Known for its distinctive pink, yellow, and cream coloration, the Strawberry Shake Philodendron is a beautiful variegated houseplant. This naturally occurring P. erubescens hybrid is notorious for being incredibly rare and expensive to get. It is native to the jungles of South America. Although it is particularly well-liked among collectors and lovers of houseplants, it is rapidly gaining popularity as more people become aware of variegated houseplants.
The strawberry shake philodendron needs specific care in order to thrive indoors, just as most tropical plants with variegation. The strawberry shake, like all philodendrons, is thought to be hazardous to children and dogs if consumed, thus pet owners and parents should be aware of this1. Homegardenartful.com is all the information you require for indoor strawberry shake philodendron growth and maintenance.
Strawberry Shake Philodendron Care
The strawberry shake philodendron is a philodendron that requires modest maintenance. It is vulnerable to reverting if its growth environment is unsuitable and needs extremely particular circumstances to keep its distinctive variegation. High humidity is also ideal for it, though most homeowners normally need to take extra precautions and use special tools. Remember that the strawberry shake, like many philodendrons, is a climbing plant that, as it gets older, needs a trellis or moss pole. Although it has a reputation for blooming in its natural environment, this tropical plant rarely, if ever, blooms when planted indoors.
Light
A lot of light is necessary for this variegated plant to keep its color. It should always be kept in bright, indirect light because its delicate leaves are susceptible to direct sunshine. The closest sunny window is ideal for a strawberry shake philodendron, but it should be placed so that the sun never directly hits the foliage. The strawberry shake philodendron could lose its variegation permanently and grow lanky and ugly if it doesn’t get enough light.
Soil
The strawberry shake philodendron needs a soil mixture that is both well-draining and capable of retaining some moisture. Choose a soil mixture made especially for aroids because it is made to be airy as well as well-draining. Making your own aroid soil at home is also simple. Just combine equal parts of perlite, indoor potting soil, and orchid bark.
Water
Never flood the soil; keep it evenly moist. You can water thoroughly after letting the top 1 to 2 inches of soil completely dry out to avoid overwatering. Before relocating the plant to its original location, you must make sure that all of the extra water has been allowed to drain from the pot’s drainage holes.
Temperature and Humidity
The strawberry shake philodendron should unquestionably be placed in any indoor greenhouse or greenhouse cabinet you may have. These tropical plants require high humidity and warm temperatures. The majority of the time, normal household temperatures are fine, yet they will thrive in warmer climates, especially when combined with high humidity.
However, most homes have too little humidity for the strawberry shake philodendron to flourish. The ideal humidity range for this plant is between 70 to 80%, which can be readily accomplished in a greenhouse setting but is challenging to maintain otherwise. However, if your home is dry, starting with a tiny plant humidifier next to your plant and growing it in a typically humid room, such as the bathroom or laundry room, is an excellent place to start.
Fertilizer
In the spring and summer, the strawberry shake philodendron only requires one fertilization each month because it is a medium- to light-feeder. Right after you water, use a balanced liquid fertilizer that has been diluted to half strength. Early in the fall, when you start to detect a dip in temperature, stop fertilizing.
Strawberry Shake Philodendron reproduction
Stem cuttings can be used to grow the strawberry shake philodendron much like other P. erubescens variations. Here are the quick and easy steps for propagating a strawberry shake philodendron.
- Cut a stem cutting from an ideal strawberry shake philodendron plant using a pair of sharp pruning shears or scissors. At least one leaf and between three and five nodes should be present on the cutting.
- Leave only the top few leaves on the cutting after removing the lower ones.
- To root the cutting, put a glass container with sphagnum moss or water. Here, either media will work well; ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you decide to utilize sphagnum moss, be careful to give it a preliminary soak to rehydrate it.
- Place the stem cutting in the container, making sure that the sphagnum moss or water completely covers the nodes at the stem’s bottom.
- Place the cutting in an area with lots of humidity and bright, indirect light. A clear plastic bag placed on top of the cutting will help to enhance humidity around the plant if your house is on the dry side. To stop mold from growing, be sure to get rid of it once a week for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Sphagnum moss should always be kept uniformly moist if you’re utilizing it. Refresh the water once a week if you use it.
- Cuttings can be placed in soil once the roots are at least one inch long. Plant the cutting in the soil of a small pot that has been prepared with a moist but quick-draining potting mix.
- After giving the newly planted cutting a thorough watering and letting the extra water drain from the container, place it back in a well-lit area.
Philodendron Strawberry Shake Potting and Repotting
A strawberry shake philodendron probably needs to be repotted once every one to two years, or whenever it outgrows its previous potting container, depending on its growing conditions. Your plant is ready for a new container when its roots begin to protrude from the drainage holes and begin to circle the interior of the pot.
The best times to report a strawberry shake philodendron are in the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing and more tolerant of being disturbed. Moving the plant to its new pot while reviving as much soil as you can requires selecting a new pot that is only 2 to 4 inches larger than the old one. The newly potted plant should be carefully watered before being placed back in its original location.
FAQ
How do you color a strawberry philodendron shake pink?
A strawberry shake philodendron’s variegation will be more pink the more light it receives. However, make sure the plant is always kept in strong indirect light and is never exposed to the sun.
Why is the strawberry shake philodendron rare?
This variegated philodendron grows slowly and might be a little challenging to take care of. It is an indigenous hybrid from Ecuador that hardly blooms when cultivated indoors, necessitating primarily manual propagation, which can take time and be error-prone. South American plants that are imported must also adjust over time, which is occasionally unsuccessful. These factors, along with the great demand, contribute to the strawberry shake’s rarity and difficulty in obtaining.
Where can I buy a strawberry shake philodendron?
This uncommon philodendron is probably not available at most nurseries and garden centers. Look online and with nearby plant collectors and dealers instead. It’s also a good idea to ask your neighborhood specialized plant shops if they can import one for you.