In this blog post, you’re going to learn how to easily propagate and care for philodendron Birkin.
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
And
- Solutions to Common Problems
So, if you are looking to propagate and care for philodendron Birkin, this guide is for you.
Philodendron Birkin (Fun Facts)
| Common Name | philodendron Birkin, White wave |
| Botanical Name | Philodendron ‘Birkin’ |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 2 to 3 feet in Height and Spread |
| Sun Exposure | Normal |
| Soil Type | Well-draining |
| Soil pH | Neutral, Acidic |
| Native Area | Central America |
| Toxic | For Humans and Pets 1 |
| Growth | Moderate |
Philodendron Birkin is a type of Philodendron that is a result of mutation. It decorates the room with white or creamy lines with dark green leaves. A thick, self-supporting stem loaded with closely grown leaves gives it a gorgeous look.
Growth of this plant is moderate. This feature makes it the most suitable plant for smaller areas. It grows vertically and does not need support.
This is not a flowering plant. The main reason for growing this plant is its attractive leaves and stems. Its leaves have a dark green color with white or creamy yellow pinstripes.
Toxicity
Philodendron Birkin contains Calcium Oxalate. Raphides (tiny acicular structures) are the result of this Oxalate. Eating can cause swelling, drooling, or respiratory distress. Handling improperly can lead to rashes, redness, and inflammation of the skin.2
Benefits
Besides its elegant look, it purifies the air and increases the humidity. Seeing Birkin’s leaves can reduce the impact of using blue light-emitting screens. If you are suffering from eye strain or discomfort, adding it near your work table can be beneficial.
Propagation
Stem cutting is an easy method to propagate the Birkin.
- Cut the stem that has four to six leaves and four to five inches in length with a sharp knife or scissors.
- Remove two to three leaves from the bottom side and put them in water where light is reachable.
- Leave it in water until roots sprout. This process can take one to three weeks.
- Plant this stem in soil that has moisture and can drain the water well. Slightly press the soil around the stem.
- Avoid watering for the first few weeks, but make sure there is enough moisture in the soil.
Repotting
Repotting of philodendron Birkin can be done with these few simple steps.
- Identify the perfect time for repotting. Check if the roots grow out of drainage holes. Changing the pot benefits the soil by replacing it with fresher and more nutrient-rich soil.
- Select the pot that is a bit larger than the previous one, as a much larger pot can store more moisture, resulting in root rot.
- Add a fresh potting mix to the pots’ rims, leaving three to four inches of space. Plant the Birkin and do not give it water. Keep it in moderate light.
Care
Here are a few things to consider for proper care of White wave.
Soil
The soil must have these two qualities for the optimal growth of this Philodendron.
- Well-drained
This plant is from the family Araceae and does not require a lot of water. Arrange potting soil that will be the main component of the soil mix. Make sure this soil is not made to retain moisture.
To improve the drainage of soil, you can add two parts of drainage improvers in three parts of potting soil. Drainage improvers can be:
- Perlite
- Pumice
- Horticultural Grit
- Gravel
- Sand
- Surface
- Poultry Grit
- Hold Moisture
Coco Coir is made from coconut. Adding small amounts in the soil increases the retention of moisture to the level that is good for Birkin.
Pot
A porous pot is good for healthy growth. Try selecting a Terracotta pot rather than a plastic or glass pot. Clay pot improves the drainage of water and allows air to pass easily, securing the roots from root rot.
Water
Watering the White wave birkin depends on environmental conditions. Living in conditions where air moisture is higher requires little water. The same is true in the winter season. Watering the plant once in three to four weeks is advisable in such a season.
In a hot season or in an environment with dry air, give the water as you feel the soil is dry.
Light
Direct, intense sunlight can harm it. Keeping it in bright, indirect sunlight can improve the coloring and growth. Placing in morning or evening sunlight can be a good solution.
Fertilizer
White wave birkin does not require fertilizers for optimum growth. But you can give organic fertilizer once every six months.
Pruning
This type of Philodendron does not require regular pruning due to not having fast growth. Cutting the old yellow leaves or diseased leaves can transfer the nutrients to newly grown ones.
Placement
Consider five things for placing the philodendron Birkin in the room:
Light Requirements: Place it near a window where indirect sunlight reaches it.
Humidity: Indoor humidity should be 40 to 60 percent. Bathrooms or Kitchens can be good spots due to having higher humidity levels.
