Image: AI generated
Silver Sword Philodendron Plant Care
Philodendron hastatum K.Koch & Sello
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Originating from Brazil, this plant's most striking feature is its sleek, elongated silver-blue leaves that shimmer in the light. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique color and shape, making it a coveted addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to low light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Silver Sword Philodendron?
Water Silver Sword Philodendron every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Silver Sword Philodendron?
Silver Sword Philodendron (Philodendron hastatum) belongs to the Araceae family within the Philodendron genus. Silver Sword Philodendron is native to Brazil, Peru. Silver Sword Philodendron is also known as Heartleaf Philodendron, Spearleaf Philodendron.
Silver Sword Philodendron displays a vining, climbing growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Silver Sword Philodendron produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Silver Sword Philodendron?
Philodendron hastatum requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Silver Sword Philodendron Need?
Silver Sword Philodendron thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Silver Sword Philodendron in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Silver Sword Philodendron Prefer?
Philodendron hastatum grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Silver Sword Philodendron prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Silver Sword Philodendron?
Well-draining, aerated potting mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Silver Sword Philodendron to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Silver Sword Philodendron?
Feed Silver Sword Philodendron every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Silver Sword Philodendron?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Silver Sword Philodendron?
Silver Sword Philodendron can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to billietiae philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Silver Sword Philodendron Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Philodendron species (which includes Silver Sword Philodendron). View the ASPCA entry
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Silver Sword Philodendron?
Silver Sword Philodendron is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Silver Sword Philodendron Need?
Silver Sword Philodendron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 13. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Silver Sword Philodendron is native to Brazil, Peru. In cooler regions, grow Silver Sword Philodendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 13
Keep exploring plants
Silver Sword Philodendron is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Philodendron genus — compare its care with other Philodendron species on PlantoScan.
Philodendron is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Silver Sword Philodendron copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Philodendron Species
Other Philodendron species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Philodendron hastatum K.Koch & Sello, family Araceae (first published in Index Seminum (B, Berolinensis) 1854(App.): 7 (1855)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Philodendron species (which includes Silver Sword Philodendron) as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 13, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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