houseplant
Philodendron Rio is another kind of the pop philodendron plant . This variety has become quite popular with indoor plant enthusiast for their beautiful leaves and lower care requirement . In this clause , gardening expert Madison Moulton guide on you through all the step you ’ll need to follow so as to successfully plant , grow , and care for Philodendron Rio .
Contents
Rare houseplants areall the ragethis year . Joining the long list of collectibles , along with the ever - popularPink Princess Philodendron , is Philodendron Rio . The Rio is becoming almost just as popular as the Pink Princess , due to its stunning good tone .
A sport of the Brasil cultivar , thisHeartleaf Philodendronhas a engrossing variegation pattern unlike any other on the marketplace at the moment . It may be difficult to find as it has only been available for sales event in late years , but it is certainly worth the travail to look for for one .
Thislow - maintenancehouseplant is the perfect gatherer ’s item for new flora parents or experienced possessor likewise . permit ’s take a deeper look at this industrial plant , and help you envision out if it ’s the prefect pick to show off your indoor garden !
Philodendron Rio Plant Overview
What is Philodendron Rio?
The newly popular Rio is botanically know asPhilodendron hederaceum‘Rio’ . Philodendron hederaceumis also known asHeartleaf Philodendrondue to the shape of its leaf . They were previously fuck asPhilodendron scandens , and you may still add up across that name used in nursery or online .
Heartleaf philodendron are democratic trail plants commonly grow indoors thanks to their phylogenetic relation for tropical conditions . nearly relate toother Philodendrons , such as the rare and dear Pink Princess Philodendron , they arefavored for their foliation and interesting variegation patterns – especially when it hail to Rio .
The Philodendron genus fall under theAraceaeor arum menage . aroid are characterized by their flowers , yell spadix , that is surrounded by a colorful modified leaf . AlthoughPhilodendrons do n’t often bloom , especially indoors , you will note these flowers on other democratic arums like Anthuriums andPeace Lilies .
New to the market and quite hard to amount by , Philodendron Rio is oftenconfused for other sports like Cream Splash and Silver Stripe . Their varied variegation figure and colour are the prosperous path to recite false labeling from their real affair .
Due to their like emergence habits , Heartleaf Philodendrons are also lost for one of the most popular houseplant around , thePothos . But a look at the leaf shapes and fresh growth of these plant will allow you to chop-chop and like an expert tell apart them aside .
Philodendron Rio is one of the newestPhilodendron hederaceumcultivars . It has been cultivated since 2009 byGabriella Plants , a caller in Florida growing a wide range of interesting indoor plants .
According to the society , Rio emerged as a naturally occurring sportfrom aPhilodendron Brasil works . This explain the cultivar name Rio , after the Brazilian metropolis . Once the growers key out the genetic mutation was unchanging , they continued to propagate and begin sell Rio commercially a few long time ago .
As this works was only recently relinquish to the market , it isquite rare and unmanageable to find . It ’s dependable to buy directly from Gabriella Plants to ascertain the industrial plant you purchase is the material affair . However , they are often sold out and fetch a mellow damage due to their rarity .
you may also search for this plant on local marketplaces , such as Facebook Marketplace , or postulate friend who handle to get their hands on one for a cutting to circulate . verify you do your inquiry before committing – you do n’t need to spend lashings of money on a Philodendron that turns out not to be a material Rio .
Philodendron hederaceumisnative to Central America , also detect in tropical and subtropical forests around the world . This climbing iron has aerial solution that allow it to go up tree diagram in its born home ground , covering total tree trunks with vine up to 20 foot farsighted .
As the Rio sport mutate in nursery conditions and was sequester and propagated in the same space , you will not find any of these plants in the wild . However , that does n’t mean the mutation is n’t real .
The diversification you see in aPhilodendron Rio is not genetically make , dyed , or altered . It is a innate part of propagating generation of plants . Sometimes , these mutations are short - lived and can not be replicated . But , as we ’ve seen with Philodendron Rio , this genetic mutation has remain static through several generations of plant .
Although you wo n’t bump any naturally come Rio sports on a raise through a tropical South American forest , the aboriginal area of the speciesPhilodendron hederaceumdoesprovide some cluesas to the conditions this plant prefers , allow you to cater expert precaution and attention .
The interesting diversification figure of the Rio athletics is what has captured the attention of houseplant lovers everywhere . It is theonly cultivar with a extremely vary silvery cream color in the center , rather than just a single small stripe down the middle .
