Philodendron Luxurians: Care Guide, Soil Recipe, Fertilization, Propagation, Pests & Diseases

Did you know, Philodendron Luxurians was only discovered in 1997? This Philo is part of the larger Araceae family, which consists of over 400 species, many of which are prized for their ornamental foliage. Among the species, the Luxurians stands out with its lush, heart-shaped leaves that have an almost velvety texture. The leaves are not only glossy but often display a rich mix of colors, from deep emerald green to lighter shades, accented with pronounced veining.

This plant is not as commonly found in homes as other Philodendrons, partly due to its scarcity and the specific care it requires. Nevertheless, for those willing to provide the right conditions, Philodendron Luxurians rewards its growers with an extraordinary visual impact that few other houseplants can offer.

It doesn’t matter if you’re as experienced as a gardener can be or if your thumbs are hardly turning green. This guide will give you the scoop to ensure that your Philodendron Luxurians aren’t just going to survive — it’s going to thrive. Let’s break those secrets of this velvet-leafed beauty down, shall we?

Philodendron Luxurians: At a Glance

Origins and Natural Habitat

Philodendron Luxurians is native to the tropical rainforests of Colombia, specifically from the lowland regions that receive abundant rain and warmth year-round. Discovered relatively recently compared to other Philodendron species, this plant performs admirably in an environment with high humidity, filtered sunlight, and nutrient-rich soil.

In the wild, it can often be found climbing tree trunks or growing on the forest floor under the thick canopy of trees, relying on the moist and shaded environment for optimal growth.

Due to its specific habitat requirements, Philodendron Luxurians has adapted to environments where light is diffused rather than direct, and humidity remains consistently high. These natural conditions should be emulated as closely as possible in home settings to ensure the plant’s success.

In its natural habitat, Philo Luxurians experiences:

• Temperature ranges of 65-85 °F (18-29 °C)
• Humidity levels typically exceed 80%.
• Dappled sunlight filtered through the forest canopy
• Nutrient-rich, well-draining soil composed of organic matter

Physical Appearance

Philodendron Luxurians is best known for its stunning leaves, which are both visually captivating and distinctively unique. Here are some of its most prominent features:

Leaf Structure:

The leaves of the Luxurians are heart-shaped, with a deep green hue and prominent veins. They can grow up to 12 inches (30.48 cm) long under optimal conditions, although, in the wild, they can sometimes reach even larger sizes.

For example, it can grow up to 24 inches (60.96 cm) long and 16 inches (40.64 cm) wide. They’re covered in a velvety texture that begs to be touched.

Color Variation:

The leaves are not all the same color. When new leaves come out, they are often lighter shades of green, sometimes with bronze or reddish tints. As they grow, they turn a darker shade of green. This range of colors makes the plant look better generally.

Leaf Texture:

An interesting thing about this plant is that its leaves have a velvety feel that makes them look fairly luxurious. In the Philodendron family, the Luxurians are different from other types because of their texture.

The velvet-like surface is caused by tiny trichomes, which look like hair-like structures and give the plant a unique softness and shine.

Growth Habit:

Because Philodendron Luxurians is a climber plant, it will naturally look for things like support structures to hold it up. You can teach it to climb up a moss pole or trellis if you grow it indoors.

It can also be let to cascade down from a hanging pot, which looks aesthetic. A growing plant that, in ideal conditions, can grow to be 6 to 8 feet (243.84 cm) tall.

How to Care for Philodendron Luxurians

1. Light Requirements

Philodendron Luxurians do best in bright light that comes from the side. Avoid putting plants in direct sunlight because it can burn the leaves and change their color. In the wild, these plants are protected by the thick canopy of the jungle. Only light that has been filtered can reach the plant. Moving the plant inside, near a window with thin curtains or in a room with lots of natural light will help it thrive.

If you see that the leaves are getting shorter or lighter green, it could mean that the plant isn’t getting enough light. On the other hand, leaf ends that are turning brown or crispy are a sign of too much direct sunlight.

Optimal light conditions:

• 4–6 hours of bright, indirect light daily
• Protection from direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate leaves
• Eastern or Northern-facing windows are ideal
• Use sheer curtains to filter strong light if needed

Pro tip: If your Philo Luxurians is stretching or producing smaller leaves, it’s likely craving more light. Conversely, if the leaves are losing their deep color or developing brown spots, it might be getting too much direct sun.

