Philodendron Moonlight Care – Ultimate Guide
Philodendron Moonlight Care: With its vibrant neon-colored leaves and spade-shaped leaves The philodendron moonlight an eye-catching plant to add to your garden.
It is not to be confused lemon lime Philodendron The moonlight variety has a wider, more rounded leaves and a firmer texture.
This guide will help you find:
- How can you provide the best possible care for your philodendron’s moonlight
- Common issues to be fixed that arise with this plant
- How do you keep those brightly colored leaves healthy and happy?
Philodendron Moonlight Origin
This simple-to-care for houseplant has seen an increase in popularity in the past couple of years because of the glamorous images on social media.
It gained a lot of attention within the last 10 years around, and due to this massive increase in demand, it’s considered to be a very rare houseplant but it’s abundant in areas where it naturally thrives.
It is a result of the thick tropical and subtropical canopy in Central as well as South America, the philodendron moonlight is an beautiful hybrid with distinct bright leaves that change to green as they age.
There are no two plants alike Therefore, you can rest sure that your plant is unique.
Philodendron Moonlight Care
The most important thing to do to keep the philodendron’s bright green and yellow leaves healthy and happy? Try to replicate the conditions of the natural habitat of its growth as closely as is humanly feasible.
This guide will assist you to achieve exactly this.
Philodendron Moonlight Light Requirements
The moonlight of your philodendron will look best when you provide plenty of bright, yet indirect light.
To find the perfect place, your plant needs to be placed in a spot in which the sun’s rays aren’t directly hitting your plant but instead reflect off a different surface. A windowsill that is shaded could be ideal!
This kind of dappled sun mimics the natural growth surroundings; the dense subtropical or tropical forest in South America.
One of the most important things to remember is not to place it in bright direct sunlight. It will cause the leaves to burn and result in ugly brown edges, yellowing discoloration or even darkened spots on its leaves.
The plant is able to handle conditions of low to moderate light however, you may lose some of the gorgeous neon color if you keep it in shade for more than 2 months.
Philodendron Moonlight Soil Mixture
Most varieties of philodendron thrive in well-draining, moist pots that are enriched with organic matter like peat moss, perlite, or peat. The philodendron moonlight is not different.
A well-drained soil is vital for the philos. They’re susceptible to water overflow and are averse to soil that has been drained of water.
Most potting mixes of good quality are sloppy and drain quickly However, it’s better to double-check.
Philodendrons also are heavy feeders! The addition of organic matter rich to the soil will help the plant to absorb a constant flow of essential nutrients like nitrogen and the phosphorus.
P.S I’ve seen an disturbing trend on Tiktok where people are using garden soil that has been planted to cultivate the house plant. Some friendly advice: don’t use soil that you have in your backyard. It’s likely to be awash with microbes you don’t want to bring into your new home plant!
Philodendron Moonlight Repotting
It is recommended to change your moonlight plants’ soil and container every 2 to 3 years. The plant is sensitive to the salts that accumulate in the soil when the watering. If left for too long the salts build up will cause the leaves to turn brown and yellow leaves.
The ideal time to repot is in the spring or the summer months when the plant is developing.
Although the philodendron moonlight somewhat of a quick cultivator, it’s certainly not a vining or climbing kind of plant and therefore only requires replenishment when it’s showing the indications of needing it. The most common indications that the plant is in need of repotting are:
- Physically, it’s like it’s too big for the pot
- The roots are beginning to rise over the top of the inch of soil
- The roots are shooting up into the holes for drainage that are at the at the bottom of the pot.
- You’re seeing slow or stunted growth
- Leafs that fall
If you want to repot, it is ideal to:
- Pick a pot 3 inches bigger than the pot you used previously
- Make sure to choose a soil that is well-drained and loose pot soil
- Make sure to choose a pot with drainage holes
Philodendron Moonlight Watering
A tropical plant called the philodendron moonlight contrary to what people believe, actually like water. It doesn’t like the soil that is waterlogged.
The most important thing to do to get the right equilibrium is watering your houseplant in a different way in accordance with the time of the season.
In the summer and spring months when the soil is experiencing periods of growth, you’ll need to keep the top of the soil wet to the be able to touch.
By using your finger or knuckle to the top 12 of an inch (3cm) of dirt. If it sticks onto your finger, then it’s wet enough. Don’t bother with watering!
