Philodendron Luxurians Care And Secret Tips – Ultimate Guide
Philodendron Luxurians was recently described. It is perhaps the most beautiful Philodendron species. It is a large, heart-shaped, velvety, dark-green, velvety plant with prominent cross-veins.
Find out more about Philodendron Luxurians including its growth habits, appearance, care, and problems. You will also find a comparison of Philodendrons luxurians and Philodendrons gloriosum. This will show you the closest match and where to purchase it, Etsy.com being our favorite.
About Philodendron luxurians
It was initially referred to as a Philodendron Gloriosum “Terciopelo Redondo” from Choco, Colombia when it arrived on the ornamental or horticultural trade market. It was a new cultivar of Philodendron Gloriosum. Philodendron Choco is the other trade name.
It wasn’t until 2020 that Croat D. P. Hannon & R. Kaufmann first described it as a species. It was placed in the subgenus Philodendron. Its subsection and section are Philodendron. The series of its series is Rupicola. Philodendron Gloriosum is its closest ally.
- Scientific name: Philodendron Luxurians
- Common names: Philodendron “Choco” or P. gloriosum “Terciopelo Redondo”
- Tribe: Philodendreae
- Family Araceae is an aroid or arum family.
- Native habitat: Choco, Colombia
- Toxicity All parts of plants are toxic to humans, pets, and cats. They contain sharp, needle-like, insoluble calcium oxides. It can cause severe irritation, burning, redness, swelling, and inflammation of the lips, tongue, and mouth. Other symptoms include excessive drooling and swallowing difficulties.
- Care level Keeping it healthy for a long period can be a challenge for many horticulturists.
Description and appearance
What is the Philodendron Luxurians’ growing pattern? And what do they look like: leaves, stems and flowers?
1. Growing habits
P. luxurians, a ground-creeping evergreen perennial, is very similar to Philodendron. However, it has distinct characteristics. It is found in Colombia’s Choco Department, Pacific lowlands at an elevation of not more than 984 feet (300m).
Both the mature and juvenile forms are similar. The former, however, has smaller leaves and cordate base lobes with horseshoe-shaped sinuses. These lobes can overlap in mature plants and maybe wider towards their apex or closer.
2. Philodendron luxurians leaves
It has large, 15-21.2 inches (338-54cm) x 11.8-16.9in (30 -43cm) broad, heart-shaped, erect, or spreading leaves. The upper surface of the plant is velvety and dark-green, with prominent pale yellowish-green veins. It has a paler margin.
The lower surface, on the other hand, is pale, semi-glossy and slightly reddish-pink with raised, pale green matte veins. The lower leaf cross-veins, which are prominent and look like crazed glass, are also noticeable.
The heart-shaped base lobes are horseshoe-shaped in younger plants, but wide towards the apex and closed in mature plants.
Finally, the bright to medium-green petioles are subterete. They measure between 15.7-34.3 inches (40-87cm) and are slightly longer than a leaf blade (15.7-34.3 inches). They have pale streaks on the lower end and unbroken (continuous), towards the upper third of the petiole’s length.
Stem
Ground-creeping repents stems (growing roots at nodes), are light greenish to brown with relatively short internodes. They measure 1.2-1.6inches (3-4 cm) in length and 0.4-0.8inches (1-2 cm) thick but can be as thick as 1.4 inches (3.5cm).
The sharply 2-low-ribbed, 5.9-10.6 inch (15-27 cm) cataphylls are still intact or persist. They will change to medium brown, reddish brown and then pale fibres.
Flowers
One to two unisexual inflorescences will be produced by Philodendron luxurians on each axil. Their peduncle will be pale green, with a bright red tinge towards its top and short, coarse spathe ridges at the base.
The spathe, like most species of this genus, has a constriction that separates the upper blade or the limb from the lower convolute chamber or tube. It is smooth and semi-glossy from the outside but glossy from the inside.
