Bloody Mary Philodendron: Care & Propagation Guide

Philodendron Bloody Mary is a lovely plant with long, thick leaves and a glossy green color. The stems of these plants are a beautiful burgundy hue, and the leaves grow in abundance in all directions. This growing habit can be styled in various ways throughout the house. However, as lovely as they are, Bloody Mary Philodendron is a rare species that is difficult to come by. Nonetheless, these lovely plants are a magnificent addition to any houseplant enthusiast’s collection and have long been in high demand.

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    Bloody Mary Philodendron Care and Propagation Guide
    Common Names -
    Family Araceae
    Plant Type Herb/Forb
    Sun Requirements Bright but indirect sunlight
    Soil Type A rich well draining potting compost.
    Water Preferences Mesic, Dry Mesic
    Propagation (seeds) Remove seed(s) from berry which contains chemicals that inhibit germination
    Other Metods of Propagation Cuttings: Stem
    Toxicity All parts of plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, an irritant to the mouth and esophagus.

    Bloody Mary Philodendron Sunlight Requirements

    The Philodendron Bloody Mary thrives in a bright, indirect light environment. It’s crucial to keep it out of direct sunlight, as this might cause its leaves to burn.

    Too much exposure to the sun, especially in the form of really hot, intense heat, can not only produce sunburn but will also bleach the leaves.

    It has evolved to survive in dappled, filtered, or medium-light because it is native to the tropical jungles of South America. Because the sun is partially obscured by the leaves and branches of larger trees and plants in the forest, this is the case.

    As a result, the Philodendron Bloody Mary is spared from the brunt of the sun’s beams.

    It is an excellent houseplant due to its versatility and durability. It can work in low-light environments like in many homes and offices.

    However, avoid rooms with too little light or that are excessively gloomy. The best way to identify if a plant has reached its low light limit is when it starts to get leggy.

    When a plant does not receive enough light, it begins to reach out to where the light is coming from. As a result, it appears to be stretched and thinner than usual. It will also bend in one direction.

    Bloody Mary Philodendron Soil Requirements

    The most crucial factor to consider is the soil quality you utilize for your plant. When it comes to growing Bloody Mary Philodendrons, you can use any excellent quality, well-drained soil or a potting combination. Ensure the soil has sufficient drainage so future disasters, such as fungus or rot, can be prevented.

    If you’re concerned about the pH of the soil, I recommend keeping it between 5.6 and 7.5, which is ideal for this plant. Bloody Mary Philodendrons thrive on 100% sphagnum peat moss and non-soil mixtures. The following are some examples of soilless mixtures:

    • Peat-vermiculite
    • Peat-perlite
    • Any fasting draining and high-quality pot combination is a solid option in general.

    Bloody Mary Philodendron Water Requirements

    Philodendrons grow well in damp, well-drained soil. In the summer, water the plant twice or three times a week to keep the soil moist. During the winter, however, the frequency should be reduced, and the top two inches of soil should be dry before watering again. To avoid fungus, it is preferable to water the soil directly rather than the leaves. Excessive watering can also cause plant problems like droopy leaves and root rot.

    Bloody Mary Philodendron Humidity Requirements

    It’s all about moderation for this species. They want to be kept sufficiently hydrated to avoid drying out on hot, windy days, but they don’t mind if the weather becomes a little dry for a while. On the other hand, keeping it under low humidity for an extended period of time has its drawbacks. During the hot, windy summers, mist the plant and make sure the foliage does not appear parched or dried.

    Bloody Mary Philodendron Temperature Requirements

    Bloody Mary Philodendrons are not winter plants; this does not mean that they will die in the winter; nonetheless, experts advise that they be moved to a warm location during the winter months. Maintain a temperature of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (16°C – 24°C) to preserve them in the best possible condition.

    Suppose the temperature isn’t between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (16 and 24 degrees Celsius). In that case, the plant will have poor growth and health issues.

    Do I Need Fertilizer for My Bloody Mary Philodendron ?

    Your Philodendron Bloody Mary grows quickly. As a result, you’ll need to provide it with the necessary nutrients. During the spring and summer, when the plant is growing, it is fed on a monthly basis.

    Because the plant’s growth slows down in the winter, you can reduce feeding to once every two months.

    Any common houseplant fertilizer will suffice. Liquid or slow-release pellets can be used.

    Because of its liquid state, the former is easier to spread evenly. Slow release, on the other hand, saves time because you’ll only have to feed the plants twice a year.

    Pruning a Bloody Mary Philodendron

    Pruning your plant is difficult, so if you’re not sure when you should start, wait. Pruning Philodendrons of the Bloody Mary kind should be avoided unless absolutely required.

    If you decide to prune your plant, remember that a proper trimming operation will not detract from the plant’s overall appearance.

    Once you’ve finished pruning your plant, you shouldn’t be able to tell that anything has been done to it. Cutting your plant is only a good idea if it takes up too much space in your home.

    Trim the plant if it has any yellow leaves or has grown too tall. Sanitize your instruments before you begin cutting your plant.

