Philodendron martianum aka Philodendron Green Congo

Taxonomy

Philodendron martianum, commonly known as pacová, is native to southeastern Brazil and is a species of plant in the family Araceae. It is also known as Philodendron 'Fat Boy', named after Karl Frederich Von Martius, a great Austrian botanist who worked in Brazil. It has shiny leaves and an inflated petiole, and likes moist organic soils or can be planted on trees in humid areas. It is a great indoor, patio or shade plant and can reach a height of over half a metre. It has aerial roots that grip onto tree bark and its leaves can be larger than a dinner plate. Philodendrons have been found in fossils from 30 million years ago, when South America was still connected to Antarctica.

Common names

Philodendron Green Congo, Pacov

How to care for Philodendron Green Congo

Difficulty

Philodendron Green Congo presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

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

Soil

Philodendron Green Congo 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 Green Congo 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

The Philodendron Green Congo lacks a typical dormancy pattern. If there is a marked reduction in growth, ensure that the plant is receiving enough sunlight and water to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

The Philodendron Green Congo does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Philodendron Green Congo should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

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


More info:
Wikipedia