How to Plant Philodendron
This article summarizes the planting and cultivation methods, as well as precautions for Philodendron, a green plant. Follow the editor to explore the details!
Introduction: A friend asked me recently about the black spots appearing on the leaves of the red-leafed Philodendron in their living room, which seem to be spreading. This is a common bacterial disease that often occurs in indoor environments with poor ventilation. Below, we will discuss some experiences in the care of red-leafed Philodendron, such as what causes spots on the leaves, how to treat and prevent bacterial leaf spot disease, and other special considerations in caring for red-leafed Philodendron. I hope this information is helpful to plant enthusiasts.
Red-Leafed Philodendron
Red-leafed Philodendron belongs to the Araceae family, Philodendron genus, is a climbing plant, native to Colombia, prefers a warm and humid environment, grows rapidly, has green, thick, and broad leaves, with red leaf stalks. It is a large and elegant indoor foliage plant with strong shade tolerance, making it very suitable for display in living rooms.
Recently, a friend asked me why their red-leafed Philodendron in the living room has developed black spots on the leaves, which seem to be spreading. This is actually a common bacterial disease that often occurs in indoor environments with poor ventilation.
Below, we discuss some experiences in the care of red-leafed Philodendron, such as what causes spots on the leaves, how to treat and prevent bacterial leaf spot disease, and other special considerations in caring for red-leafed Philodendron. I hope this information is helpful to plant enthusiasts.
Red-Leafed Philodendron
What Causes Spots on the Leaves of Red-Leafed Philodendron?
The leaf spot bacteria belong to the Pseudomonas genus, Pseudomonas cichorii, a bacterial pathogen. The bacterial cells are short rods, can form chains, measuring 0.7-0.9 micrometers × 1.4-2.0 micrometers, with 1-5 flagella at one end, have a capsule, and no spores. They are Gram-negative and aerobic. On nutrient agar, the colonies are white, nearly circular, flat, slightly convex in the center, opaque, with concentric rings, and the edges are thin and transparent, with radiating fine hair-like structures.
Bacterial leaf spot disease usually peaks in spring and autumn, and it can also occur in indoor environments during summer. When the pathogen is present in the environment, it will attach to the stems and leaves of plants under suitable conditions, destroy plant cell tissue, and form regular black spots.
Red-Leafed Philodendron
The most favorable environment for the spread of leaf spot bacteria:
1. Relatively closed growth environment. Red-leafed Philodendron is a large plant that is suitable for indoor care and is quite difficult to move. Therefore, many plant enthusiasts keep it indoors for a long time and rarely move it outside or to an open balcony. This creates a relatively closed environment for the plant, which is favorable for the survival of leaf spot bacteria.
2. Overly humid environment. Leaf spot bacteria thrive in moist conditions, and red-leafed Philodendron also requires a moist environment. In the care process, it is necessary to frequently spray water on the plant and its surroundings to increase the humidity of the microenvironment, which also creates a favorable living space for the bacteria.
3. Moderate temperature (around 25°C). Leaf spot bacteria often爆发 in spring and autumn because the temperature during these seasons is most favorable for their survival. Therefore, spring and autumn are the most important times for preventing leaf spot disease.
How to Plant Philodendron
Red-Leafed Philodendron
How to Treat and Prevent Bacterial Leaf Spot Disease in Red-Leafed Philodendron?
Treatment of red-leafed Philodendron leaf spot disease: Once leaf spots appear on the leaves, it is irreversible. What we need to do is promptly remove severely affected leaves, while leaves with a small number of spots do not need to be removed, as we need to retain a large number of leaves for photosynthesis. These small spots can be suppressed and alleviated by spraying.
After removing the affected leaves, promptly spray the plant with fungicides and thoroughly water the root soil to conduct a comprehensive disinfection. Adjacent plants should also be sprayed with fungicides one or two times to prevent cross-infection. When spraying fungicides, make sure to cover all areas, especially the backs of leaves.
Common fungicides include carbendazim powder, streptomycin wettable powder, and ethephon wettable powder. Generally, carbendazim is prepared in a 1000-fold solution, streptomycin wettable powder in a 4000-fold solution, and ethephon wettable powder in a 600-fold solution.
Red-Leafed Philodendron
Prevention of red-leafed Philodendron leaf spot disease:
1. Improve ventilation: The most effective way to prevent leaf spot disease in red-leafed Philodendron is to improve the ventilation conditions of the environment. If the plant is kept in a closed indoor environment, it is necessary to open windows for ventilation, especially in spring, summer, and autumn.
2. Apply fungicides: It is also possible to apply systemic fungicides once a month during regular care, such as carbendazim, mancozeb, mancozeb zinc, and thiram. The application method is to combine root irrigation with leaf spraying. When spraying the leaves, both the front and back sides should be thoroughly covered.
3. Reduce humidity: Red-leafed Philodendron prefers a moist environment, but in spring and autumn, excessive humidity in a relatively closed environment can trigger leaf spot disease. It is necessary to frequently open windows to ventilate and moderately reduce the humidity to prevent infection.
Red-Leafed Philodendron
Other Special Considerations in Caring for Red-Leafed Philodendron:
1. Soil drainage: Red-leafed Philodendron prefers a moist soil environment but cannot tolerate waterlogging. The soil for planting must have good drainage, allowing excess water to flow out promptly after watering, preventing short-term积水 in the potting soil.
2. Control of light intensity: Red-leafed Philodendron likes light but avoids direct sunlight. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. Bright diffused light is the most suitable growth environment.
3. Avoid short-term water deficiency: Red-leafed Philodendron prefers a moist soil and cannot tolerate short-term drought. It is necessary to keep the potting soil moist but not waterlogged, and water should be applied promptly when the surface of the soil feels dry.
4. Relatively closed care environment: A relatively closed environment is not conducive to the care of red-leafed Philodendron, especially indoor care. It is necessary to frequently open windows for ventilation, especially in spring, summer, and autumn.