Philodendron Pastazanum Care - Expert Tips

Philodendron pastazanum care is all about watering it sparingly…

Philodendron Pastazanum Care Summary

Light needs:	Medium to bright indirect sunlight.
Watering needs:	Check weekly, water if top 50% of soil is dry.
Fertilizer:	A high-in-nitrogen feed once a month in spring and summer months.
Soil:	A well draining soil with perlite.
Humidity:	60-70%.
Temperature:	15-35°C (59-95°F).
Where to buy:	Try one of these Rare Plant Shops.
Common issues:	Pests, and root rot from overwatering.

Introduction

The philodendron pastazanum, known as a ‘pasta’ in plant circles, is a crawling philodendron (similar in growth to the gloriosum) but with glossy, all green ribbed leaves, similar to the plowmanii. It is originally from Ecuador.

Tip: we recommend Etsy for buying plants. Look for the best rated seller you can, and try to buy as close to your home as possible so the plant does not travel too far.

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Light Needs

Medium to bright indirect sunlight is essential to get the best growth out of those leaves. No direct sun though as the leaves may well burn.

How Often to Water

Check the soil every week and water it if the top 50% is dry. You want the soil to be slightly moist and almost dried out. You do not want the soil to be soggy as they can get root rot easily. Make sure you are letting all the water drain off after watering and tipping out any excess water that accumulates in the outside pot.

Fertilizer

You can use a balanced fertilizer or, a high in nitrogen feed, once a month in the spring and summer. This will encourage growth.

Soil

A well draining soil is essential to avoid root rot. Standard potting composts may be too heavy, so add some perlite to help with drainage. As mentioned, they are susceptible to root rot so be careful!

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

Check it in spring to see if it is starting to fill out it’s current pot and then repot it if needed to give it space for the coming year.

Tip: Give it as wide a pot as you can so that the plant can grow sideways, it will put out bigger and bigger leaves the more horizontal space you can give it.

Humidity

60-70% humidity is ideal, this is one plant where a humidifier will really help. If you don’t have one, then mist it daily or keep it in a humid part of the home.

Temperature

15-35°C (59-95°F) is the ideal temperature range.

How To Propagate Philodendron Pastazanum

It is really easy to propagate a philodendron pastazanum, you need to take a cutting from the bottom stem that crawls horizontally. Make sure you cut a node with a stem and leaf attached. You can then pot it up in a cup of moist sphagnum moss and keep it in a humid spot with indirect sunlight to encourage it to root. Remember this is a crawling philodendron so plant it really shallowly so can grow sideways.

For more on propagating philodendrons, see our guide: How To Propagate Philodendron.

Philodendron Pastazanum USDA Zone

They can grow outdoors year-round in zones 9-11.

Philodendron Pastazanum Silver

The philodendron pastazanum silver is sold as a more silver version of the pastazanum. It is not an officially recognized plant, and there have been instances of a sodiroi aff hybrid sold as a pastazanum silver. They are great plants, but just be aware that different plants and hybrids are sold under this name.

Philodendron Dean McDowell Vs Pastazanum

They are really similar, as the Dean McDowell is a hybrid of the gloriousum and the pastazanum. They can be told apart as the Pastazanum has glossier leaves. The D McD is similar but has more ‘gloriousum’ like textures to its leaves which are slightly more matte.

The mcdowell has pink hues to the underside of the leaves, the pastazanum has green. The same for the cataphyll (the casing where the new shoots emerge) – they are pink on the Mcdowell and green on the pasta.

Philodendron Mamei Vs Pastazanum

These two philodendrons can be told apart as mamei has much more silver on its leaves, and the silver is in big bold patches.

Philodendron Pastazanum Vs Gloriosum

The easiest way to tell the difference is the deep wrinkles along the veins on the pastazanum that give the leave a wrinkled look. The gloriosum has much flatter leaves.

For more on philodendrons see our philodendron category with all our philodendron care guides.

Philodendron Plowmanii X Philodendron Pastazanum

There is a Plowmanii x Pastazanum hybrid on the market now. They don’t seem to expensive at all, have a look on etsy as they do crop up sometimes.

Where To Buy

Try one of these Rare Plant Shops.

FAQs and Common Problems

Be careful of mealy bugs and aphids – check the leaves and their undersides every time you water. Root rot is common problem too, make sure you don’t water it until the soil is mostly dry and that the soil is well draining as the roots can easily rot if left to sit in heavy wet soil.

Is It Toxic To Cats?

They are toxic if ingested, causing vomiting or irritation, although unlikely in most cases to result in death. Seek vets advice if your pet eats any.

Is Philodendron Pastazanum A Crawler?

Yes it is a crawling philodendron meaning it s growth pattern is sideways along the floor, and not upwards like a climbing plant.