At anthesis, the tube is medium green. However, there are dense pale streaks on the outside and a border with a red tinge. It is creamy white inside, except for the violet-purplish tinge at the outer margin.
The blade, on the other hand, is creamy white. The outer side of the blade has tiny speckles that give it a pink tint.
The spadix is made up of three parts: the upper male, middle sterile and the lower female (pistillate).
Check out more Guide Below
- Philodendron Imperial Green Care
- Philodendron Florida Beauty Care
- Philodendron Rio Care
- Philodendron Thai Sunrise Care
- Philodendron Black Cardinal Care
- Philodendron Burle Marx Care
- How To Fix Root Rot Fiddle Leaf Fig Fast
- Philodendron Goeldii Care
- Philodendron Red Moon Care
Philodendron luxurians vs. Philodendron gloriosum
These two species are different, though they were initially regarded as clones or cultivars of Philodendron Gloriosum. Their differences rest mainly on their flowers.
Philodendron Luxurians has a pale green, proportionately longer peduncle. It also doesn’t have the same dense raised lines at its apex. Its spathe is also proportionally shorter, smoother, and cream-whitish. However, the spathe’s base is redder and the blade’s lower portion is less reddened.
P. gloriosum peduncle, on the other hand, is darker in colour and has shorter lines at its apex. The spathe tube medium greenish is wider and more elliptic. It has noticeable pale lines along its borders and a spathe blade.
Another distinction is to examine the sterile male part of the spadix. Philodendron Gloriosum has a distinct demarcation that is easily visible. However, in luxuriant, it diffuses towards the point where they meet making it difficult to distinguish.
Not least, such beauty brings a lot of excitement to many horticulturalists. Another difference between Philodendron Gloriosum and P. Luxurians is that it is more difficult to grow P.luxurians for a prolonged period. The latter is much easier.
Philodendron luxurians Choco
You will see people calling this species Philodendron Luxurians Choco on various markets. It is mislabeled because of its initial trade name, ‘Choco. It is not a new variety, cultivar or clone.
This plant should not be confused with Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum El Choco Red. It is a slow-growing species whose leaves, and cataphylls, appear red as soon as they emerge. It has large, velvety leaves that are heart-shaped and have prominent veins with pale markings.
Philodendron luxurians care
It is difficult to grow this plant in captivity for long periods. This should be something you consider before you decide to invest in it. Only a handful of California-grown plants have reached flowering.
Many people who grow this plant indoors say it won’t survive beyond the first few months to one year. However, this shouldn’t stop you from purchasing one.
These are the growth and care requirements for P. luxurians.
1. USDA hardiness zone
The USDA hardiness zone for P. luxurians is from 10b to 11. It can’t withstand freezing temperatures and isn’t frost-hardy. It can only be grown outdoors in the shade and protected from frost during these areas.
2. Humidity
You need high humidity (at least 60%). Low humidity, even in homes, can cause brown edges and tips. The leaves will also not be as lush. It’s delicate so we recommend that you get a hygrometer. ThermoProTM TP50 Digital Hygrometer works well indoors.
We recommend buying a humidifier such as AquaOasis if your home is low in humidity. Misting can also be helpful. You can also move your plant to a more humid area like your bathroom or kitchen.
3. Temperature
They like a warm temperature, with an ideal range between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 29 degC). They cannot tolerate temperatures below 13oC (55.5oF). You should also avoid placing these plants near an air conditioner vent or room heating unit.
4. Lighting requirements
Philodendron luxurians require bright, indirect lighting but can tolerate moderate-to-deep shade. You can still use artificial grow lights. If you are looking for one, visit Amazon.com.
These plants won’t tolerate direct sunlight. You should keep your plants away from any windows that allow the sun to reach them.
5. Mixture of the best soils
Loose, well-drained soil is the best for Philodendron luxurians. It should also be rich in organic matter. It should be able to retain water for a while, but not get too wet or soggy.
