Despite being considered a rare plant, many love to add the philodendron grazielae to their collection. Its heart-shaped leaves brighten up any garden and add character to a home.
But apart from its leaves, many are drawn to this plant because it is very easy to care for. You don’t need to have a green thumb to grow one at home. Want to learn more about this plant? Keep reading!
What is the Philodendron Grazielae plant?
The philodendron family has over 500 varieties. One of which is the philodendron grazielae or the heart philodendron. It is a climbing plant that thrives best in warm climates.
It is best known for its medium-sized, heart-shaped leaves. When growing the plant outdoors, they climb mossy poles and create a dramatic effect along the way. But they can also be grown indoors using a plant pot or a hanging basket.
In fact, it is the perfect plant to grow indoors since it has been recognized as an air purifying plant by NASA. In addition to being an air purifying plant, the philodendron heart makes a great plant for new plant parents. It isn’t hard to grow this plant and it doesn’t require too much care and attention.
If you are looking for a climbing plant to grow indoors, this is definitely one option you should add to your list.
Origin and Classification
Like other philodendron variants, the heart philodendron originated deep from the rainforests of South America. It is a philodendron, which is part of the Araceae family.
As a philodendron, it shares its characteristics of having aerial roots and large leaves. Even though they originated from the rainforests, they can grow anywhere and in any climate.
Features of the Philodendron Grazielae
Before becoming a popular plant, the heart philodendron was considered a rare gem. True to its name, its beauty comes from its dark green, heart-shaped leaves.
When allowed to grow on its own, the plant looks pretty amazing as it climbs up trees next to it. But even indoors, the plant leaves a dramatic trail from its pot.
1.) Height
Even though the grazielae philodendron plant is a crawling plant, its body can still grow between one and a half feet up to three feet. They can be planted outdoors or indoors. Since it is a crawling plant, you can put them in a hanging basket and watch the vines crawl out of the pot.
2.) Flowers & Leaves
The grazielae is most famous for its unique leaves. These grow to be glossy green in color with a heart shape. The leaves can also grow from two to five inches in length, making it a medium-sized leaf.
When the leaves cluster together, they create a dramatic effect in your space.
3.) Foliage & Stem
As a houseplant, the grazielae produces a glossy green foliage complete with leathery, heart-shaped leaves. It slows rather slowly, compared to other indoor plants you may have in your home. But once the plant grows well, it will show off its beauty in your home.
The leaf tips are relaxed and grow as long as its width.
4.) Evergreen
Apart from its unique leaves, people love this plant because it is an evergreen plant. This means that its leaves stay green throughout the year.
It is also highly favored as an indoor plant because of its air-purifying properties. In fact, it is recommended by NASA as an indoor plant that can help get rid of toxins in your home.
Basic Care of Philodendron Grazielae
Similar to some philodendrons, the grazielae does not require too much care. This is why it is a suitable plant for those who are starting to build their plant collection. You don’t need to spend a lot of time and attention on the heart philodendron as it can grow on its own.
1.) Size & Growth
When it comes to its size, the grazielae doesn’t really grow tall. It can grow from one and a half feet to three feet in height. Its leaves, however, can grow from two to five inches in length. But since this plant is a crawler, its leaves will crawl up a pole or tree that it is situated next to.
2.) Light Requirements
As a rainforest plant, the grazielae does not require full sun. In fact, it can grow in bright, indirect light in its natural habitat. This is because it is usually shielded by other plants that grow in the rainforest.
If you wish to grow this plant indoors, you can place the plant beside a sunny window. But if you plan to grow it in an outdoor garden, make sure to put it in a covered patio so it does not get burned by the sun.
3.) Water Requirements
One of the things that make this plant suitable for starters is that it doesn’t require special attention, especially when it comes to watering. Despite this, you’ll want to make sure that you stick to a regular watering schedule so you can avoid under or over-watering your plant.
Before you water your grazielae, make sure you check if the soil is still moist. You can stick your finger into the soil and check if the bottom of your finger is dry. Otherwise, you may need to wait up to two days before you water your plant.
During the winter season, you can lessen your watering frequency since the cold air can keep its soil moist.
4.) Soil Requirements
Like almost all philodendrons, you will need to use well-draining soil with your grazielae. Using this type of soil will help prevent your plant from being over-watered. If ever you accidentally over watered your plant, the soil will help drain the water right on through.
You’ll need to avoid over-watering your plant as it could lead to root rot. Otherwise, your plant will rot and decay. And once the rotting process has started, it will be hard to stop it. You won’t be able to save your plant, especially if the rot has already spread throughout its roots.
5.) Sunlight Requirements
Like other plants that grow in the rainforest, the grazielae doesn’t require direct sunlight. In fact, you should avoid exposing this plant to direct sunlight since it will cause discoloration. It will also scorch the leaves.
If you plan to grow the plant outdoors, put under a canopy for protection. But if you are growing the plant indoors, you can place it near a north or east-facing window. For added protection, you can hang sheer curtains on your window to protect the plant from the sun.
6.) Temperature & Humidity
To grow a healthy grazielae, you need to keep it in a room with a temperature between 21 and 70 degrees Celsius. Keep the plant away from areas with freezing temperatures. You can also put the plant in an area with moderate to high humidity. Although humidity will not affect your plant, it will promote its leaves to be lush and have a deep green color.
7.) Drought & Disease Resistance
The heart philodendron will not give you a lot of problems with pests. But there are potential pests that can affect your plant’s growth. Among the pests that are most common include aphids, mealybugs, and scale. These pests are known to suck the sap of the plant, which will stop nutrients from reaching other parts of the plant.
If you notice them on your plant, you can use neem oil or insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
8.) Toxicity
Like other philodendrons, the grazielae is considered toxic. Although touching the plant or its leaves won’t poison you or cause you to have allergens, it can cause digestive issues if any part of it is consumed.
That said, keep the plant away from pets and young kids.
9.) Fertilizing
One good thing about growing a philodendron grazielae at home is that you don’t need to fertilize it. But you can use fertilizer to give your plant a health and growth boost.
If you do decide to use fertilizer, be careful not to overdo it. This is because full-strength fertilizer can burn its roots. Instead, you can apply half-strength fertilizer once a month during the warmer months. During winter, you can cut down on this application every two or three months.
10.) Potting & Repotting
Since grazielae plants grow slow, it may not be a good idea to repot it right away. In fact, you can wait after a year or two after your plant has stabilized.
Before you re-pot your heart philodendron, make sure to check the pot’s drainage holes. If roots have started to poke through, that’s the time you can re-pot it to a slightly bigger pot. Your philodendron’s roots prefer compact areas rather than having too much space.
11.) Pruning Requirements
Despite growing slowly, the leaves of the grazielae can grow up to five inches. You don’t need to prune its leaves since it is a crawling plant. But after a while, the plant’s vines can get bushy. If this is not what you are going for, you can prune it.
When pruning your plant, remember not to overdo it as it will stress the plant.
How to Propagate Philodendron Grazielae
There are two very easy ways to propagate the grazielae plant. You can use stem cuttings or the air layering method.
You can opt to use the method that you’re most comfortable in so you can see the results in a few days. There’s no need to be an expert at propagating this plant since it easily grows on its own.
Stem Cutting Method
- Have your stem cutting ready for propagation. While you can use any stem cutting for propagation, make sure to cut right below a leaf node. Sterilize your pruning shears using 70% isopropyl alcohol. When cutting the stem, have at least two leaves attached to it. The stem cutting should be at least three inches in length.
- The next step requires you to cure your stem cutting. You can do this by letting the cutting sit out in a warm room for a week. Doing this will allow the cut end to callous over, which makes it easier to root.
- Prepare your pot or hanging basket. Make sure that it has drainage holes. Add well-draining soil to the pot.
- After a week, you can already plant your stem cutting. Make a hole in the soil using your finger. Place the stem cutting in the hole and press down the soil surrounding it. If the stem cutting doesn’t stand upright, you can tie it to a straw.
- Wait for the stem cutting to start growing into a plant.
Air Layering Method
- If you are using the air layering method, you will need to create a wound on your mother plant. Use a sterilized knife to create the wound. Cut into the top of the mother plant around two inches in length and in depth. If the plant wound won’t stay open on its own, you can stick a toothpick into the wound.
- You will then need to stick moist sphagnum peat-moss into the wound and stem. Make sure to smear this onto the wound. Apply hormone rooting compounds to promote faster growth.
- Wrap plastic wrap around the wound and stem. Don’t wrap it too tightly or else the peat-moss won’t have room to breathe in. You can also add duct tape so that the plastic wrap will cling to the stem as you wait for roots to grow.
- Once the roots are between three or four inches long, you can start preparing the pot. Make sure it has drainage holes and use well-draining soil.
- Use a sterilized knife to remove the wound from the stem. Be careful not to damage the roots when you are removing the plastic wrap.
- Plant the new plant in the pot, making sure to submerge its roots completely in the soil.
- You can start caring for your new plant.
Common Problems Caring For Philodendron Grazielae
When you’re growing a grazielae plant, it’s common to encounter some pests gnawing away on its leaves. Thankfully, it only attracts a few pests compared to the other philodendron varieties.
Aside from pests, here are the common problems that you may have with this plant and what you can do to fix them:
1.) It Has Yellow And Droopy Leaves
This means that your plant has been over-watered. Its leaves are getting discolored due to a lack of oxygen in the roots.
Before watering your philodendron, make sure to check the moisture of the soil. If it is still moist to touch, you may need to cut down on watering you plant.
2.) Its Leaves Are Wilting
On the other hand, if the leaves of your plant are wilting, it means that it is under-watered. Although this can be a dangerous situation for your plant, it is actually easier to remedy than an overwatered plant.
All you have to do is water your plant. Make sure to check its soil moisture regularly to know when you will need to water your plant again.
See a similar post: Variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant, Grow & Care Guide 2022
Outro
There are a lot of reasons why you should get the philodendron grazielae for your home. Since it has air purifying qualities, it will make a beautiful addition to your indoor plant collection in your home.
Not to mention, its crawling leaves will create a nice touch to your home too.
Buying Options
The philodendron grazielae can be purchased on Amazon and Etsy. The price for the plant varies so to get the cheapest price, check both marketplaces.
Click on the links below to check the prices.
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Etzy
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for a philodendron Grazielae?
To make sure your grazielae plant stays happy, you need to expose it to an area with moderate to high humidity. But again, humidity is not necessary for your plant to survive. This will only help promote a lush plant with deep green leaves.
How do you propagate Philodendron cuttings in water?
Philodendron cuttings can be propagated in various ways. If you are planning to do this using water, you need to make sure that you are using a clean jar of water before anything else.
Once you have your cuttings, see to it that you fully submerge the nodes. Don’t forget the change the water every now and then. You should also remember to place the cuttings in indirect sunlight.
You’ll be surprised that your plant will soon be ready for repotting.
What is a moonlight Philodendron?
The moonlight philodendron is another variety of the philodendron plant family. Compared to the grazielae, the moonlight plant has bright green leaves that are almost fluorescent. But like other philodendrons, it is so easy to grow at home.
Hey, I’m Lisa and I’ve been an avid gardener for over 30 years. I love writing, talking and living in the garden! Feel free to connect with me on my socials below
