Philodendron billietiae

Taxonomy

Philodendron billietiae is a hemi-epiphytic plant native to Brazil, Guyana, and French Guiana, discovered in 1995. Its distinctive orange-yellow petioles and wavy, ridged leaf edges make it easy to identify. This evergreen plant has large, bright green spear-shaped leaves with yellow or orange stems. It can grow up to 3 feet long and is easy to care for and maintain for several years. Philodendrons grow aerial roots that grip the bark of trees, allowing them to grow over 20 feet tall, and their leaves change shape as they climb. Fossils show that Philodendrons have been growing for over 30 million years since South America was connected to Antarctica. However, this plant is toxic to both animals and humans when ingested, so it's important to keep it out of reach of pets and kids.

How to care for Philodendron billietiae

Difficulty

Caring for Philodendron billietiae can be demanding, requiring a deep understanding of its unique needs and a commitment to provide optimal care.

Water

Philodendron billietiae should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Philodendron billietiae loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Philodendron billietiae prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

A standard dormancy pattern is absent in the Philodendron billietiae. If the growth slows down noticeably, make sure that adequate sunlight and water are provided to support the plant's growth.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Philodendron billietiae. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Philodendron billietiae should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Philodendron billietiae’s native range is Central, South America, and the Caribbean.


More info:
Wikipedia