2. Watering

Sometimes, it’s hard to know how much to water Philodendron Luxurians. The earth should always be slightly wet, but not soaked in water.

Root rot is a problem that many tropical plants have when they get too much water. It is best to use filtered water or let tap water sit for a day before watering the plant because it likes water that doesn’t have any hard chemicals in it.

Watering Philodendron Luxurians is a delicate dance – too much, and you’ll drown it; too little, and it’ll wilt faster than a daisy in the desert. The key is finding the Goldilocks zone.

Watering guidelines:

• Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry out between watering
• Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot
• Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows

Signs of improper watering:

• Overwatering: Yellowing leaves, soft stems, moldy soil surface
• Underwatering: Drooping leaves, crispy brown edges, slow growth

Water quality matters:

• Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots
• If possible, use rainwater or filtered water to avoid chemical buildup in the soil

It’s best to let the dirt dry out a bit every time you water. Philodendron Luxurians will need to be watered more often during the growing season (spring and summer). However, the plant needs less water in the winter because it goes into a more dormant state.

3. Humidity & Temperature

Keeping the humidity high, ideally between 60 and 80%, is one of the most important parts of taking care of Philodendron Luxurians. In the rainforest, where it lives naturally, the humidity doesn’t drop below these amounts very often, so making these conditions is very important. 

Philodendron Luxurians like it when it’s between 18 °C and 85 °F (29.44 °C). Because it doesn’t like cold drafts, keep it in a safe, warm place.

Temperature:

• Ideal range: 65-80 °F (18-27 °C)
• Minimum temperature: 55 °F (12.78 °C)
• Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations

Humidity:

• Optimal range: 60-80% relative humidity
• Minimum: 50% (but higher is better)

Boosting humidity:

1. Group plants together to create a mini humidity bubble
2. Use a pebble tray filled with water
3. Invest in a humidifier for consistent moisture
4. Mist the leaves regularly, but ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues

Remember, while Philo Luxurians loves humidity, it’s not a fan of wet feet. Balance is key!

4. Soil Mix

The right soil mix for Philodendron Luxurians is like a gourmet meal for its roots – it should be rich, well-balanced, and satisfying. This plant prefers a soil that’s:

• Well-draining
• Rich in organic matter
• Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.1-7.3)

Ideal soil recipe for Philodendron Luxurians:

The right mix is made up of peat, orchid bark, perlite, and a little charcoal. That way, the dirt stays moist but not soaked, and air can flow easily around the roots.

• 2 parts high-quality potting soil
• 1 part perlite or pumice (for drainage)
• 1 part orchid bark (for aeration and moisture retention)
• 1/2 part activated charcoal (to keep the soil fresh)

5. Potting & Repotting

Philodendron Luxurians should be moved to a new pot every one to two years, or when the roots start to grow too big for the current one. Repotting helps plants grow in a healthy way and lets you change the soil mix.

Choose a pot that is 1–2 inches bigger in diameter than the present one when you repot so that the roots have room to grow.

When it comes to potting:

1. Choose a container with good drainage holes
2. Opt for a pot that’s 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one when repotting
3. Use a chunky, aroid-specific potting mix for optimal root health

Pro tip: Adding a handful of worm castings to your soil mix can give your Philo Luxurians a natural nutrient boost.

6. Fertilization rules of Philo Luxurians

Feeding your Philodendron Luxurians is like serving it a gourmet meal – it needs the right nutrients in the right amounts to truly flourish.

Fertilization schedule:

• Spring and Summer (growing season): Every 2-4 weeks
• Fall and Winter: Reduce to once every 6-8 weeks or stop altogether

Ideal fertilizer:

• Balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (NPK ratio of 20-20-20 or similar)
• Dilute to half the recommended strength to avoid fertilizer burn

Organic alternatives:

• Fish emulsion (great for nitrogen)
• Seaweed extract (rich in micronutrients)
• Compost tea (all-round nutrient boost)

Signs of nutrient deficiencies:

• Yellowing leaves (nitrogen deficiency)
• Purple or reddish leaf undersides (phosphorus deficiency)
• Brown leaf edges (potassium deficiency)

Pro tip: Flush the soil every few months with plain water to prevent salt buildup from fertilizers.

