If you’re looking for a houseplant that will cast a spell on you, look no further than the Philodendron White Wizard.
This rare and beautiful plant has green and white variegated leaves that look like they’ve been sprinkled with fairy dust.
It’s a climbing vine that can reach up to 10 feet tall indoors, with the right support and care.
The Philodendron White Wizard is a hybrid of Philodendron erubescens, a species native to Central and South America.
It belongs to the Araceae family, which includes other popular houseplants like Monstera, Pothos, and Peace Lily. Like most Philodendrons, the White Wizard is easy to care for, as long as you provide it with the right conditions.
In this article, we’ll show you how to grow and care for your Philodendron White Wizard, and answer some common questions about this enchanting plant. Let’s get started!
The Philodendron White Wizard needs bright, indirect light to thrive. Variegated plants have less chlorophyll than non-variegated ones, which means they need more light to photosynthesize.
However, too much direct sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves, so avoid placing your plant near a south-facing window.
A good spot for your Philodendron White Wizard is near an east or west-facing window, where it can receive some morning or afternoon sun. You can also use a sheer curtain or a blind to filter the light and protect your plant from sunburn.
If you notice that your plant is losing its variegation, it may be getting too little light. On the other hand, if you see brown spots or crispy edges on the leaves, it may be getting too much light.
Watering Schedule
Watering your Philodendron White Wizard correctly is crucial for its health and growth.
Overwatering can cause root rot, fungal infections, and leaf yellowing, while underwatering can cause wilting, drooping, and leaf browning.
To avoid these problems, you need to find the right balance between wet and dry.
The best way to water your Philodendron White Wizard is to check the soil moisture before watering.
You can use your finger, a wooden stick, or a moisture meter to do this. Insert the tool into the soil up to 2 inches deep, and feel or read the moisture level.
If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. If the soil feels moist or wet, wait until it dries out a bit more.
When you water your Philodendron White Wizard, make sure to water thoroughly, until the excess water drains out of the drainage holes.
Don’t let your plant sit in water, as this can cause root rot. Empty the saucer or tray after watering, and discard any water that collects in the pot.
You can also use a pot with drainage holes, or add some pebbles or gravel to the bottom of the pot, to improve the drainage.
The frequency of watering your Philodendron White Wizard will depend on the season, the temperature, the humidity, and the size of the pot.
Generally, you’ll need to water more often in the summer than in the winter, and more often in a hot and dry environment than in a cool and humid one.
A good rule of thumb is to water your Philodendron White Wizard once or twice a week, but always check the soil first.
Humidity and Temperature
The Philodendron White Wizard is a tropical plant that loves humidity and warmth. It can tolerate average indoor humidity levels, but it will appreciate some extra moisture in the air.
You can increase the humidity around your plant by using a humidifier, a pebble tray, or a misting bottle. You can also group your Philodendron White Wizard with other humidity-loving plants, such as Ferns, Calatheas, and Orchids.
The ideal temperature range for your Philodendron White Wizard is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate some temperature fluctuations, but it doesn’t like extreme heat or cold.
Avoid placing your plant near drafts, vents, radiators, or windows that get too hot or cold. If the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, your plant may suffer from cold damage, which can cause leaf curling, browning, or dropping.
Fertilizer and Soil
The Philodendron White Wizard is not a heavy feeder, but it will benefit from some fertilizer during the growing season. You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or a 20-20-20 formula, diluted to half strength.
Apply the fertilizer once every 4 to 6 weeks, from spring to summer, when your plant is actively growing. Don’t fertilize your plant in the fall or winter, when it’s dormant or resting.
The best soil for your Philodendron White Wizard is a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix. You can use a regular indoor potting soil, or make your own by mixing equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark.
These ingredients will provide your plant with enough drainage, aeration, and moisture retention. The ideal soil pH for your Philodendron White Wizard is slightly acidic, between 5.5 and 6.5.
Pruning and Propagation
Pruning your Philodendron White Wizard is not necessary, but it can help you shape your plant, remove dead or damaged leaves, and encourage new growth.
You can prune your plant anytime, but the best time is in the spring or summer, when your plant is growing.
Use a sharp and sterile pair of scissors or pruning shears, and cut the stems just above a leaf node. You can also remove any yellow, brown, or diseased leaves, as well as any unwanted aerial roots.
Propagation is a great way to multiply your Philodendron White Wizard, or to share it with your friends and family. The easiest method of propagation is by stem cuttings.
You can use the stems that you pruned, or cut a healthy stem with at least one leaf and one node. Remove any lower leaves, and dip the cut end in some rooting hormone.
