Spruce-leaved Philodendron Plant Care
Philonotion spruceanum Schott
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its unique cascading foliage resembling delicate lace, this plant hails from the cloud forests of Ecuador. Plant collectors are drawn to Philonotion spruceanum for its elegant appearance and rare beauty, making it a prized addition to any botanical collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to low light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Spruce-leaved Philodendron?
Water Spruce-leaved Philodendron every 7–10 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 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Spruce-leaved Philodendron?
Spruce-leaved Philodendron (Philonotion spruceanum) belongs to the Araceae family within the Philonotion genus. Spruce-leaved Philodendron is native to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador. Spruce-leaved Philodendron is also known as Philodendron spruceanum.
Spruce-leaved Philodendron displays a large, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Spruce-leaved Philodendron produces small, inconspicuous flowers surrounded by a colorful spathe.
Leaf size: approximately 10 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spruce-leaved Philodendron?
Philonotion spruceanum requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Spruce-leaved Philodendron Need?
Spruce-leaved Philodendron thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Spruce-leaved 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 Spruce-leaved Philodendron Prefer?
Philonotion spruceanum grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Spruce-leaved 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 Spruce-leaved Philodendron?
Rich, well-draining potting mix with added perlite and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Spruce-leaved Philodendron to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spruce-leaved Philodendron?
Feed Spruce-leaved Philodendron every 6 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 6 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 Spruce-leaved 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 Spruce-leaved Philodendron?
Spruce-leaved Philodendron can be propagated through division of rhizomes, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to american philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spruce-leaved Philodendron Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 Spruce-leaved Philodendron?
Spruce-leaved Philodendron is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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 Spruce-leaved Philodendron Need?
Spruce-leaved Philodendron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Spruce-leaved Philodendron is native to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Spruce-leaved Philodendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Spruce-leaved 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 Philonotion genus — compare its care with other Philonotion species on PlantoScan.
Philonotion is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Spruce-leaved Philodendron copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Philonotion spruceanum Schott, family Araceae (first published in Oesterr. Bot. Wochenbl. 7: 421 (1857)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Spruce-leaved 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 11a – 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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