, you can enjoy your plant for years.