Propagation of Philodendron Luxurians

Propagation Techniques

Propagating Philodendron Luxurians is like cloning your favorite plant – it’s a bit of magic mixed with science. Here are the most effective methods:

1. Stem Cuttings:
   • Choose a healthy stem with at least 2-3 nodes
   • Cut just below a node with a clean, sharp knife
   • Remove lower leaves, leaving 1-2 at the top
   • Place in water or moist sphagnum moss
   • Roots should develop in 2-4 weeks
2. Air Layering:
   • Ideal for larger plants or when you want to propagate while the plant is still attached
   • Make a small incision on the stem below a node
   • Apply rooting hormone to the cut
   • Wrap the area with moist sphagnum moss and secure with plastic wrap
   • Roots should form in 4-6 weeks
   • Once roots are visible, cut below the rooted section and pot up
3. Division:
   • Best done during repotting
   • Gently separate the root ball, ensuring each division has healthy roots and leaves
   • Pot up divisions immediately

Steps to Propagate Philo Luxurians

Philodendron Luxurians can be propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to propagate is during the growing season, spring or summer. Here’s how:

1. Choose a Healthy Stem: Look for a healthy stem with at least one node (the area where leaves or roots grow).
2. Cut the Stem: Using a clean pair of pruning shears, cut just below the node.
3. Place in Water or Soil: You can either place the cutting in water to develop roots or directly into a moist, well-draining soil mix. If propagating in water, change the water every few days to prevent stagnation.
4. Provide High Humidity: For optimal results, keep the cutting in a warm and humid environment, perhaps using a plastic bag or propagation box to retain moisture.

Common Pests of Philo Luxurians

Like many houseplants, Philodendron Luxurians can occasionally suffer from pests such as spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs. Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves and the stems for any signs of infestation.

1. Spider Mites:

• Symptoms: Fine webbing, stippled leaves
• Treatment: Increase humidity, use neem oil or insecticidal soap

2. Mealybugs:

• Symptoms: White, cottony masses on leaves and stems
• Treatment: Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, apply neem oil

3. Scale:

• Symptoms: Small, brown, shell-like bumps on stems and leaves
• Treatment: Scrape off gently, apply horticultural oil

4. Thrips:

• Symptoms: Silvery patches on leaves, distorted growth
• Treatment: Use sticky traps, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil

Common Diseases of Philo Luxurians

Common diseases include root rot, which occurs when the plant is overwatered, or the soil is too dense to allow for proper drainage. If the leaves begin to yellow or droop, this could be a sign of root rot.

1. Root Rot:

• Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage
• Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, soft, mushy stems
• Treatment: Remove affected parts, repot in fresh, well-draining soil

2. Leaf Spot:

• Cause: Fungal or bacterial infection
• Symptoms: Brown or black spots on leaves
• Treatment: Improve air circulation, remove affected leaves, apply fungicide if necessary

3. Xanthomonas:

• Cause: Bacterial infection
• Symptoms: Water-soaked lesions on leaves, yellowing
• Treatment: Isolate plant, remove infected parts, improve air circulation

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best care, your Philodendron Luxurians might throw you a curveball now and then. Here’s how to decode its distress signals:

1. Yellowing Leaves:

Possible causes: Overwatering, nutrient deficiency, low light

Solution: Check soil moisture, adjust watering, fertilize if needed, increase light

2. Brown Leaf Tips:

Possible causes: Low humidity, excess fertilizer, water quality issues

Solution: Increase humidity, flush soil, use filtered water

3. Leggy Growth:

Possible cause: Insufficient light

Solution: Move to a brighter location, consider supplemental grow lights

4. Curling Leaves:

Possible causes: Underwatering, pest infestation, temperature stress

Solution: Check watering routine, inspect for pests, adjust temperature

5. Slow Growth:

Possible causes: Insufficient light, poor nutrition, rootbound

Solution: Increase light, fertilize regularly, consider repotting

6. Dropping Leaves:

Possible causes: Drastic temperature changes, overwatering, transplant shock

Solution: Maintain consistent temperature, adjust watering, give time to acclimate after repotting

Philodendron Luxurians in Interior Design

Due to its dramatic and elegant foliage, Philodendron Luxurians has become a favorite for adding a touch of nature and sophistication to interior spaces. Whether placed as a standalone centerpiece or integrated into a collection of tropical plants, its lush, heart-shaped leaves bring a sense of vitality and luxury.