Aroid mixes such as the one used for your Monstera or Alocasia, Rhaphidophora and others will work well. You can also mix cocoa- or peat-based pot mixes and add pearlite. Or, you can buy potting mixtures made specifically for Philodendrons.
6. Watering
These aroids thrive in moist, but not too wet, potting mix. Root rot can be caused by these aroids. Water your P.n. luxurians whenever the top 1-2 inches feels damp.
You may water your plants once a week in spring or summer, and twice a week during the non-growing seasons. You shouldn’t set a watering schedule because water requirements vary depending on the weather and other factors. Instead, feel the soil.
Water the soil slowly and evenly until it is saturated. Any water that accumulates on the saucer or cachepot should be thrown out.
7. Feeding
Because they grow quickly, philodendrons are very heavy feeders. This particular species isn’t fast-growing. We recommend that you only feed this species moderately. In spring and summer, you can start with one month of feeding. You can use a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer for houseplants at half the strength.
For houseplants, you can also use a slow-release, balanced formula. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and start feeding your houseplants in the early spring.
8. Pruning
This beautiful plant does not require much pruning, except for trimming and removing diseased or damaged parts or leaves. To control its growth, size or shape, you can trim a few stems. You can use a sterilized pruning shear or scissor.
9. Repotting
After 2-3 years, or when the roots are infected, it is time to repot. A pot should be 2-3 inches larger in diameter. Spring or summer are the best times to plant a plant.
Philodendron Luxurians Propagation
This plant can be propagated by stem cuttings, division and seeds. Unfortunately, seeds can be difficult to find.
Spring or early summer is the best time to propagate. Why? This will allow your plant to establish itself before fall, which can be a non-growing period.
Philodendron luxurians problems
The following are some of the problems that P.luxurians can expect.
- Pests Check for them, especially on new plants. These bugs can be controlled with insecticides, neem oil or horticultural oils.
- Leaf spots: Bacterial and fungal diseases may affect your plant. These are rare. Root rot is a problem if your plants are overwatered. Keep diseases at bay by maintaining proper sanitation. Place your plant on a bench outside and water it well.
- Leaves with brown edges, tips, spots or edges: Low humidity is the main reason for brown margins or tips. Too much light, too much heat stress, and underwatering can all cause root rot. The most common signs of diseases and pests are brown spots and brown blotches from overwatering and cold damage.
- Yellow leaves. Overwatering is the main reason for yellow leaves in P. luxurians. The yellowing can be caused by low humidity, cold drafts and too much or too little light.
- Leaves turning black or displaying black spots: Common causes include pests, diseases and cold injuries.
- Leaves curl: Leaves curl to protect or prevent moisture loss. The most likely causes are too much sunlight, low humidity, heat strain, and underwatering. Other possibilities include rootbound plants or shocks after transplanting or repotting.
- Drooping. Drooping indicates that cells are dehydrated, which can cause them to become turgid. The causes are the same ones that cause leaves to curl.
Where can I buy Philodendron luxuryurians
Are you Philodendron luxurians on sale? Start with Etsy.com and eBay. These two sites have vendors from all parts of the globe. There are many vendors available in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Germany.
Instagram and Facebook are two other places you can search for this beautiful plant. Many vendors have this plant on these social media sites. You should only trust people you find on social media.
You can also try Ecuagenera.com and Nsetropicals.com as well as Plantly.io and Peace Love and Happiness Club and Carnivero.com.
If you still can’t find this aroid, try the search engines. You can search for “Philodendron luxuryurians for sale” to get suggestions.
FAQ
Is Philodendron luxurians rare?
Yes. Philodendron Luxurians is a rare houseplant. It is unlikely to be found in any local nurseries, even those that specialize only in tropical plants. It is not available from any of the major box stores. It is only available to a small number of vendors online.
What’s the price of Philodendron Luxurians?
For fully-rooted plants, the average price for Philodendron Luxurians is between $150 and $300. It is possible to find it cheaper, especially if you are not in the US. However, shipping costs will apply.
Looking for other articles on our plant guides, then check this out