If it’s dry and rough to be touched and the soil is falling off your fingers or gets in a clump, it’s time to add more water.
In the winter and autumn it is possible to cut down on the frequency of watering your philodendron’s moonlight. In reality it is recommended to let the soil dry little between irrigations.
The cooler weather and lower humidity will cause less evaporation which means a higher risk of watering too much. In time, this can cause root rot, which is a difficult issue to resolve that can result in mushy, blackened roots.
Temperature
The moonlight of philodendrons naturally craves warmth. It is a native of the subtropical or tropical environment that thrives in temperatures ranging from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18-26 Grads Celsius).
But it’s warmer-than-cool creature, which means it can withstand more extreme temperatures than more frigid ones.
Anything less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit can result in poor growth, which is stunted.
Humidity
To keep those long, elongated , and elongated leaves looking gorgeous, you’ll want to maintain the moisture quite high. Think 60% or more.
The higher humidity results in longer healthy looking, more attractive leaves that have the brighter colors.
I utilize a digital hygrometer in order to measure the level of humidity within my houseplants. It can help you monitor and adjust the humidity indoors in any room throughout the year.
To increase the amount of humidity around your plant:
- Make use of an humidifier
- Set a tray of pebbles and fill the tray with water, then place your pot in pebbles, and let the water evaporate naturally increase the humidity levels
- Place your houseplants in a group. This creates a mini-biome that plants can share the humidity resources.
Philodendron Moonlight Fertilizer
Feeding your philodendron’s moonlight is actually quite simple. In the growing seasons of spring and summer , you’ll need to fertilize your plants every month with an organic fertilizer in liquid form (either organic or synthetic) reduced to half the strength recommended. In most cases, a couple of drops can make 1 one gallon (2.5 Liters) of fertilizer. You can make a bigger batch if there are multiple plants in your home that need fertilization.
You can also make use of the granular fertilizer by placing small granules in the soil. When you water, this slowly releases nutrients into the soil.
You can also make use of an organic fertilizer with a slow release that usually comes in spikes, capsules or pods. These will also release in the course of time to enrich the soil. They are both great to use if you’re seeking an option that is hands-free.
What Should You Look For in an Fertilizer
All fertilizers are not created alike. Certain are costly, but are actually poor quality. A high-quality fertilizer for houseplants should have the essential macronutrients potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
Nitrogen is a key ingredient in leaf growth. the phosphorus assists plants in converting elements into the building blocks that help develop, while potassium promotes healthy growth.
You’ll find these nutrients listed in numbers on the side of the fertilizer solution e.g. 7-9-5. A balanced fertilizer is 10-10-10, or even 15-15-15.
Other micronutrients that you should be looking for are magnesium, calcium, zinc and iron All of them in keeping a plant healthy as well-groomed plant.
Organic and Synthetic Fertilizers – Which is the best?
It is entirely your choice. Synthetic fertilizers are manufactured by humans and have higher levels of chemicals than organic fertilizers. However, they tend to have a better balanced proportion of the three essential nutrients.
While organic fertilizers contain an animal, vegetable and animal source e.g. the extract of seaweed, kelp meal compost tea, and fish emulsions etc. and are also a source of micronutrients for your plant will have no other means of getting.
One of my top choices is seaweed extract paired with the kelp meal. It’s not very high in nitrogen, but it is a source of phytohormones like gibberellins and auxins. These can result in healthier, more glossy and healthier looking plant.
Since there are fewer chemical fertilizers, organic ones aren’t prone to burning the roots, leaves or stems as often.
Does there exist an issue as having too many fertilizers?
Yes! When it comes to fertilizers it is best to use less. As time passes, fertilizers leave the salt of nitrogen that accumulates in the soil of your plants. This could cause fertilizer burn that causes the leaves to turn yellow, burnt and crisp looking leaves.
To stop this from happening, either replace the soil every 4 to 6 months, or wash it out with water.
It may sound complicated, however it is simply a matter of watering the soil using the slow and steady flow of water (a hose set to the lowest setting is sufficient) until it runs across the holes for drainage.
Philodendron Moonlight Propagation: How to Propagate Your Philodendron Moonlight
The moonlight of the philodendron is simple to propagate with stem cuttings. To make it propagate, follow these steps:
- Pick a healthy plant with 3-4 leaves.
