Simmonds Philodendron Plant Care
Philodendron simmondsii Mayo
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Philodendron simmondsii is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, endemic to Trinidad. A climber, it is known from only four stations in the wet tropical forest of Trinidad, and is assessed as Endangered.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to low light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Simmonds Philodendron?
Water Simmonds 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. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Simmonds Philodendron?
Simmonds Philodendron (Philodendron simmondsii) belongs to the Araceae family within the Philodendron genus. Simmonds Philodendron is native to Trinidad.
Simmonds Philodendron displays a vining, climbing growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Simmonds Philodendron produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Simmonds Philodendron?
Philodendron simmondsii 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 Simmonds Philodendron Need?
Simmonds Philodendron thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Simmonds 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 Simmonds Philodendron Prefer?
Philodendron simmondsii grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Simmonds 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 Simmonds Philodendron?
Well-draining, aerated potting mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Simmonds Philodendron to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Simmonds Philodendron?
Feed Simmonds 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 Simmonds 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 Simmonds Philodendron?
Simmonds 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 Simmonds Philodendron Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
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 Simmonds Philodendron?
Simmonds 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 Simmonds Philodendron Need?
Simmonds Philodendron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Simmonds Philodendron is native to Trinidad. In cooler regions, grow Simmonds Philodendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Simmonds 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.
Simmonds 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 simmondsii Mayo, family Araceae (first published in Aroideana 4: 20 (1981)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Simmonds Philodendron is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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