Air Circulation: Avoid placing it where air flow is restricted. As well, air circulation is beneficial for preventing pests and diseases.
Spacing: Keep it at a pace where there is enough space for leaves to spread.
Safety: If pets or humans ingest or mishandle the Philodendron, May vulnerable to toxic effects. So place it in a location where curious hands and paws can’t reach it.
Common Problems
Yellow leaves
Diagnostics
Turning the green leaves into yellow is a common thing, creating the opportunity for growth of new leaves. But it is considered a problem when:
- New leaves are coloring yellow
- Large quantities of leaves are turning unusual colors like yellow.
Causes
- Overwatering
- Nutrients Deficiency
- Over-fertilization
Solutions
- Stop watering if the soil has enough moisture.
- If overwatering is a reason, then natural fertilizer should be applied if it is not provided already.
- Stop using fertilizers if you are giving them every month or less.
Easy Tip
You can check water requirements to see if the soil color is dark brown or feels cool when holding the soil with your naked hand.
Fungal Diseases
Diagnostics
Dark or black spots on leaves with yellow auras.
Causes
- Fungus
- Bacteria
Solutions
- Place at the location of high airflow.
- Avoid wetting Leaves
- Remove affected leaves
- Provide proper sunlight
Brown Tips
Diagnostics
Turning tips or edges of leaves brown.
Causes
- Giving less water than needed
- Low Humidity
Solutions
- Try giving it some water
- Place at the place of higher humidity
Easy Tip
Place it in the bathroom or kitchen as they are places with higher humidity.
Curling Leaves
If leaves are turning into curls, then low water or humidity can be the reason. Give limited water and place it in a humid area.
Pests
This plant is usually not harmed by pests, especially when placed in an airflow location. Regardless, if affected by insects, spider mites, buds, or aphids, good spraying is a simple and easy solution.
Similar Plants
Philodendron Rojo Congo
Specialty: Long-shaped leaves with red or dark green color make this mutated philodendron stand out. This resembles the imperial red philodendron in color and shape of leaves.
Native: America and the Caribbean are the areas of growth. Tropical regions are the most suitable areas for optimum growth.
Grown and Size: Rojo Congo grows vigorously up to two to three feet in height and width.
Benefits and Uses: Ornamental purposes.
Toxicity: Toxic to humans, cats, and other pets if handled improperly.
Care: Does not require much care.
Common Problems: It may have unusual colors in foliage or drop down of leaves.
Philodendron Xanadu
Specialty: Xanadu is a large indoor plant with thick, enormous, and multicraft leaves.
Native: It is considered a Brazilian plant, but this is a cultivated type of Philodendron.
Growth and Size: With a moderate growth rate, it can reach up to three to five feet in length.
Benefits and Uses: Ornamental plant as an air purifier.
Toxicity: Toxic due to containing Oxalate.
Care: This plant is very easy to care for.
Common Problems: Philodendron Xanadu can fall into leaf-related issues and cause root rot.
Philodendron Moonlight
Specialty: Moonlight plants are unique due to their changing color leaves. Vivid neon yellow leaves turn dark and then bright green. It has pinky shade stems.
Native: It is native to South and Central America.
Growth and Size: Its growth is normal with moisture and well-draining soil. One to two feet can be the size of a mature plant.
Benefits and Uses: Moonlight is an ornamental plant that is easy to care for.
Toxicity: Yes, it is a toxic plant.
Care: Only need care regarding watering and humidity.
Common Problems: It may face root rot, leaf spots, and yellow or dropping leaves.
Philodendron Micans
Specialty: This type of philodendron is so popular due to its beautiful heart-shaped leaves with light green pinstripes. It has green or white flowers.
Native: North and Central America are the native areas.
Growth and Size: Eight inches in height and 24 inches in length. It is a fast-growing plant.
Benefits and Uses: Micans purify the air and require low maintenance, having charming appeal.
Toxicity: As with other types of Philodendron plants, it is toxic due to raphides.
Care: It is a low-maintenance plant.
Common Problems: Yellow or dropping leaves, root rot, and pest attacks could be the common issues.
Ready to Grab a philodendron Birkin 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Article Sources
Aquariusmediaa provides reliable information with good-quality references to support the facts.
- Dieffenbachia and Philodendron. Poison Control
↩︎ - Philodendron poisoning. MedlinePlus ↩︎
