Care For A Bloody Mary Philodendron: Everything You Need To Know

One day I saw that my Bloody Mary Philodendron’s leaves were drooping, and there was a brown spot on one of the leaves. I was worried, so I researched how to care for Bloody Mary Philodendron and found some interesting solutions. 

Now I will share with you what I did to help my Bloody Mary Philodendron, and hopefully, it will also help yours.

The Essentials things of Bloody Mary Philodendron Maintenance

If you love Bloody Marys, you’ll also want to keep your philodendrons happy! Here are the essentials things of Bloody Mary philodendron maintenance.

Soil Requirement

The most crucial factor you must consider is the soil quality you use for your plant.

• When it comes to Bloody Mary Philodendrons, you can cultivate this plant in either fine-quality, well-drained soil or a potting mix.
• Ensure the soil has sufficient drainage so that future catastrophes, like fungus or rotting of the roots, can avert.

If soil pH is an issue for you, I advise keeping it between 5.6 and 7.5 because this plant thrives in this area. 100% sphagnum peat moss or combinations without soil work well for growing Bloody Mary Philodendrons. A few illustrations of soilless combinations are:

• Peat-vermiculite
• Peat-perlite

Overall, any pot mixture drains quickly and is of high quality is a good choice.

Water Requirement

Bloody Mary Philodendrons require wet, well-drained soil, which implies the plant doesn’t require a lot of watering.

• Water the plant twice a week during the summer to keep the soil moist. However, throughout the winter months, you should minimize watering.
• Water the plant only after the top two inches of soil have dried off. To lessen the fungus’s likelihood, I would rinse the soil rather than the leaves.
• Although this plant develops with a downward slant, it has the potential to droop even more if given too much water. If you don’t adhere to the watering instructions, you risk droopy leaves and root rot.

Fertilizer Requirement

The Bloody Mary Philodendron is a fast-growing plant that has high nutrient requirements.

• You should fertilize your Bloody Mary Philodendron only once a month from the spring to summer. 
• During winter, it would help if you cut this frequency in half.

Light Requirement

Direct sunshine is very harsh for Bloody Mary Philodendron. Thus indirect sunlight is ideal.

• Contrarily, they thrive in conditions of low light or partial shade. Direct sunlight can cause damage to the plant and should be avoided.
• Grow a Bloody Mary Philodendron in a location where it receives too much direct sunshine. You may see some leaf browning. Leggy stem suggests that the plant is not getting enough light.
• Bloody Mary Philodendrons can endure various conditions but thrive in areas with lots of indirect sunlight.

Ideal Temperature

Even though Bloody Mary Philodendrons are not technically winter plants, moving them to a warmer place during the winter is best.

• Keep the area comfortable, preferably between 16 and 24 degrees Celsius (60 and 75 Fahrenheit).
• Plant growth and health will suffer if the ideal temperature is not maintained between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (16°C and 24°C).

Humidity Level

Unlike other Philodendrons, Bloody Mary Philodendrons can grow in a wide range of moisture levels. They don’t have to be in a humid place like a rainforest to grow.

• It may be necessary to increase humidity if plant leaves turn yellow or the soil becomes lumpy.
• Because they like dampness, Bloody Mary Philodendrons need a boost in humidity on dry, hot days.
• A humidifier, misting the plants, or a tray of water pebbles placed under the container are good ways to boost the relative humidity.

Pruning

Pruning is difficult, so it is best to wait if you are unsure when to begin. Avoid pruning Bloody Mary philodendrons unless essential.

• If you decide to prune your plant, remember that a well-executed trimming procedure can enhance the plant’s beauty.
• You want your plant to look like you never trimmed it after you’re done. No need to prune your plant unless it’s getting too big for its pot.
• If the plant has any yellowing leaves or is getting too long, you can clip it. Clean your trimming implements before you start working on your plant.
• Before dipping your pruning tools in household bleach and water solution, ensure they are free of mud and other debris.
• Nine parts bleach to one part water is the safest ratio to use. Since bleach is corrosive, you should rinse the equipment in clean water for a final round of sterilization.
• Wiping the tools down with rubbing alcohol is a better option because it is less corrosive.
• Always remove or pinch off new growth above a leaf node when pruning. The nodes of a stem are the points at which leaves and new stems emerge.
• Make your cuts above the leaf nodes to prevent ugly stubs from being left behind.

Repotting

If you’re wondering if it’s time to repot your plant, you should do it when the roots are no longer spreading out and have formed a tight ball.

• The new pot should be 2 to 3 inches larger than the old one.
• This plant needs to be repotted before it produces new leaves.
• Since plant growth is slower in the winter and spring, this work is best accomplished.

Diseases and Pests that Attack Bloody Mary Philodendrons

Many diseases and pests can attack bloody Mary philodendrons. The most common problems are aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew, and thrips. 

• Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant juices. They cause the leaves to turn yellow and lose their shine, as well as produce a sticky substance on the surface of the leaves. 
• Spider mites are tiny creatures about 1/8 inch long that feed on plant juices and leave webbing on the plants. 
• Powdery mildew is a fungus that causes white patches on the leaves and is fatal if not treated quickly. 
• Thrips are small insects that suck blood from plants and can cause stunted growth and leaf loss.

Bloody Mary Philodendron Propagation Techniques

There is little difficulty in multiplying Bloody Mary Philodendrons. Stem pruning is best done in the spring or early summer. Just stick the stem in some water or damp soil, and the root will quickly make its way in.

Bloody Mary Philodendrons are often spread in the following methods:

• Seeds
• Stem cutting
• Air Layering
• Mound layering

Some background information on these dissemination methods is in order. Seeds take a long time germinating, and stacking is best left to seasoned cultivators. Stem cutting is the most common and easiest method of propagation. Each procedure is explained below:

• Remove the stem from an established plant that is in good health. Cut five to six inches deep into the stem using a sharp knife.
• Pinch the underside of at least three different leaves to get the nodes, and start from the bottom of the plant.
• Prepare your water or moist soil, and then dip the side of the stem that does not have leaves into either medium. A maximum of three inches of the stem should be buried in the soil.
• However, doing so is optional if you want faster and better growth. It would help if you dipped the end in the rooting hormone.
• When you are trimming, make sure the temperature is warm, and there is plenty of sunlight. However, the sun should not fall directly on the cutting because doing so could destroy your cutting before it even has a chance to root.
• When fresh root development appears, move the plant to a larger container within a few weeks and continue caring for it as before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the tips of my Bloody Mary Philodendrons turning brown?

If the tips of the leaves on your plant are beginning to brown, they need more water. The soil of your Bloody Mary Philodendron should always be slightly damp to the touch. Plants in containers need more water and humidity than those in the ground.

Do Bloody Mary Philodendrons like to be rootbound?

Some Bloody Mary philodendrons do well when rootbound, while others prefer to be free-standing. Bloody Mary philodendrons may need some support in the form of a stake or trellis to keep them upright and allow them to grow.

Final Touch

Once it has grown, your Bloody Mary Philodendron will be the most striking plant in your room. When a Bloody Mary Philodendron reaches maturity, it develops into a stunning climber, adding a beauty that no other plant can provide. The location of this plant in an empty area, where it may be the center of attention, is stunning. Please choose a location where its lovely foliage can fully shine since it deserves to be appreciated.