Philodendron Tortum

Complete Care Guide for Philodendron Tortum

Philodendron Tortum, also known as the “Skeleton Key Philodendron” for its unique, deeply lobed leaves, is a standout choice among rare houseplants. Its narrow, skeletal-like foliage gives it a striking appearance and brings an exotic, tropical touch to any indoor plant collection. Here’s a full guide to help you care for your Philodendron Tortum and keep it thriving.

1. Light Requirements

• Bright, Indirect Light: Philodendron Tortum does best in bright, indirect light, which promotes healthy growth and vibrant color. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the delicate leaves to burn.
• Tolerates Moderate Light: It can adapt to medium light levels but may grow more slowly. An east-facing window or a spot with filtered light is ideal.

2. Watering

• Allow Soil to Partially Dry: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Consistent moisture is key, but the plant should not sit in water, as it is prone to root rot.
• Reduce Watering in Winter: During colder months, water less frequently to match the plant’s slower growth rate.
• Humidity: This tropical plant prefers high humidity (60% or more). To increase humidity, mist the plant, place it near a humidifier, or set it on a tray of water with pebbles, especially if your home environment is dry.

3. Temperature

• Optimal Range: The ideal temperature range for Philodendron Tortum is between 65-85°F (18-29°C). It prefers warmth but should be kept out of direct heat sources.
• Avoid Temperature Drops: Protect this plant from temperatures below 55°F (13°C) and avoid placing it near drafts or air conditioners.

4. Soil Requirements

• Well-Draining, Aroid Mix: Use a chunky, well-draining mix, such as a blend of potting soil, orchid bark, perlite, and a bit of charcoal. This mix helps prevent water retention while giving the roots ample room to breathe.
• pH Level: A slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0-7.0 is optimal.

5. Fertilizing

• Fertilize During Growing Season: Feed Philodendron Tortum with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer.
• Hold Off in Winter: In winter, the plant enters a rest period, so avoid fertilizing to prevent salt buildup in the soil.

6. Pruning and Maintenance

• Prune Sparingly: Philodendron Tortum generally doesn’t require much pruning. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves as needed to encourage healthy growth.
• Clean the Leaves: Due to the intricate structure of its leaves, dust can settle on them. Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean and support photosynthesis.

7. Propagation

• Stem Cuttings with Nodes: Philodendron Tortum is best propagated through stem cuttings with at least one node. Place the cutting in water or directly into a moist potting mix, ensuring the node is in contact with the soil or water.
• High Humidity for Rooting: For successful propagation, keep the cutting in a warm, humid environment with indirect light to encourage root development.

8. Common Issues and Solutions

• Yellowing Leaves: Overwatering is a common cause of yellowing leaves. Ensure the pot has good drainage and let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
• Brown Leaf Edges: This may indicate low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity around the plant and adjust your watering schedule as needed.
• Pests: Philodendron Tortum can be susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Regularly inspect the leaves, especially on the undersides, and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

9. Repotting

• Repot Every 1-2 Years: Repotting every 1-2 years or when you see roots emerging from the pot helps keep the plant healthy. Choose a pot that’s slightly larger to give the roots room to grow and refresh the soil.
• Use a Pot with Drainage: Ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom and causing root rot.

Summary Care Tips

• Light: Bright, indirect light.
• Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry; reduce watering in winter.
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity (60%+); mist or use a humidifier if needed.
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C), avoid cold drafts.
• Soil: Well-draining, chunky aroid mix.
• Fertilizer: Every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer.

With the right care, your Philodendron Tortum will reward you with its distinctive, exotic foliage that brings a unique tropical vibe to your indoor space. Enjoy the beautiful structure and fascinating look of this rare plant!

Shipping within the USA:

At UrbanPlantNook, we provide nationwide shipping services. Utilizing specially designed plant packaging, we expedite the delivery of plants across the country. Through rigorous testing and refinement, we have developed a winning formula to ensure the highest quality plants upon delivery.

We’ve established reliable partnerships with USPS to facilitate the delivery of plants throughout North America. We are so confident in these partnerships that we guarantee your plants will arrive in excellent condition.

Order Processing:

We maintain year-round shipping, unaffected by local weather conditions. Typically, your order is processed within 2-5 business days from the date of your order placement. Once we’ve shipped your order, you will promptly receive an USPS Tracking Number to track the delivery progress in detail.

Shipping Fees:

Our shipping fees are straightforward. At checkout, you will be charged a flat rate of $9.99 for all orders, regardless of their size and location in the United Stated. However, we also have a fantastic offer: if your order total exceeds $50, you qualify for free shipping.

• Flat Shipping Rate $9.99 for order under $49.99
• Free shipping for order more than $50.00

Note: If your order is $199.00 or above, please choose the free shipping method during the checkout process.

Delivery Timeline:

Your parcel is expected to reach your doorstep within a span of 7-14 working days. It’s important to note that the precise delivery timeframe depends on the USPS Delivery Schedule, over which we have limited control. However, rest assured that as soon as your order is dispatched, you will receive a USPS Tracking Number for real-time monitoring.

Our Guarantee:

We take meticulous care in packaging our plants to ensure they arrive in pristine condition. Every plant comes with a 7-day guarantee, providing coverage in case it arrives damaged. If you encounter any issues with your order, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email.

We stand firmly behind our products and aim for your complete satisfaction. When you purchase plants from UrbanPlantNook, you can do so with confidence, knowing that your purchase is risk-free.

International Shipping:

As of now, we are only able to provide shipping services within the United States.

Absolutely, we offer a shipping guarantee. We carefully pack each plant in a sturdy carton box to ensure safe delivery. In the rare event of shipping damage, you have a 7-day window to request a refund or replacement. For more detail, please check our Return & Refund & Replacement Policy

We meticulously package our plants for safe delivery in custom-fitted, sturdy carton boxes. These boxes are designed to prevent any shifting during shipment, ensuring your plants arrive in excellent condition. For detailed packaging information, please refer to this link: Our Packing Process

Certainly, should you wish to make changes or cancel your order, kindly reach out within 12 hours of order confirmation. Once your order reaches the "Packing" status, it becomes unmodifiable. For further information, please refer to this page: Order Cancellation & Modification Policy

If you're unsure about your USDA Zone, you can find it by following this link: USDA Zone Map