Philodendron Spiritus Sancti
Philodendron,  Plant Care,  Rare Houseplants

Philodendron Spiritus Sancti

The philodendron spiritus sancti, the elusive, elegant and extremely expensive dream plant! The key to caring for it is to maintain a constant environment when it comes to humidity and temperature…

Philodendron Spiritus Sancti Summary

Light needs:Bright indirect sunlight.
Watering needs:Check once a week and water if the top 60% of soil is dry.
Fertilizer:Not necessary, but you can use a balanced feed.
Soil:Light, airy and well draining compost.
Humidity:70%.
Temperature:18°C to 25°C (64-77°F).
Where to buy:Try our list of Rare Plant Shops or Etsy.
Common issues:Watch out for pests and overwatering.

Introduction

The philodendron spiritus sancti is a huge long-leaved philodendron. This is a 10/10 plant for me you need this in your life.! They are rare though, and go for thousands of dollars/euros, get saving if you want one!

See also Philodendron Joepii Care, Philodendron Dark Lord, Philodendron Black Cardinal.

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

Bright indirect sunlight is optimal, even some early morning direct sunlight is ok. The plants huge leaves need a decent amount of light to flourish, as they are huge!

How Often to Water

Check it once a week and water it if the top 60% of soil is dry. They must not sit in wet soil. Better to underwater than overwater with this one. Due to it’s size though they may use a lot of water quickly.

Tip: underwater this plant rather than overwater it, they must not sit in soggy soil as they get root rot easily. Check the soil and only water if mostly dry, and make sure you don’t leave the pot wat in any excess water.

Philodendron Spiritus Sancti Fertilizer

It should be fine to not feed this philodendron. But you can use a balanced feed, well diluted, in the spring and summer months to promote growth if you like.

Soil

A light, airy and well draining compost is optimal to avoid root rot. They do not like to sit in heavy wet soil. For more on Philodendron soil see our guide on what to buy or how to make your own: Philodendron Soil.

When To Repot A Philodendron Spiritus Sancti

Repot it once a year, keep the potting medium light and airy, the roots want to sit in airy compost, not heavy wet waterlogged soil.

Humidity

The philodendron spiritus sancti likes to be really humid, 70% or even more. Keep the air moist, or keep it in a relatively humid part of the home.

Temperature

18°C to 25°C (64-77°F) is ideal during the day – don’t let it get too cold or too hot. At night try to keep them above 12°C (54°F). Do your best to keep it’s environment constant.

How To Propagate Philodendron Spiritus Sancti

Because of the size of the plant it can be a bit of a job to propagate, but the principles are the same as with other philodendrons: you want to take a stem cutting that goes all the way back to (and including) the node. You can then roots it in water, sphagnum moss or soil. All are great, but sphagnum moss gets the best results in my experience. You can use a clear container so you can monitor root growth. After a month or two the cutting should be established enough to move it to a proper pot in soil.

Is It Toxic To Cats?

They are mildly to moderately toxic to pets if eaten and can cause a variety of symptoms including vomiting and oral irritation, as well as numbness. If you think your cat or dog may have eaten any, contact your vet immediately and seek their advice.

Is It A Climber Or Crawler?

It is a climbing philodendron.

Philodendron Spiritus Sancti Tissue Culture

It is being tissue cultured which has brough the price down, although it is stil a lot of money.

Philodendron Atabapoense Vs Spiritus Sancti

They are really similar plants, the spiritus sancti grows much bigger if given the right conditions. The atabapoenseis a good cheaper alternative.

Where To Buy

Try one of these Rare Plant Shops. Or Etsy.

Why Is Philodendron Spiritus Sancti So Expensive?

They can fetch over five figures now, with some going for over 15000 USD. This is due to a huge demand for them with the general houseplant upward trend of recent years. Supply cannot keep up with demand and the prices have shot up. They are very rare in the wild and are bred by only a few sellers, but the world wants them! And for good reason they are a real statement plant that will dominate a room.

Other Names For A Philodendron Spiritus Sancti

Philodendron Santa Leopoldina.

Philodendron Spiritus Sancti
Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CSlmfktHlbR/

FAQs and Common Problems

Their big leaves can be susceptible to plant pests so watch out for them. Also the normal philodendron overwatering issues can occur which can cause browning on the leaves or weaker soggy patches on them. Make sure you let the plant dry out before watering again.

This plant is now endangered in the wild due to forests being cleared. Make sure you buy a plant that was propagated / grown professionally.

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