Image: PlantoScan
Philodendron Spiritus Sancti Plant Care
Philodendron spiritus-sancti G.S.Bunting
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The Philodendron spiritus-sancti is a climbing plant with long lanceolate leaf blades.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
60–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Philodendron Spiritus Sancti?
Water Philodendron Spiritus Sancti every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 7 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Philodendron Spiritus Sancti Native To?
What Is the Philodendron Spiritus Sancti?
Philodendron Spiritus Sancti (Philodendron spiritus-sancti) belongs to the Araceae family within the Philodendron genus. Philodendron Spiritus Sancti is native to Brazil. Philodendron Spiritus Sancti is also known as Philodendron Santa Leopoldina.
Philodendron Spiritus Sancti displays a climbing growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Philodendron Spiritus Sancti produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Philodendron Spiritus Sancti?
Philodendron spiritus-sancti 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 Philodendron Spiritus Sancti Need?
Philodendron Spiritus Sancti thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Philodendron Spiritus Sancti in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Philodendron Spiritus Sancti Prefer?
Philodendron spiritus-sancti grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Philodendron Spiritus Sancti prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Philodendron Spiritus Sancti?
Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Philodendron Spiritus Sancti to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Philodendron Spiritus Sancti?
Feed Philodendron Spiritus Sancti every 7 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 7 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 Philodendron Spiritus Sancti?
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 Philodendron Spiritus Sancti?
Philodendron Spiritus Sancti can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to heartleaf philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Philodendron Spiritus Sancti Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Philodendron species (which includes Philodendron Spiritus Sancti). View the ASPCA entry
Philodendron spiritus sancti is toxic to dogs and cats as well as humans
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 Philodendron Spiritus Sancti?
Philodendron Spiritus Sancti 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 Philodendron Spiritus Sancti Need?
Philodendron Spiritus Sancti grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Philodendron Spiritus Sancti is native to Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Philodendron Spiritus Sancti as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Philodendron Spiritus Sancti 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.
Philodendron Spiritus Sancti thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-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 spiritus-sancti G.S.Bunting, family Araceae (first published in Phytologia 61: 441 (1987)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Philodendron species (which includes Philodendron Spiritus Sancti) as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: © PlantoScan.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11b – 12b, 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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