In this blog post, you’re going to learn how to easily propagate and care for Philodendron Strawberry Shake.
This is a comprehensive guide covering reliable information about different aspects of this cultivated variety.
In this post, I’ll cover:
- Interesting Facts
- Propagation
- Repotting
- Care
- Similar Plants
- Solutions to Common Problems
So, if you are looking to propagate and care for Philodendron Strawberry Shake, this guide is for you.
Let’s jump right in!
Fun Facts
| Common Name | Strawberry shake philodendron |
| Botanical Name | Philodendron erubescens ‘Strawberry Shake’ |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Fruit | Non-edible fruit |
| Mature Size | 3 to 4 feet in length and 2 feet wide |
| Sun Exposure | Indirect bright sunlight |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, moist soil |
| Soil pH | Slightly acidic |
| Native Area | South America |
| Toxic | Yes |
| Growth | Slow |
The Strawberry Shake Philodendron is famous for its unique coloration and foliage. Makes it a perfect choice for any household. The plant is slow growing, making it ideal to place anywhere in the home as it does not need more space.
This plant can grow up to the length of 3 to 4 and 2 feet wide. The plant produces white and green flowers. For philodendron strawberry shake, it’s very rare to produce flowers indoors. People focus on the leaves of the plants. The plant produces berry-like, non-edible fruit. This plant is toxic to humans and pets.
This plant’s leaves are heart-shaped and have a very glossy look. The plant leaves have a variety of green, pink, and cream. The leaves can have red and yellow streaks. The plant leaves can grow up to 8 to 12 inches long.
Benefits
Here is the list of benefits for growing philodendron strawberry shake:
Air Purification
The plant works as a natural air purifier. It absorbs harmful chemicals from the air and cleans the environment.
Aesthetic Appearance
The plant’s unique appearance and variegation make it the perfect addition to your home. The coloration of the leaves can match any interior design.
Mood Enhancement
The plants can enhance your mood and reduce stress and anxiety. It also boosts your productivity level.
Humidity Control
During the process of transpiration, the plant leaves release the water. This ability of plants works best to maintain the humidity in dry weather.
Low Maintenance
The plant is low maintenance and needs water once a week and, in winter, one in two weeks. Place the plant in indirect bright sunlight. The plant is the perfect option for busy working people.
Enhanced Focus and Productivity
The plant can make your workspace more appealing and stimulating. That increases your productivity.
Propagation
The propagation of the philodendron strawberry shake can done through stem cutting. Take a healthy stem 3 to 4 inches long with at least 4 to 5 leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom. Only use sterilized equipment for cutting, or your plant can get infected. You can place the cutting into a jar of water or sphagnum moss. Both ways are workable but depend on the individual’s personal choice.
After cutting, place it into the jar of water or sphagnum moss. make sure the cutting is completely submerged in it. Place the cutting in a warm and humid place where bright indirect sunlight is available. If the environment is too dry in your home. You can wrap a plastic sheet around the cutting to provide more humidity.
Remove the warp once a week for 15 minutes to prevent mold. If you have placed the cutting into the sphagnum moss, keep the moss moist. If the cutting is in the water, change it once a week to prevent bacterial infection. In some weeks, the roots will start to grow. Once the roots are one inch long, you can cut them into the soil.
Repotting
The plant needs repotting every 1 to 2 years. You can also change the pot when the roots of the plant outgrow the drainage hole of the pot. The other signs can be more circled roots, less availability of soil, and drainage of water without absorbing into the soil.
Take a new pot 3 to 4 inches bigger than the previous one. Place the plant into the new pot. The best time for repotting is summer and spring. In these seasons, the plant is active in its growth season and adjusts to the new pot.
Care
Here are the points you need to keep in mind while taking care of your philodendron strawberry shake:
Pruning
The plant does not often require pruning as it’s a slow-growing plant. But you can prune your plant when you see the yellow or dead leaves. Use only sterilized equipment for cutting. The best time for pruning is when the plant is active in its growth season.
