White Wizard Philodendron, scientifically termed as Philodendron erubescens' White Wizard, belongs to the heartleaf philodendron. It has dark green leaves with white or pink variegated blotches throughout the foliage. It also features unique leaves that are deeply divided and are created in a lobed shape.
For plant lovers, it's a rare species that can increase the aesthetics of indoor space. In this blog, you can understand how to nurture the white wizard philodendron and keep it flourishing to display its exquisiteness.
What is the White Wizard Philodendron?
The white wizard philodendron is an exotic houseplant that is a popular choice for interior decoration. Its captivating variegated leaves and dazzling bunch of dark green foliage with creamy white patterns create a beautiful piece. It's a mesmerizing tropical plant that has become a center of attraction, also owing to its easy care requirements. This is a hybrid houseplant that has gained popularity over the past few years due to easy care and is less likely to revert to all-green leaves.
Additionally, the white section of the leaves has no chlorophyll. Thus, this plant can grow better in bright, indirect sunlight to power photosynthesis. White Wizard Philodendron is costly, but its beauty does justice to the price. Its stunning appearance makes it a viable option for the home as well as for the office. However, it's considered toxic to both pets and humans if ingested. So, be careful while maintaining it.
How to Care for the White Wizard Philodendron?
This tropical plant requires simple maintenance care, but try to find the ideal balance to ensure it provides plenty of beautiful variegated foliage. It could be tricky for many growers, especially for beginners. Hence, here are some tips that can help you care for the White Wizard better.
Light
For proper growth and the best variegation, this plant requires several hours of bright, indirect light. This hybrid cannot tolerate low-light conditions since its leaves have almost no chlorophyll. Simultaneously, harsh sunlight can damage the plant's leaves, so avoid direct sunlight as much as possible.
Soil
This tropical plant behaves best in rich, well-draining potting mixes. To make the mix, combine equal amounts of indoor potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark, which is nutritious, well-drained, and holds some moisture. It's quite easy and inexpensive to make this mix on your own. You can prepare a large batch so you have some extra potting mix in hand to use whenever one of the Philodendrons needs to be repotted.
Water
Overwatering could be risky for this tropical plant. Additionally, it requires drying out slightly between waterings. Be patient until 50% of the potting mix is dried. Afterwards, water it thoroughly, allowing any excess water to drain out of the pot's drainage holes.
Temperature and Humidity
Although this is a tropical plant, it requires a consistent warm environment, making it an ideal choice for average household temperatures. Additionally, they can thrive better if there is extra humidity in the air. You can try keeping a humidifier nearby or growing the plant on a small pebble tray. Otherwise, keep it in naturally humid areas, such as the bathroom or laundry room.
Fertilizer
To keep the variegated plants thriving, regular fertilization is the way to go. In spring and summer, use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during watering. In fall and winter, stop fertilizing the plants as they stop growing actively.
Pruning
Prune the Philodendron only during summer or spring when they are growing actively. Use clean and sterilized pruning shears or scissors to prevent spreading harmful bacteria to the plant. Importantly, ensure to keep the stem cuttings as they can be used to propagate and grow new plants.
How to Propagate the White Wizard Philodendron?
Here are some ways to ease
Stem Cuttings
Select stem tips of 4 to 6 inches, which should have some leaves as well. Then, remove the lower leaves of the stem and place the cutting in water or moist potting mix. Afterwards, new roots will begin to grow within a few weeks. Once rooted, plant it in soil for future growth.
Self-Heading Cuttings
Philodendron can be propagated using its aerial roots. Cut below an aerial root and replant the cutting, ensuring the root remains above the soil surface. Water slightly until the new growth occurs.
Division
Separate the plant at the root ball, making sure that each division has 3 to 5 stems. Report each division in a small container with soil that drains well. Keep it moist until the new plants settle and grow strong.
Regular pruning and propagating help Philodendron stay bushy and compact. You can also share these cuttings with your family or friends who are plant lovers. Moreover, if you are looking for similar growing plants, consider Monstera and Anthurium.
Seed
It's quite different to grow plants from seeds, as these plants rarely bloom and produce seeds indoors. Therefore, use cuttings to propagate new plants as this is easier and an effective method.
Regular pruning and propagating help Philodendron stay bushy and compact. Share these cuttings with plant lovers if you would like to.
Some Common Problems and Their Solutions
These variegated plants are easy to propagate but can face some problems due to improper care and maintenance or conditions. Here are such problems that you should be attentive to to help these plants thrive better.
Lack of Variegation: This is caused due to insufficient sunlight. Place the pot in a brighter area and an indirect light-zoned location to avoid burning of the plants.
Brown Patches: This is caused due to exposure to direct sunlight. Ensure to keep the pot out of the direct sun during the hottest parts of the day to protect the sensitive variegated leaves.
Yellow Leaves: This occurs due to too much moisture, especially root rot due to overwatering or lack of drainage. To fix this, report the plant and ensure the water drains well. Additionally, improve the watering schedule to prevent the issue from happening again.
Discolored Spots: If you see discolored spots, that means pests like red spider mites, scale insects, and other common household pests are feeding on the plants' stems and leaves. The feeding done by pests leaves small spots of discoloration.
Conclusion
The tropical and hybrid White Wizard Philodendron adds a touch of beauty to any indoor space with its variegated leaves and easy-to-care-for feature. It requires direct and indirect sunlight growth, as well as consistent moist, well-drained soil. It is an expensive plant, but it can be cost-effective if you propagate it, which can be easily done with the help of stem cuttings. Hence, the White Wizard Philodendron is a beauty to decorate the interiors of your home.
