Philodendron Spiritus Sancti vs Billietiae
I finally got my hands on a Philodendron Spiritus Sancti! The hype is real. The leaves are unlike anything else in my collection – long, slender, and a mesmerizing deep emerald green. It feels truly special, like a hidden jewel in the plant world. Now, I wouldn’t say it’s the easiest philodendron. It seems a bit fussy with humidity, and a new leaf takes forever to unfurl. But the drama is totally worth it for that stunning foliage.
On the other hand, my Philodendron Billietiae is a total trooper. It sits perched on a shelf in my living room, tolerating the occasional missed watering with barely a flinch. The leaves are a lighter, more cheerful green, and while they don’t have the dramatic length of the Spiritus Sancti, they have a certain charm. Plus, new leaves emerge all the time, keeping things interesting. It’s the kind of plant that thrives on a bit of neglect, perfect for someone like me who forgets to water occasionally.
How to care for Philodendron Spiritus Sancti?
The Philodendron Spiritus Sancti is a beautiful and relatively easy-to-care-for houseplant known for its velvety, textured leaves. Here’s a guide to keep it thriving indoors:
Light:
- Bright Indirect Light is Ideal: Provide your Philodendron Spiritus Sancti with bright indirect sunlight. This encourages healthy growth, maintains vibrant foliage color, and avoids scorching the leaves. South-facing windows with sheer curtains or east-facing windows are perfect spots. Avoid harsh afternoon sun, especially during hot summer months.
Watering:
- Water When Soil Dries Out: Avoid overwatering, which is a common threat to Philodendrons. Allow the top inch of soil to dry completely before watering thoroughly. Excess moisture can lead to root rot.
- Signs of Thirst: Wilting or drooping leaves are telltale signs that your plant needs water.
Soil:
- Well-Draining is Crucial: Use a well-draining, airy potting mix that allows excess water to drain freely. Here are a few options:
- Aroid mix: This is a commercially available potting mix specifically formulated for Philodendrons and other aroid plants. It typically contains a blend of orchid bark, perlite, and potting soil.
- DIY mix: You can create your own well-draining mix by combining potting soil with perlite or orchid bark in a ratio of 2:1 or 1:1.
Fertilizing:
- Moderate Feeder: During the growing season (spring and summer), a diluted dose of balanced fertilizer once a month is sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can damage the roots. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer applied at the beginning of the growing season.
Humidity:
- Enjoys Moderate Humidity: While it can tolerate average household humidity levels, the Philodendron Spiritus Sancti thrives in moderately humid environments. Here are ways to increase humidity:
- Grouping plants together: Clustering your Philodendron with other humidity-loving plants creates a microclimate with higher humidity.
- Pebble tray: Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. As the water evaporates, it increases humidity around the plant. (Avoid letting the pot sit in water)
- Humidifier: Consider using a humidifier to increase overall humidity in your home, especially during dry winter months.
Temperature:
- Warm Temperatures Preferred: The Philodendron Spiritus Sancti prefers warm temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Avoid exposing it to cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Support (Optional):
- Climbing Philodendron: Philodendrons are climbing plants in their natural habitat. While not strictly necessary indoors, providing a moss pole or trellis can encourage climbing growth and create a more natural, vining appearance. You can train the aerial roots to attach to the support structure.
Pruning (Optional):
- Maintain Shape and Size: Pruning is not essential but can be done to control size and shape or remove leggy stems. Simply cut back unwanted stems using sharp pruners or shears. Pruning can also encourage bushier growth.
Propagation:
- Stem Cuttings: The Philodendron Spiritus Sancti can be propagated by stem cuttings. Take a healthy stem tip with a few nodes and leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional), and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Maintain consistent moisture and warmth for successful propagation.
Additional Tips:
- Cleaning Leaves: You can occasionally wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and maintain their shine. Avoid using leaf shine products.
- Repotting: Repot your Philodendron Spiritus Sancti every 1-2 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot. Choose a pot with drainage holes that’s slightly larger than the root ball.
Why is Philodendron Spiritus Sancti so expensive?
Philodendron Spiritus Sancti is so expensive primarily because of its rarity and the difficulty in propagating it. It’s native to a small area in Brazil, and there are only a handful of mature plants left in the wild. This makes it highly sought after by collectors. The plant is also quite finicky and doesn’t propagate easily, which adds to its allure and cost. When I was first researching it, I was amazed at how prices could soar into the thousands for a single specimen. This exclusivity and the challenge of growing it make it a coveted item for plant enthusiasts.
Where to buy a Philodendron Spiritus Sancti?
Finding a Philodendron Spiritus Sancti to buy took some effort. I scoured various online plant shops and specialty forums where collectors exchange rare plants. eBay and Etsy sometimes have listings, but I had to be cautious about verifying the authenticity of the sellers. I also reached out to a few botanical gardens and plant societies, as they sometimes have connections to reputable sellers. Eventually, I was able to purchase mine from a trusted online seller who specializes in rare aroids, ensuring that I was getting a genuine Spiritus Sancti and not a misidentified look-alike.