- With a pair of sharp pruning scissors, trim the stem at the level of the node of the leaf (this is the point where the roots will sprout from).
- The stem can be planted in a small pot freshly prepared fast-draining potting dirt.
- Choose a place which receives bright indirect light.
- In about 3-6 weeks, new roots will develop.
- Take care of the same way as you would normally.
It is also possible to propagate by using the air layering and the root division method. Root division is difficult, so I’d avoid it if you’re an absolute novice.
Growth What can I Expect?
If you have the right conditions, it is possible for the moonlight philodendron to reach two feet high and two feet wide. The majority of philodendrons are classified as creepers, however the moonlight plant has more like a dense, a plant-like form.
Pruning
As the philodendron’s moonlight increases the likelihood is for it to shed one or two leaves. Don’t panic! It’s normal. Simply cut or eliminate the damaged or dead leaf.
Beyond limiting the size and shape of the plant it doesn’t require much pruning.
Signs your moonlight philodendron needs pruning includes:
- Foliage is too thick and wavy
- The foliage is sloppy and leggy (usually requires brighter indirect light)
- The leaves are damaged or dead
- Leaves have changed from yellow to brown
- There are indications of disease or insects
To prune , make use of a clean pair pruning scissors. Cut them at the level of leaves nodes. This will encourage new growth for the plant. Don’t take more than 25 percent of the foliage.
Common Pests and diseases to be on the lookout for
You’ll be happy to be aware that the philodendron lunarlight is usually resistant to various diseases and pests. There are a handful of frequent species that your plant may get affected. This includes:
- Mealybugs, sapsucking white round bugs without armor that drain the natural juices of the plant. Eliminate them using insecticidal soap, or neem oil. An environmentally friendly alternative.
- Aphids are brown, yellow or orange insects that feed on juice or sap of plants. Get rid of them with insecticidal soap or Neem oil.
- Erwinia Blight disease – moist and mushy lesions appearing on leaves of plants that, if ignored will kill a philodendron after a few days. Most often, it is caused by excessively moist soil. Change soil ASAP. If it continues to spread to roots, stems or even more leaves, it’s virtually impossible to manage.
Toxicity – Is an ingredient of the Philodendron Moonlight Toxic?
Unfortunately, it is. The philodendron moonlight flower is poisonous to infants and pets, such as cats and dogs and cats. The plant is a source of calcium oxalate crystals, which ingestion can result in moderate to mild poisoning.
Help! What’s going on in my garden? Common Philodendron Moonlight Care Issues
1 The leaves are beginning to turn brown or edges are becoming brown
Browning leaves can indicate either or your plant is submerged or is receiving excessive direct sunlight. The browning of tips typically indicates that the plant is underwater while complete leaf discoloration indicates sun-related issues. Find a shaded spot and, if the top inch of soil seems dry boost water intake over the next couple of weeks.
2 The leaves are curling
Curling leaves can be a sign that your plant doesn’t receive enough water. Curling leaves are typically the first sign of water loss. If you don’t treat it and untreated, you’ll notice brown crisp edges or complete leaf discoloration. Increase your intake of water over the course of several weeks.
3 – Odorous lesion odor on the leaves
A very prevalent issues that plagues the philodendron moonlight is called erwinia Blight disease. The mushy, wet spots are the result of bacteria that can develop if the plant is continuously damp or receives excessive irrigation from the overhead. Make sure to change the soil as quickly as you can, improve the air circulation, and cut off the affected leaves as soon as possible.
4 – Look the problem through Leaf Spots
Not as prevalent as other issues, the translucent leaves spots with an orange outline and unpleasant odor are caused by an infection called Xanthomonas bacteria. It is more difficult to treat than to prevent, ensure the plant isn’t being overwatered as mentioned above, and ensure that your plant’s health for the problem before buying it on Etsy or an online nursery.
5 Extremely light leaf color
It can be difficult to identify on the moonlight philodendron because of its vibrant but sometimes dull leaves. If the leaves appear like a neon-colored pothos, or the vibrant hues begin to fade, the plant is in need of being relocated to a brighter spot. Light levels that are low can weaken the leaf’s color.
Looking for other articles on our plant guides, then check this out
Why is My Zebra Plant Leaves Turning Brown?
Why is my asparagus fern yellowing?