It’s particularly effective in minimalist, modern interiors where the plant’s unique foliage can take center stage. Whether trained to climb a moss pole or allowed to trail gracefully, it adds texture, depth, and visual interest to any room.

Here’s how to make the most of its stunning presence:

1. Focal Point:

This plant should be the centerpiece in your living room or entrance. The plant’s large, velvety leaves naturally catch the eye and make an instant visual impact that attracts people’s attention.

• Use as a centerpiece in living rooms or entryways.
• Its large, velvety leaves draw the eye and create instant impact.

2. Layered Greenery:

Combine the plant with other plants that have varying heights and textures. This mix makes a rich, jungle-like atmosphere that gives your space depth and life, making it feel more alive and active.

• Pair with other plants of varying heights and textures.
• Creates a lush, jungle-like atmosphere

3. Natural Room Divider:

You can train this plant to grow on a trellis to create a living wall. It provides privacy while keeping the room open and airy. This makes it a useful and stylish addition to rooms with no walls.

• Train on a trellis to create a living partition.
• Adds privacy while maintaining an open feel.

4. Bathroom Oasis:

Because it does best in damp places, this plant does well in baths. As it stands there, it creates a soothing, spa-like atmosphere that makes your daily life more relaxed.

• Thrives in humid bathroom environments
• It adds a spa-like feel to your daily routine.

5. Office Productivity Booster:

Putting the plant in your home office or other workplace can help you get more done and feel less stressed. Studies have shown that having plants around can help people concentrate and make the workplace a better place to be.

• Place in home offices or workspaces
• Studies show plants can increase productivity and reduce stress.

6. Color Contrast:

It’s great how the dark green leaves of the plant stand out against the light walls. This makes a significant difference in giving the room depth and visual interest, especially when the room is all one color.

• The deep green leaves pop against light-colored walls.
• Creates depth and interest in monochromatic spaces

7. Texture Play:

For a more intriguing look, put this plant next to smooth surfaces like metal or glass. The difference between the smooth surfaces and soft leaves makes the room feel better to touch.

• Combine with smooth surfaces like glass or metal.
• It enhances the tactile experience of a room.

8. Vertical Gardening:

Add the plant to a living wall to maximize space in small apartments or cities. Its up-and-down growth adds greenery without taking up too much floor space, which is great for people who live in cities.

• Use in living wall installations
• Maximizes space in small apartments or urban settings

Advanced Care Tips for Philo Luxurians

For those looking to elevate their Philodendron Luxurians game, here are some pro-level tips. By implementing these advanced techniques, you’ll not only keep your Philodendron Luxurians healthy but help it reach its full, glorious potential.

1. Climbing Support:

Give the plant a moss pole or vine to climb. This makes it feel like its original environment, which helps the leaves get bigger, so the plant can grow well and show off its full beauty.

2. Leaf Cleaning:

Wipe the leaves down once a month with a wet cloth. This gets rid of dust, helps the plant make food through photosynthesis, and makes the leaves look better by making them smoother.

3. Rotation:

Every week, give the plant a quarter turn. This gives the plant equal sunlight on all sides. This keeps the plant from pulling toward the light source and encourages even growth.

4. Pruning:

To make the plant look bushier, cut back any parts that are too long or leggy. When you prune, always use clean, sharp tools so you don’t spread diseases that could hurt the plant.

5. Aerating the soil:

Every few months, use a chopstick to gently poke holes in the dirt around the roots to help air flow. This keeps the earth from getting too packed down and improves oxygen flow, both of which are important for root growth.

6. Foliar Feeding:

Water down a balanced fertilizer and apply it to the leaves periodically. This provides plants with more nutrients quickly, allowing them to grow stronger and healthier, especially multicolored plants.

7. Using a Hydrometer:

Monitor the air surrounding your plant using a hydrometer. Based on the readings, adjust how you’re humidifying to create the best environment for the plant to grow. Philodendrons do best in humid places.

8. Seasonal Care:

Change the way you take care of yourself based on the seasons. Water and feed the plant less as its growth slows down in the winter. Do more of these things in spring and summer to help the plant grow quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions