Philodendron Mamei Silver Cloud Plant, Grow & Care Guide 2022

A Philodendron Mamei Silver Cloud is a type of plant with huge dark-green leaves. You can easily grow this plant anywhere that pleases you since it requires very low maintenance.

Furthermore, the plant can tolerate different levels of light, therefore you can allow it to develop its magnificence in hanging baskets, pots, yards or containers.

In an outdoor space, this plant is capable of growing up to 4 feet tall with 1.5 feet long leaves. This implies that more oxygen will be released, thereby resulting in breathable environments. Besides, a healthy plant can also bring decorative features to your outdoor or indoor setting.

What is Philodendron Mamei Silver Cloud?

In most cases, this plant can also be referred to as Blotched Philodendron or Quilted Silver Leaf. It contains heart-like leaves with silver marks and dark-green color. You can easily identify it through its furry and broad petioles or broad leaves with silver speckles and deep veins.

In addition, it is a magnificent tropical plant that is either found in domestic or commercial areas, commonly used for decorative purposes. It requires above 70% of humidity and above 55 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature, which allows for both indoor and outdoor growth.

However, most people confuse silver clouds with other Philodendron Mamei plants, even though they are different in terms of shape or structure. 

Factually, silver clouds contain more round shapes than their Philodendron cousins and are known for their climbing or creeping form of growth and development.

Fortunately, the maintenance of this plant is a breeze even for beginners. All you need is to follow quick but smart guides that will keep it healthier, become more beautiful and inhibit natural growth. 

For instance, when watering, you should first wet the surface of the soil and then wait for the water to dry before watering again.

In short, this tropical plant can be grown by anyone, with or without skills.

Origin and Classification of Philodendron Mamei Silver Cloud

It was Dr Thomas B. Croat who first discovered this rare plant, around the year 1883. Now, it has become popularly known for its large-scale plantations in both outdoor and indoor spaces, commonly developing in high humidity.

In conclusion, it belongs to the family Araceae, genus Philodendron and P. Mamei species.

Features of Philodendron Mamei Silver Cloud

The features of Philodendron Mamei Silver plants can inhibit various effects. This allows you to understand how you can apply better care to your plant depending on specific developments like watering and temperature levels.

In this case, we have gathered some common features that will result in a healthy growing plant. These include:

1. Height

Silver cloud plants can grow up to 3 feet tall and have leaves that are around 18 inches wide. This is the normal height of a mature and healthy plant.

However, the growth of philodendron silver clouds will only depend on how you care for them. Therefore, it is recommended that you prune it once in a while during the growing season.

2. Flowers and leaves

Silver cloud plants bloom to display a rare white to pale Aroid flower. The flowers usually show up during warm seasons like summer and spring.

On the other hand, they possess huge dark green leaves that grow on long stems. The leaves also contain deep veins and shimmery and eye-catching silver patterns.

3. Foliage and stem

Philodendron Silver clouds contain broad heart-shaped foliage with a silvery pattern. This foliage can grow and develop on a long stalk-like stem that can be about 4 feet long.

For a clearer vision of the foliage, the stems tend to grow points, commonly referred to as nodes, where leaves can attach themselves.

4. Evergreen

With an all-seasonal evergreen feature, this plant is commonly recognized for its heart-like and dark-green leaves. It can grow perfectly in very low light levels or bright indirect light and still retain its dark color.

This is why it makes a beautiful addition to any indoor garden for its natural herbaceous evergreen foliage.

5. Toxicity 

Most philodendron plants, including the philodendron mamei silver cloud, contain a toxin called calcium oxalate crystals. When ingested, the toxin can cause irritation and stomach problems in humans and animals. Keep the plant out of the reach of children and pets. And if your pet bites any parts of the Philodendron plant, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. 

Basic Care of Philodendron Mamei Silver Cloud

Taking care of a Philodendron Mamei can be a bit tricky, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll have your plant thriving quickly in a matter of time. This will depend on appropriate conditions like water, humidity and temperature levels.

Now, let us see how you can apply basic care in terms of:

1. Size and growth

Factually, a Philodendron Mamei can grow at a rapid rate, that is, up to 3 feet tall and 18 inches wide. The size of the stem can also grow up to about 4 feet high while the leaves grow around 1-1/2 feet long, especially for outdoor Philodendron Mamei Silver Clouds.

If you wish to accelerate the size and growth rate of your plant, then you can try pruning any damaged or unhealthy parts. But if you notice stunted growth, then it probably means that your plant has caught a disease or is being destroyed by pests.

2. Light requirements

Since Philodendron Mamei plants are adapted to growing in tropical environments, it is essential if you try to mimic this climatic condition. In short, try to grow your plant under partial shade or in low light conditions.

Using an ideal amount of light can help retain the color of the leaves and prevent the silvery spots from fading. As a result, your plant grows more healthy and rapid.

3. Water requirements

You should always water your plant at a medium level since too much water or little water can endanger it. In addition, try to poke your finger up to 2” of the top layer of the soil to check for dryness. This allows you to know when to water.

Watering Philodendron Mamei Silver Cloud is quite simple. Simply apply the soak and dry method, where you water the soil then wait for the surface to dry before watering again.

An important point to note is that over-watering can result in a disease known as root rot. Basically, when roots lack oxygen, they tend to die back and can spread this infection to other roots. Therefore, always ensure you water the right amount.

4. Soil requirements

Growing Philodendron Mamei requires a well-draining soil, that prevents diseases like root rot. It also needs rich soil for faster and healthier growth. You can easily enhance quick drainage by adding sand or perlite.

