Philodendron Patriciae Care - Expert Tips

The key to philodendron patriciae care is to not overwater it, we cover all you need to know about care and propagation…

Philodendron Patriciae Care Summary

Light needs:	Medium to bright indirect sunlight.
Watering needs:	Check weekly, water if top 50% of soil is dry.
Fertilizer:	A balanced fertilizer once a month in spring and summer.
Soil:	A well draining potting mix.
Humidity:	70%.
Temperature:	15-32°C (59-90°F).
Where to buy:	Try one of these Rare Plant Shops.
Common issues:	Overwatering, pests.

Introduction

The philodendron patriciae is known for it’s long elongated wrinkly leaves. This is a really rare plant that goes for a lot of money due to the demand for it’s amazing architectural leaves. It grows in the wild in Columbia, and has become in demand as a houseplant the world over.

Philodendron Patriciae Light Needs

Medium to bright indirect sunlight is ideal. Do not let them get direct sun as it can burn the leaves. They’ll be ok a bit further back from the window too.

How Often to Water

It must not sit in wet soil, so check the soil once a week with your finger and water it only if the top half or more of the soil is dry. Make sure that after watering you tip out all the excess water so the roots do not get a soggy bottom!

The key to philodendron patriciae care is to avoid letting it sit in wet soil, so I would make sure you have a well draining medium, and you only water it when it is mostly dry, as well as tip out any excess water after watering.

Fertilizer

Feed it a balanced feed once a month in spring and summer to encourage growth. You’re ok not to feed them, I have plants I don’t feed and they’ll be fine, but you can get better growth if you do fertilize them.

Soil

Make sure the compost is well draining, with some perlite to ensure it drains well. You can make a more deluxe version with orchid bark, perlite and normal compost and even add worm castings, 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 it up a size when it outgrows its current pot, bre really careful of those leaves!

Humidity

These big leaves will love humidity, 70% or more if you can give it. Given it’s size you really need a humidifier to achieve this which will really help get the best out of those huge leaves, it is from a really humid natural environment. If you cannot give it such high humidity, don’t worry it will be ok in less, just not at lush and vibrant.

Temperature

15-32°C (59-90°F) is ideal to reproduce it’s natural environment, they like the mid range of this ideally during the day. Try to avoid letting them get down below 10°C (50°F) at night or in the winter.

Philodendron Patriciae Propagation

I would recommend using sphagnum moss as a rooting medium. Take a node cutting with one leaf, then leave it for half a day for the wounds to heal and callous over, then put it in a clear cup of moss. I put a small layer of leca or pebbles at the bottom so excess water can drain out of the moss, Keep the cutting in medium to bright indirect sunlight and keep it humid, you can put it in a plastic bag to up the humidity (but keep the top open so air can circulate). Keep the moss moist but not soaking wet. you’ll know when it has rooted well as you’ll see the roots growing in the pot. When they are well established you can pot the cutting up into a soil mix.

Note that you can use soil or water to root the plant it, I prefer moss as it gets air and moisture to the roots and you get much less rot than soil.

Is Philodendron Patriciae Toxic To Cats?

They are toxic to cats and dogs and can cause vomiting and numbness along with some other symptoms. If you think your pet has eaten any, seek a vets advice immediately.

Philodendron Patriciae Price

Currently the are selling the U.S. for $40-90 for a small one, and much more for a large one ,with prices being a bit more in Europe.

Philodendron Patriciae Vs Esmeraldense

They are both similar philodendrons with ruffled leaves, but the Patriciae has much more thinner elongated leaves, the Esmeraldense can get wider leaves.

Philodendron Heterocraspedon Vs Patriciae

These plants can be told apart as the Heterocraspedon has much more glossy leaves, and they are not as ruffled as the Patriciae.

philodendron patriciae x ruizii

There is a hybrid for sale with the ruizii which takes son some characteristics of the ruizii, for example it has a more upward growing leaf pattern.

philodendron patriciae USDA Zone

Zones 10-11.

Is It A Climber Or Crawler?

The Patriciae is a climbing philodendron.

Where To Buy

Try one of these Rare Plant Shops.

Philodendron Patriciae Care FAQs and Common Problem

With a plant with leaves this size you must check the leaves at watering timefor pests like aphids to make sure they do not take hold. Water it well and don’t over do it or you can get yellowing leaves or drooping from root rot and other overwatering issues.

Additional Resources

Links:

More info on the Wikipedia page.
More info on the Kew Gardens plant page.