Philodendron Birkin care guide
Philodendron Birkin
Also known as: Birkin philodendron
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Leaves and stems contain calcium oxalate; chewing causes mouth pain, swelling, 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 Birkin
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 5 days
- Water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide, and empty the saucer so the base of the plant does not stay wet.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- Generally water a day or two after the soil dries, spacing it out once new leaves come more slowly.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 10 days
- Water lightly about three to four days after the soil dries, on the morning of a mild day.
Light and placement for Philodendron Birkin
A bright window behind a sheer curtain is about right; the white pinstripes show best in good light and fade toward green in dim spots, while direct sun scorches the leaves.
Overwintering Philodendron Birkin
Overwintering guide: 10°C (50°F) or above
Overwinter it indoors above about 10°C, moving it from the window toward the middle of the room at night and keeping it fairly dry, out of the heater's airflow.
Fertilizing and repotting Philodendron Birkin
Fertilizer
From May to September, diluted liquid feed about every two to three weeks is enough for this compact cultivar; give none in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Philodendron Birkin
- In low light the white stripes on new leaves fade to plain green.
- Overwatering damages the roots and the lower leaves yellow first.
- In a dry room spider mites leave the leaves speckled and dull.
Tips for growing Philodendron Birkin
- New leaves open greener and gain their stripes as they mature, so give pale young leaves time.
- It forms a clump rather than climbing, so it needs no pole; turn the pot now and then to keep it even.
- Reddish or all-green leaves can appear; removing reverted shoots early helps keep the pattern.
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.
