Philodendron billietiae care guide
Philodendron billietiae
Also known as: Billietiae
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Leaves, stems, and petioles contain calcium oxalate; chewing causes mouth pain, drooling, and vomiting, so keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian, or a doctor for a child, if eaten.
How often to water Philodendron billietiae
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 5 days
- Water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide, using a chunky, fast-draining mix that lets air reach the roots.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- Generally water a day or two after the soil dries; the mix dries more slowly as it cools.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 10 days
- Water sparingly about three to four days after the soil dries, and wait longer still in a cool room.
Light and placement for Philodendron billietiae
A bright spot out of direct sun is about right; in low light the leaves stay small and narrow and the orange petioles look dull, and summer afternoon sun is best avoided.
Overwintering Philodendron billietiae
Overwintering guide: 12°C (54°F) or above
It is tender, so overwinter it in a warm room above about 12°C; over 15°C the leaves hold up better, and misting or a humidifier offsets dry air.
Fertilizing and repotting Philodendron billietiae
Fertilizer
While new leaves are forming from May to September, diluted liquid feed about every two weeks; the big leaves use nutrients, but strong feed harms the roots, and none is needed in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Philodendron billietiae
- Grown without support, the stem flops and the leaves stay small.
- Cold plus wet soil in winter rots the roots, and the leaves yellow and drop.
- In dry air new leaves fail to unfurl cleanly and brown at the edges.
Tips for growing Philodendron billietiae
- It is a climber; letting the aerial roots grip a thick pole gives longer, larger leaves.
- The long leaves get heavy, so a weighty, stable pot makes it easier to manage.
- The orange petioles deepen as the plant matures, so keep it in good light.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