You ’ll notice deep immature farewell , with patchy area of emollient , white , ash gray , and light green grace the shopping mall of the leaves . Theleaves are slightly longerthan otherPhilodendron hederaceumtypes , cause some of the farewell to bend over more or less at the tips . There is also a fragile flexure along the fundamental vena of the leaf , create the leaves fold gently inwards .
Like other Heartleaf Philodendrons , this plant is a climber . The longsighted stems can be leave to trail from handbasket or along shelf . Alternatively , provide supports – such as a trellis or moss pole – to advance the growth of airy origin . This will aid your Rio grow longer stems quicker than if they were leave to grow without supports .
Where To Buy Philodendron Rio
Due to their tenuity , you are unlikely to find a Philodendron Rio at your local nursery . These plants typicallyonly come from specialized growersand are quickly snatched up when strain becomes available .
The first spot to look for this flora isstraight from the source – Gabriella Plants . This is the best way to ensure you ’re get the real thing . They are often out of stock due to high demand , but you could sign up for notifications when farm animal becomes uncommitted .
you’re able to also try your luck with otherrare plant growersin your area . They may also propagate and betray Philodendron Rio plants , either from local stores or online . Before purchasing online , ensure the company is reputable to avoid macerate your money .
Alternatively , online marketplaceslike Etsy or Facebook Marketplace may have Rio sports available . This is the riskiest way to purchase , as you’re able to not be certain what arrives will be the real matter . The industrial plant may also struggle during the transport process , leaving you with less cash and a beat plant at the oddment of the day . But , these marketplaces are normally the cheapest and easiest way of life to find and buy uncommon houseplants .
Whichever method you choose , check that youdo enough researchon the beginning before purchase .
How to Grow
Philodendron Rio , like other Heartleaf Philodendrons , isincredibly easy to care for . This down - criminal maintenance plant has similar care requirements to many other leafy houseplants , with a number of extra tending compensate to illuminate to defend the variegation practice .
Despite their rarity , Rio is an easy - survive plantgreat for beginnersor experienced collectors .
Light
Heartleaf Philodendrons are typically labeled tolerant of low-down lighting conditions . However , for variegatedphilodendron varietieslike Rio and others like Gabby , low light will cause a few problems .
To take you back to a schooltime biota lesson for a second – leaf carry chlorophyl which is essential for photosynthesis . Photosynthesis is the procedure that countenance plants to make their own intellectual nourishment using water , carbon copy dioxide , and energy from the Lord’s Day .
Variegated areas of leaves contain less or no chlorophyl , which is the grounds for their color change . This means less photosynthesis takes place overall , limiting the amount of energy a industrial plant has to grow and survive . In the right ignition conditions , this lower chlorophyl count is not an issue .
But , when the light is lower than expect , less photosynthesis takes place , and the works begins to struggle to raise . To correct the trouble , it grow more chlorophyll in the variegated persona of the leaves , turning them green . If left in grim light conditions , the leaves can reverse almost completely green , leave them with no diversification at all .
To avert this trouble , place your Rio in a smirch with bright indirect light . This mime the mottled sunlight the species is used to in their native habitats and continue variegation strong . A vivid way or area in front of a window covered by a sheer mantle is prefer .
ward off to the south or west - facing window with consistent or afternoon direct sunshine . This sunlight is more vivid and canburn the foliageif left for too long . Some morning direct sunlight is desirable for an hr or two per daytime , but not in summer when sunshine is more vivid in the earlier minute of the day .
Water
Most philodendron arenot heavy piddle users . They prefer their dirt to dry out slenderly before the next watering and can not handle sitting in moist soil for farsighted catamenia .
If your dirt does not drain well enough , the pot does not have any drain holes , or the lighting and temperature conditions are not enough to ensure evaporation , water will rest in the filth for longer than needed . Thesemoist conditions will begin to rot the etymon , leaving them ineffective to draw moisture and food up and to parts of the plant that demand it .
Wait until thetop 1 - 2 inches of soil have dry out outbefore watering again . This will prevent root rot without forget the plant ironical for long periods .
The industrial plant will manage well if you forget an occasional watering . But , in continually dry stain , the leaves will begin to droop and curl inwards , and may even turn brownish at the edges . examine the filth wet with your finger every few 24-hour interval to decide the right time to water supply .
invalidate water on a stern schedule . wet degree will vary day by day according to the environmental conditions and watering at even intervals can quickly lead to over or underwatering . Rather try the ground with your finger or a moisture metre frequently to maintain the right wet levels .