Furthermore, this type of plant is adapted to moist environments, try to include any organic material like coconut husk in the soil.

5. Sunlight requirements

Since this plant originates from tropic conditions, it is essential to provide it with around 6-8 hours of indirect sunlight every day.

However, if you expose the plant to direct sunlight, you may easily kill or injure it. As a result, leaves will be scorched while the silver speckles begin to fade.

6. Fertilizer

During its growing season, in summer and spring, provide the Philodendron mamei silver cloud with fertilizer. Ensure the fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the right quantities. Before applying the fertilizer to the plant, follow the instructions on the label. In addition, avoid overfertilizing the Philodendron mamei silver cloud, as it can cause fertilizer burn. 

7. Temperature and Humidity

Typically, the Philodendron mamei silver cloud thrives in locations with temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit can harm the plant. Also, this Philodendron species prefers high humidity levels. 

Even though the plant can tolerate slightly lower humidity levels, keep it in a place where it can thrive. Consider using a humidifier for this philodendron or misting its leaves frequently. Additionally, you can place a tray of water with pebbles close to the plant to increase its humidity levels. 

How to Propagate Philodendron Mamei Silver Cloud

There are numerous ways you can use to propagate Philodendron Mamei Silver plants, but the easiest one is cutting the stem. Simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Cut

First, you have to identify a healthy part of the stem that contains at least one more. Next, cut this part using gardening shears or a knife.

Step 2: Remove leaves

You should try to remove the leaves by pinching them gently. Do this on the lower part of the stem whilst ensuring you keep at least two leaves on the upper end.

Step 3: Plant

Plant the cutting into a pot with well-draining soil. Ensure you plant one node deep into the soil, around 3 inches. After, spray with water.

Step 4: Cover

This step requires you to cover the pot using a plastic bag, with the aim of trapping humidity. It allows roots to grow faster and encourage development.

Step 5: Bring to light

The last step is to place the pot under indirect sunlight. The process of root development should take around 3-4 weeks. After you are free to plant it anywhere you desire.

Common Problems Caring for Philodendron Mamei Silver Cloud

There are so many problems that your plant may encounter. So, try to watch out for any signs of diseases and pests before your plant does or gets destroyed.

1. Root rot

Normally, root rot is caused by watering failures. In this case, plant owners tend to overdo the watering process or provide poor drainage systems. Learn more here.

Fortunately, you can easily avoid root rot by watering your plant appropriately. Simply apply the ‘dry and soak’ method for a while, until the soil becomes moist enough.

2. Scale insects

These pests are usually black, gray, green or brown. They can attack your plant by forming small groups on the stem or branches.

The solution to this pest infestation is to eradicate these scale insects as soon as possible. You can either make a homemade remedy of bean oil (1tsp) with 4 cups of water or, purchase a suitable insecticide spray.

3. Damaged leaves

The leaves of this plant can either droop or become yellow or brown. Overdoing watering and fertilizing processes is the main cause of drooping leaves.

On the other hand, yellow leaves are a result of too much or less sunlight, while brown leaves, especially at the tips, are caused by too much sunlight or low levels of humidity. Therefore, try to keep your plant in adaptable environments.

4. Spider mites

Spider mites are a common problem that usually damages the leaves of your plant. This usually happens when the pests generate webs that interfere with growth.

Luckily, you can easily eradicate spider mites by using sink nozzle spray or any insecticidal oil. Moreover, ladybugs can move these destructive pests away from your precious plant.

Learn more from a similar post: Philodendron Ghost

Conclusion

Philodendron Mamei Silver Cloud is a rare plant that requires very low maintenance. The broad heart-shaped and dark-green leaves make it look gorgeous in both outdoor and indoor settings.

In addition, the plant tends to grow faster whilst doubling the size of the leaves within a particular period, to release striking features.

Buying Options

Nowadays, you will find numerous online brands selling Philodendron Silver plants at low costs.

For instance, you may find Etsy selling a specific type at USD 22.97 while Amazon sells it at USD 21.97.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Philodendron Mamei Silver Climb?

Philodendron Mamei Silver is popularly known to be a creeper. However, it can also climb if you use a sphagnum moss pole. The pole is usually coated in moss, which allows the plant to attach itself and grow upwards.

You can easily make a homemade moss pole by following simple and quick steps. Furthermore, the process demands a few tools like a pole, sphagnum moss, fishing line, and more. You can check out more information here.

If your plant can climb, it will accelerate the rate of growth and provide broad and deep-colored foliage.

What is the difference between Philodendron mamei and silver cloud?

In most cases, silver clouds contain rounder leaves than other philodendron mamei cousins. They also possess more eye-catching silver marks. This is why they are widely known for their striking beauty in both outdoor and indoor plantations.

You can quickly distinguish silver clouds from others since Philodendron Mamei petioles are narrower on each side. This implies that silver clouds will contain larger, or wider leaves. The green color will also appear deeper than other Philodendron mamei due to the silvery patterns.

Is Philodendron Mamei rare?

Factually, most Philodendron Mamei is very rare. There are numerous reasons that have resulted in its rarity. First, it may be because they are difficult to find, probably due to a lack of knowledge on origin, or any other feature. Another reason may be due to the high demand in the market. 

Now, take the example of silver clouds. These types of Philodendrons are rare since many people are intrigued by their heart-like leaves and shimmery silver markings.

Nowadays, Philodendron mamei silver, which was first discovered in 1883, has become rare due to its magnificent features. First, it grows very fast to showcase its beauty in both outdoor and indoor spaces. Moreover, it is very simple to maintain.