Then, place the cutting in a glass of water, or in a moist potting mix. Keep the cutting in a warm and bright spot, and change the water or mist the soil regularly.
In a few weeks, you should see some roots developing. Once the roots are about 2 inches long, you can transplant the cutting to a new pot.
Pests and Diseases
The Philodendron White Wizard is generally pest and disease resistant, but it can still be affected by some common houseplant problems. The most likely pests to attack your plant are mealybugs, spider mites, scale, and aphids.
These are small, sap-sucking insects that can damage your plant’s leaves and stems, and spread diseases.
To prevent and treat these pests, you can use a neem oil spray, a horticultural soap, or an insecticidal soap.
You can also wipe the leaves with a damp cloth, or wash the plant with a gentle stream of water.
The most common diseases that can affect your Philodendron White Wizard are root rot, leaf spot, and bacterial wilt. These are caused by fungi or bacteria that thrive in wet and poorly drained soil.
To prevent and treat these diseases, you need to avoid overwatering your plant, and use a well-draining potting mix.
You can also improve the air circulation around your plant, and remove any infected parts. If the disease is severe, you may need to discard the plant and start over with a new one.
Common Problems and Solutions
Here are some common problems that you may encounter with your Philodendron White Wizard, and how to solve them:
Leaf yellowing: This can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, low light, or nutrient deficiency. Check the soil moisture, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Move your plant to a brighter spot, or supplement with artificial light. Fertilize your plant during the growing season, and use a balanced formula.
Leaf browning: This can be caused by sunburn, low humidity, or cold damage. Avoid placing your plant in direct sunlight, or use a curtain or a blind to filter the light. Increase the humidity around your plant, or mist the leaves regularly. Keep your plant away from drafts, vents, or windows that get too hot or cold.
Leaf curling: This can be caused by low light, low humidity, or pests. Move your plant to a brighter spot, or supplement with artificial light. Increase the humidity around your plant, or mist the leaves regularly. Inspect your plant for any signs of insects or webs, and treat them accordingly.
Conclusion
The Philodendron White Wizard is a magical plant that will add some charm and beauty to your home. It’s not the easiest plant to care for, but with some patience and attention, you can make it thrive.
Just remember to provide it with bright indirect light, water it when the soil feels dry, increase the humidity around it, fertilize it during the growing season, and give it some support to climb.
If you do that, you’ll be rewarded with stunning variegated leaves that will make you feel like a wizard yourself.
FAQs
How do I get more variegation on my Philodendron White Wizard?
Variegation is a genetic trait that can be influenced by environmental factors. To get more variegation on your Philodendron White Wizard, you need to provide it with enough light, as low light can cause the plant to revert to its green form. You also need to avoid pruning the white parts of the plant, as they may not grow back. Additionally, you can propagate your plant from cuttings that have more white on them, and select the ones that have the most variegation.
How do I tell the difference between Philodendron White Wizard, White Princess, and White Knight?
The Philodendron White Wizard, White Princess, and White Knight are very similar, but they have some subtle differences in their stems, petioles, and leaves. The White Wizard has green and white stems and petioles, and green and white leaves. The White Princess has green, white, and pink stems, pink, white, and green petioles, and green and white leaves with pink variegation. The White Knight has violet and white stems, violet and white petioles, and green and white leaves with violet streaks.
How often should I repot my Philodendron White Wizard?
You should repot your Philodendron White Wizard when it outgrows its current pot, or when the soil becomes compacted or depleted. This usually happens every 2 to 3 years, depending on the size and growth rate of your plant. When you repot your plant, choose a pot that is one size larger than the previous one, and use a fresh, well-draining potting mix. You can also prune any damaged or diseased roots, and add some support for your plant to climb.
Is Philodendron White Wizard toxic to pets and humans?
Yes, Philodendron White Wizard is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation, swelling, and pain in the mouth, throat, and stomach. If you or your pet accidentally ingest any part of the plant, you should seek medical attention immediately. To prevent any accidents, you should keep your plant out of reach of children and pets, and wash your hands after handling it.
How can I tell if my Philodendron White Wizard is healthy?
A healthy Philodendron White Wizard will have glossy, firm, and variegated leaves, and sturdy and colorful stems and petioles. It will also produce new leaves and aerial roots regularly, and grow at a moderate pace. A unhealthy Philodendron White Wizard will have yellow, brown, or curled leaves, and limp or discolored stems and petioles. It may also show signs of pests, diseases, or stress, such as wilting, drooping, or stunted growth.