Soil
The plant needs airy but well-drained soil. that can hold onto the necessary moisture for the plant. You can make your own soil for strawberry shake philodendron. Mix equal amounts of perlite, orchid bark, and potting soil.
Pot
Ceramic-made or terracotta pots are suggested. They are good at retaining the moisture needed for plants to absorb extra moisture from the soil. These materials provide breathing space for the plant’s roots. Make sure the pot has a drainage hole and works fine.
Water
The plant needs moist soil to be healthy. Soggy and wetter soil can lead to root rot. Before watering, make sure the top inch of soil is dry. You can check the soil with your fingers or use a moisture meter to measure the soil’s moisture. Once you water the plant, make sure there is no excess water, and the drainage hole of the pot is working fine.
Light
The plant needs adequate light to maintain its variegation. The plant needs bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. Direct exposure to the sun can scorch the leaves. The plant can survive in low light, too, but prolonged periods can make your plant saggy. It will lose variegation as well.
Fertilizer
The plant needs liquid-based fertilizer once a month. Use the fertilizer when the plant is active in its growth season, spring and summer. Stop using the fertilizer when the temperature starts to fall.
Placement
The plant needs bright, indirect light. Place the plant near a south or east-facing window for bright sunlight. If you do not have the perfect spot, draw sheer curtains to protect it from direct sunlight. Place it where the temperature and humidity per the plant’s need.
Temperature and Humidity
The plant requires more warm and humid areas to thrive. Strawberry shake philodendrons can do well at average household temperatures. But prefer a warmer environment. The preferred temperature for this plant is 55 °F to 80 °F.
The plant needs more humidity in warmer temperatures. The preferred humidity level is 70 to 80%. Most households have a dry environment. It is hard to maintain the preferred humidity level. You can increase the humidity around your plant. By placing a plant humidifier or a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Common Problems
Here are the common problems that every plant faces:
Pests
Spider mites, scales, mealybugs, and fungus ants are the most common plant pests. They start living on your plant by consuming it. You can prevent them using a commercial solution spray or applying neem soil to the leaves. To prevent residuals, you can inspect your plant daily as a precaution.
Fungal Diseases
Fungal infections are the most common in Strawberry Shake Philodendron. It causes root rot and leaf spot disease. The overwatering causes the root rot.
Excess water retention leads to root rot and causes an unpleasant smell. The smell can be one of the symptoms. Leaf spot disease is contagious and can spread to other plants. Isolate the infected plant and remove the affected leaves to save others. Avoid overwatering and make sure the drainage hole of the pot is working.
Brown Tips
There can be different reasons for the brown tips of philodendron strawberry shake. Overwatering, low humidity levels, more exposure to sunlight, and overuse of fertilizer can cause brown tips. Avoid overwatering.
Place your plant in bright, indirect sunlight. Wash the soil with fresh water to reduce the salt buildup caused by fertilizers. Use half of the fertilizer’s strength and apply it to dry soil; do not apply it to dry soil. Water the plant first, then apply fertilizer to protect the roots from burning.
Curling Leaves
The curling leaves of the plant can be due to different reasons. The main reasons can be overwatering, underwatering, low humidity levels, temperature stress, and pest infection. Before treating the problem, make sure to check all these environmental factors. identify the leading cause of curling leaves and act.
Yellow leaves
Yellow plant leaves are very common. But when you notice that the plant leaves, new leaves are turning yellow. there must be a problem in the environment.
The reasons can be different, such as overwatering, less exposure to light, and fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Before treating the problem, identify which factor is affecting the plant. Catch the real reason first and then act.
Varieties & Similar Plants
Here is the list of varieties and similar plants of philodendron strawberry shake:
Varieties
- Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’
- Philodendron ‘Congo Rojo’:
- Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’:
Similar plants
- Epipremnum aureum (Pothos)
- Aglaonema
Ready to Grab a Philodendron Strawberry Shake to add beauty to your home garden?
All the above information is reliable, and you’ll see outstanding results if you want to grow or care for this plant.
