Philodendron Microstictum Care - Teak And Terracotta

Philodendron microstictum care is really easy and will do well in most home as long as you don’t over water it…

Philodendron Microstictum Care Summary

Light needs:	Medium to bright indirect sunlight.
Watering needs:	Water if top 50% of soil is dry, check once a week.
Fertilizer:	Feed a balanced feed in the summer months.
Soil:	A standard potting mix with added perlite.
Humidity:	50%.
Temperature:	15°C-27°C (59-80°F).
Where to buy:	Try our list of Rare Plant Shops.
Common issues:	Pests, root rot from over watering.

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Introduction

The philodendron microstictum is a beauty with it’s matte green heart shaped leaves. It originates from Costa Rica, and it an easy to look after house plant.

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Philodendron Microstictum Light Needs

Medium to bright indirect sunlight is best. This philodendron will be ok a bit further back from the window.

How Often to Water

Water it if the top 50% of soil is dry, check it once a week. This ensures you do not over or underwater your plant.

Fertilizer

Feed your plant a balanced feed in the summer months, but do not feed in winter.

Soil

A well draining compost. You can add 20% perlite to 80% potting compost. If you have some orchid bark you could add a little of that too. They don’t want to sit in heavy wet soil as this can easily give them root rot.

For more on Philodendron soil see our guide on what to buy or how to make your own: P h ilodendron Soil.

When To Repot

Repot them in spring if the roots have filled out the current pot.

Philodendron Microstictum Humidity

50% is ideal, a bit above and below is ok too, so this plant will do well in most homes.

Temperature

The ideal temperature is 15°C-27°C (59-80°F). Don’t let them get down below 5°C (41°F) in the winter too often.

Philodendron Grazielae Vs Microstictum

They both have heart shaped leaves, but the grazielae is more like a traditional heart shape with an indent in the top.

Is It Toxic To Cats?

They can cause vomiting and irritation of the mouth if eaten, so seek vets advice if you think your cat has eaten any.

Is It A Climber Or Crawler?

The Philodendron Microstictum is a climbing philodendron.

Philodendron Microstictum Common Name

The Philodendron Microstictum is also known by the common name Elephant Ear Philodendron.

Philodendron Microstictum Vs Heartleaf

The philodendron microstictum has heart shaped leaves, but is different to the grazielae and hederaceum philodendrons which also have heart-shaped leaves. The microstictum has thicker, leathery leaves with the point of the heart being less pointy.

Philodendron Microstictum Propagation

The easiest way to propagate a philodendron microstictum is to take a stem cutting with at least one node and one leaf and then pot it up in moist sphagnum moss. Let it root in warm, bright, humid windowsill, but off to the side, out of direct sunlight. In one to two months it will have rooted well and you can pot it up in soil. You can also root it in water or soil, but I prefer moss as it tends to root quicker and has much less chance of rot that you can get with soil.

Where To Buy

Try our list of Rare Plant Shops.

Other Names

Elephant Ears Philodendron

Philodendron Microstictum Care FAQs and Common Problems

Pests are common on the leaves, check them when watering the plant. Also be careful of root rot from overwatering, the plant should be in a really well draining medium and only water it once a week if the top half of soil is dry.