    This simple procedure can help you extend the life of your plant by preventing the spread of plant diseases that might harm its growth.

    Remove all mud and dirt from your pruning tools before dipping them in a mix of household bleach and water to sanitize them.

    Keep the bleach-to-water ratio at nine parts bleach to one part water. Finally, because bleach is corrosive, rinse the equipment with clean water to further sterilize them.

    You can also wipe the tools with rubbing alcohol, which is less corrosive.

    Always clip or squeeze the growth above the leaf nodes whenever you cut the plant. The place on a stem where a new leaf or stem grows is known as a leaf node.

    If you don’t trim above the leaf nodes, you’ll end up with stubs, which will detract from the plant’s attractiveness.

    Repotting your Bloody Mary Philodendron

    Like other fast-growing plants, Bloody Mary Philodendron quickly outgrows its existing container. It’s critical to repot the plant as soon as possible in this situation. The growth of a root-bound philodendron is slowed. Prepare a larger pot, at least 2 to 3 inches larger than the existing one. Repot the plant whenever you think the roots have compacted and formed a tight ball inside the pot, preferably during the late winter or spring seasons.

    How to propagate your Bloody Mary Philodendron ?

    One of the nicest aspects of the Philodendron Bloody Mary is how easy it is to cultivate it at home. You can do it without difficulty in both water and soil.
    The optimum time to do so is in the spring, but you may also do it in the early summer.

    Here’s how to grow Philodendron Bloody Mary from a stem.

    • Begin by selecting a sturdy stem. You want something that is 5 to 7 inches long and has at least two to three leaves.
    • Lower leaves should be removed because they will be buried in water. You don’t want to do that since they’ll rot if you leave them in this state for more than 2 to 3 weeks. You’ll also want to expose the leaf nodes, which will be the source of the roots.
    • Place the cutting in a glass or jar of water with the cut end down. To maintain the water clear, replace it regularly.
    • Roots will grow from the leaf nodes in the water after around 14 to 21 days.
    • Wait until the roots have grown pretty large (about an inch or so).
    • After that, transfer it to a pot with a well-draining soil mix.
    • It will grow from here if given bright, indirect light, warm temperatures, and moist soil.
    • When the plant outgrows its current container, repot it, but only gradually increase the pot size.

    Bloody Mary Philodendron Growth

    We will share a rough estimate of the plant’s growth trend. However, we urge you to continue monitoring the plant and adapt the requirements as necessary.

    Day 1: Plant a stem or leaf cutting in water or moist soil on the first day. Place the pot in a warm location with plenty of indirect light. Water propagation cutting does not require extra attention from Day 2 to Day 20. On the other hand, the cuttings placed in the soil require light watering every other day. Keep the soil moist at all times. It shouldn’t be too dry or too wet.

    Day 20 – Day 50: Continue to monitor the cutting and provide water as needed.

    From Day 50 to Day 90, the root and shoot have begun to emerge.

    Day 90–170: The baby plant produces many new burgundy leaves. At this point, the frequency of soil-plant watering can be reduced to twice a week. The water-born plants can now be transplanted into soil.

    Day 170 – Day 190: The plant no longer needs much care. The leaves are becoming more vibrant and green. By now, a lovely Bloody Mary plant should be ready to delight you.

    Day 190 – Day 300: During the winter, move the plant to a warm location. Watering your plants twice a month is a good idea. You can fertilize the plant with a good fertilizer next spring.

    Where to Buy?

    You can find an affordable option by visiting Etsy, there you can find also cuttings. I get most of my plants from there. You can check out the prices and sellers’ reviews and decide if you want to try this option instead of other places where you will be paying much more.                                                                       

    Bloody Mary Philodendron : Common pests & ilnesses

    Unfortunately, pests are an issue with this plant, as they are with most other houseplants.

    Aphids and mealybugs are at the top of the list. Both are inconvenient and harmful to your plants since they will eventually suck the sap that your plants use to move nutrients across the plant.

    Regular examination is the finest and most effective technique to detect these pests. This can be done whenever the plant’s leaves are cleaned.

    If you find any, immediately quarantine the damaged plant or plants and begin treatment.
    Diseases, in addition to pets, are something to be aware of.

    Leaf spot and root rot are two of the most typical issues of the Bloody Mary.

    The former manifests itself through issues with its vegetation. Some of the symptoms are yellowing leaves, holes, black patches, and poor or stunted growth.

    Root rot is significantly more damaging since it attacks and destroys the roots. Roots that are rotting or have rotted will stop working. As a result, no matter how much water or fertilizer you give it, the plant will not be able to absorb it from the soil.

    As a result, if too many of your plant’s roots are destroyed, it will eventually die.

    Is Bloody Mary Philodendron toxic?

    Another reason to keep these plants up high and out of reach of pets and youngsters is that they are exceedingly toxic if eaten. It can induce mild to severe effects depending on how much is consumed. These symptoms might range from a stomachache to a swollen tongue and difficulty breathing properly.

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