Soil
houseplant requirespecialized soilto originate in effect indoors . Garden soil typically does not run out well enough and can harbor pests and disease that spread to your indoor plants . Regular potting filth is better , but still not preferred , as it is designed for outdoor containers that dry out out quicker than containers indoors .
If you take a look at the soil of houseplants you purchase from your local nursery , you will notice a few amendment . The pocket-sized white rocks are a form of expanded volcanic glass screw asperlite . Perlite increases the space between soil particles , improve aeration and drain . You may also mark bark chips that attend to the same function .
Houseplant mixes also typically containpeat moss . However , you’re able to always use coconut coir – a sustainable alternative to peat moss that makes use of discarded coconut fibers .
The ideal houseplant premix for your Philodendron Rio is a combination of these elements . The intermixture should run out well enough to prevent antecedent rot while hold enough moisture to sustain the plant . you’re able to eitherpurchase a specialized houseplant commixture , or make your ownby fuse two parts potting dirt with one part coconut coir and one part perlite .
Temperature and Humidity
Native to tropic areas , allPhilodendron hederaceumspreferwarm temperatures and in high spirits humidity . However , these plants are quite adaptable and will still grow well in conditions slightly out of the range they are used to .
propose for temperatures between65F and 85Ffor the good resultant . Anything above 60F is worthy , but these plant will stop growing and may face cell damage in temperatures below 55F. As their foliage are thinner than their lookalike , the Pothos , they are not as resistant of higher temperature and will contend in shape above 85F , negociate up to only 90F.
In winter , make indisputable these plants are place in the warmest room and not next to cold windows . Any parting advert glacial window in wintertime will become damaged , with parts of the leaf dying off and turning black .
When it comes to humidity , Rioprefers status around 60%to match their jungle - similar habitat . Anything between 50 % and 60 % is suitable for optimal maturation .
abject humidity can cause the folio to dry out and turn dark-brown at the edge . To increase the humidity , place the plant on a tray occupy with pebbles and water orinvest in a humidifier . In winter , ensure to watch the humidness levels when heaters are run as they can dry out the air significantly .
Fertilizing
Compared to other sport , Rio is a relatively slow - growing cultivar . When first purchased , most growers will add enough plant food to keep the plant happy for around 6 months . After that , they will benefit from an occasional fertilizer coating but theyaren’t heavy feeder .
After a couple of calendar month of growth in the same stool , fertilize your Rioonce every two monthswith a balanced limpid fertiliser . you may also bring plant food stiletto heel to the land to publish nutrients slowly over time whenever you water . Only fertilise in spring and summertime when the industrial plant is actively growing .
Always read the instructions on your chosen fertilizer exactly . As these plants are not heavy feeders , anybuild - up of nutrients in the soil will have the roots to burn . Overfertilizing can cause the folio to yellow and fall off the plant life , so it ’s always upright to under - fertilize than over - fertilize .
Maintenance
These low - alimony plants are not indigent andrequire very minuscule upkeepand attention . However , there are a few things you’re able to do to keep the plant looking their best throughout the season .
Pruningis an optional task , usually done to keep the industrial plant succinct or when propagating . Pruning often is not a necessary , but it can be done once or twice a year to keep the stems to a realizable duration .
To prune , trim a few inches off the ends of the stem above a guest , leaving the node on the existing plant . This willencourage the plant to produce new growthat the web site of the excision , make the works bushier and more compact overall . salve any newspaper clipping you remove for later propagation .
Every couple of months , grab a moist cloth and wipe down the leafage . This better dehydration and gas exchange through the leaves , as well as sunshine absorption and photosynthesis . While you ’re engaged , check for signs of pests and disease and remove any junk around the base of the stems .
Propagation
Propagating Philodendron Rio is just as easy as propagating any Heartleaf Philodendron . The tenacious vines areeasy to propagate by stem cuttingto stem in either pee or soil .
Start by take a healthy vine with several leafage . Avoid any stems with dying leave-taking or stem wrong as this will limit your chance of take root . The stem should be aroundfour inches longwith a few leaf node ( the bump in the stem where leaves and airy roots emerge ) .
Cut the stemjust below a leaf node – not too skinny to forefend equipment casualty , but not too far to ensure rout . withdraw any farewell from the bottom one-half of the thinning , leaving at least one or two leaf on the top .
Then , rootle the cutting in either weewee or soil . Rooting in water is nimble and well-heeled to supervise , but rooting in dirt will produce stronger , more suitable roots for soil growth later on .
To root in water , place the cutting in aglass occupy with filtered or distilled water . The piddle should cover the bottom half of the newspaper clipping , leaving the top one-half and leafage out of the water . set the glass in a warm spot with collateral sunlight and change or top up the water every few days .
