Philodendron martianum, native to Brazil, is one of the easiest foliage plants to keep at home. Collectors call it the ‘fat boy’ because of its swollen, spongy leaf stalks, which store water.
Yet, to have nicely shaped leaves with chubby petioles, at least you need to show your love by implementing some basic ways to take care of this plant.
It does not climb. Instead it grows slowly into a compact rosette and can still reach more than 100 cm (3 ft) as a mature plant.
Its distinctive features are leathery leaves and fat petioles, with a brighter green color in the lower part. This plant can grow beautifully in a rosette form, colored a shiny dark green.
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| Need | What it likes |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light; gentle morning sun is fine |
| Water | When the top half of the soil is dry, about once a week or less |
| Soil | Fast-draining aroid or peat-based mix |
| Temperature | 15 to 35 °C (60 to 95 °F); ideal around 20 to 22 °C |
| Humidity | Moderate to high |
| Feeding | Balanced organic fertilizer monthly in spring and summer |
Lighting
Before you buy these plants, you need to know how to take care of Philodendron martianum. The first thing you should learn is about the original habitat. Being a member of the Araceae plant family, Philodendron martianum can be found mostly in the understory of rainforest trees.
Therefore, this tropical plant does not need direct sunlight. Give it bright, indirect light: near an east-facing window, or a few feet back from a south- or west-facing one. Gentle morning or late-afternoon sun is fine. In low light the leaf stalks stretch and the plant loses its compact shape.
Some of the time, you can put this under the sun, but it’s better not to do this in the long run because it will scorch the leaves. To keep this plant alive during the winter, or if it happens that you live in the northern area, plant it in a pot so that you are able to bring it indoors and use artificial light as a replacement for sunlight.
Philodendron Martianum
Soil
There are two ways to grow this Philo, plant it directly on the ground or put it in a pot. The best media to grow Philodendron martianum for the latter option is peat or aerated soil for the best result.
The consideration of Philo hating the drenched soil needs to be taken into account. Therefore, you should choose a medium with fast drainage. Additional brick or gravel could be another option too.
If you prefer to have this on the ground, mixing the sand with compost is the best way to get a better result. If you are afraid of its overmoisturization, plant it on the mound so that the natural draining can prevent it from rotting.
Water
One essential aspect you need to note is that this fat boy hates soggy ground because it will make its roots rot quickly. Then, this eases you into only watering it once a week or less, depending on the season and humidity of your place.
Whenever the top soil looks dry—or completely dry—you can water it sufficiently without letting this plant get drenched.
You do not need to worry as this plant can survive longer in a drought period because its petioles store more water. However, you can keep it moist by spraying water on it several times a week especially during the winter.
Anytime you see your Fat Boy showing yellowing leaves, watch it out because it is a sign of overwatering.
Temperature
Imitating its origin in Brazil, you can provide a temperature range for this plant that ranges from 15 to 35⁰C (60 to 95⁰F) which becomes its temperature tolerance.
To be more specific and ideal, it should be around 20 to 22⁰C (68 to 71⁰F). If the winter comes, keep it inside so that it will not be exposed in the temperature below 15⁰C or you will find your Philodendron martianum stops growing.
Humidity
Because of its tropical origin, this philo requires a high level of humidity. It may be unavoidable at times to be at a low humidity level, which is acceptable for this plant. Still, maintaining its moisture is the key to letting it survive. Sometimes, you can wipe its leaves with a wet sponge so that they stay fresh and look beautiful.
Fertilization
Fertilizer can be given to Philodendron martianum although in fact it is not really necessary. You can do it every month or less during spring and summer as the best season. In winter, you need to cut the feeding portion.
The best fertilizer to feed your Fat Boy is well-balanced organic fertilizer with good quality. Avoid the one containing high salt because it will cause root damage and even kill the plant.
Also, the best time to fertilize this plant is during the growing months or when it is small so that it can grow faster.
Potting
If you aim this Philo to be an ornamental plant indoors, prepare a considerable large and deep container with a diameter at least 25cm. This will enable the plant to breathe and spread out. When this Fat Boy grows bigger over the pot, you can do repotting. On a regular basis, this can be done once in two years.
Common problem
Noticing problems that often attack Philodendron martianum is relatively easy. First, if you see that the leaves start yellowing or suddenly wilting, the overwatering should be blamed for this.
Then, you need to check the roots immediately to see whether they have rotted or not. To save this from getting worse, you can do some repotting and drain the soil as fast as you can.
In contrast with the previous problem, Philodendron can suffer from underwatering too, although it is able to store water in its petioles. One indication of this problem is the dry edge of the leaves and it looks brownish.
Another thing to notice from the leaves is the pale green color that indicates a low exposure of light. The only thing to do is to move your plant to a spot with more sunlight.
The last thing you should watch out for is keeping your pet away, if you have any, whenever it shows an interest in chewing this plant. Philodendron martianum is not pet-friendly because it is toxic to dogs and cats. The symptoms shown by digesting this are vomiting, drooling, and lack of appetite.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Philodendron martianum called fat boy?
Because of its thick, swollen petioles. They hold water, which also makes the plant forgiving when you miss a watering.
Does Philodendron martianum climb?
No. It is a self-heading philodendron that grows outward from a central crown, so it does not need a moss pole.
Is it toxic to pets?
Yes. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, like other philodendrons. Keep it away from cats and dogs.
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To take care philodendron martianum you also can read reference: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/8/3/8327