To go straight to filth , constitute the cut in a pot filled with a light and airy propagating mix . Keep the soil well - watered until roots begin to develop – usually within a few week . Gently draw out on the thinning after about a month to test whether roots have developed .
When the roots are an inch or two foresighted , transplant into a great weed using the soil mix bring up above .
Repotting
Philodendron Rios are small plant life thatdo not require repotting often . However , after a few years in the same pot , the soil will set out to degrade , ask a top - up . Plants in optimal conditions can also outgrow their pots , indicated by stunted growth or source grow through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot .
Start bychoosing a weed one or two sizes up . An excessively large flock can hold onto too much moisture , resulting in root bunkum . Clean the pot before use , especially if you are recycling an old potful that previously housed another plant .
withdraw the plant from its existing pot andshake off the sure-enough soil . Gently tease the tooth root to unpick them and check for any signboard of damage or rot . Trim off any problematical root with clean shear and rinse off the roots to remove any pathologic or degraded grease .
Fill a pot around 1/3 with the houseplant potting mix mention above . Gather the etymon and place the plant in the fresh kitty to level the pedestal with the new soil line of reasoning . Fill in any gaps around the side with more stain mix until filled to just below the flange of the pot . Don’t fill up all the way to the topas this can cause soil to shed out when you water .
tauten down the soil around the base to secure the plant life in place . body of water like a shot after repottingand move the plant life back to its original spot .
Common Problems
A common problem face by many houseplants is yellowing leaves . This problem has a identification number of causa , but the primary perpetrator is usuallyoverwatering . ensure you do n’t keep the territory too moist and repot any plant with signs of root rot .
If older folio slowly turn icteric and fall off the plant , there is no need to accentuate . This is part of theplant ’s natural lifecycleand does n’t designate any health issues .
However , if random leaves ( quondam and new ) begin turning icteric in spotty patterns , the problem is potential anutrient issue . ward off over or under - fertilizing by following the instructions in the care section above .
chocolate-brown leaves at the tips or over the integral leaf typically concern to amoisture issue . This could either be the final result of underwatering or a lack of humidness . Use a wet and humidness m to determine the cause and adjust accordingly .
brownish leave in patches are usually the consequence ofsunburn . Philodendron Rio is not habitual to direct sunlight for longsighted periods and abrasive ultraviolet rays can burn the foliage . Prune the affected leaves and move the plant to a more shaded post .
If intact leaves and stem turn brownish and begin to droop , you may have adiseaseissue . Provide decent air flow around the plant and prune away damaged leaves to deflect spreading the problem .
Irregular spotting on the leaf , company by distortion , typically betoken apest problem . Like other houseplant , Rio is susceptible to wanderer mites , mealybugs , and other pests that feed on the sap and leaf tissues of the plants .
Eradicate the trouble with ahomemade insecticidal soap or horticultural oil . go on to hold in two - hebdomad intervals until all plague have disappeared .
Wilting leaves can argue a problem withunderwatering or overwatering . These converse issues both result in a lack of wet in the leaves of the plant , either due to lack of weewee or to damage roots and stem respectively .
Check the land to determine which issue is most potential and adjust your watering .
Lightis of the essence in maintaining the stunning diversification of Rio . If your plant begins to lose its variegation , move it to a daub with smart collateral sunlight . Avoid lineal sun , as this can get the leaf to cauterize .
Frequently Asked Questions
Rio and Cream Splashmay look similar , but they are not the same plant . Cream Splash typically has a undivided variegated stripe run down the center , while Rio has a patchy variegated surface area cut through a large part of the center leafage .
Rio is a sport of Brasil , hence their intercourse in names . However , these two plantslook very unlike . Brasil has white-livered - green variegation , while Rio ’s is creamy ashen or silver medal . Brasil has more rounded leave than Rio , which are more elongated but keep the same overall shape .
Like other Heartleaf Philodendrons , Rio cuttings root readily in body of water or in soil . check that to top up orchange the water every few daysto provide atomic number 8 and limit bacterial growth .
Final Thoughts
This democratic fresh sportswoman may be voiceless to get your hand on , but it iscertainly worth a purchaseif you do blemish one . Despite what the rarity involve , Philodendron Rio is leisurely to care for and is tie up to zest up your home purpose . If you adjudicate that the Rio is not the perfect fit for your domicile garden , never fear , as there are plenty of different philodendron cultivars that will make your indoor garden space tonic !
