Philodendron spiritus sancti is this super cool, pretty and kinda hard-to-get Philodendron plant that’s really gotten plant lovers all excited in the last couple of years. The rich, deep green leaves and its bushy vibe make it a great add-on to your home or garden, perfect for giving your space a bit of a tropical twist. Here’s a cheat-sheet on how to take care of your Philodendron spiritus sancti—everything from potting it indoors to feeding it right. With the right know-how, these guys will have a good time growing for many seasons to come!

What is a Philodendron spiritus sancti?

Philodendron spiritus sancti is this super rare kind of philodendron, a kind of flowering plant that’s part of the Araceae family. You can only find this species in a tiny bit of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. It’s a big hit with plant collectors and fans because of its unique look, rarity, and cool backstory.

The Philodendron spiritus sancti is known for its massive, green leaves that have a weird, long shape and deep cuts that look like a feather or flame. This plant is a hemiepiphyte, which means it can grow on the ground and also like an epiphyte on trees, getting nutrients from the air, rain, and stuff that collects around it.

It got its name “spiritus sancti” from the Holy Spirit State of Brazil, where it was found. Sadly, the Philodendron spiritus sancti is super at risk because of things like habitat loss, deforestation, and its limited range. Right now, people are working hard to protect this rare and beautiful plant.

Philodendron spiritus sancti care overview

Botanical Name	Philodendron spiritus-sancti
Common Name	Santa Leopoldina
Family	Araceae
Genus	Philodendron
Mature Size	65 ft. long, 6 ft. wide
Soil Type	Loamy, Sandy, Well-drained
Soil pH	5.0 – 7.0 (Acid – Neutral)
Native Area	Brazil
Temperature	66 – 76°F (19-24°C)
Light	Bright, indirect light
Watering	Moderate
Humidity	60-80%
Fertilizer	Slow-release fertilizer – nitrogen
Propagation	Air layering
Toxicity	Toxic to humans and toxic to pets when ingested

How to care for Philodendron spiritus sancti?

The Philodendron spiritus sancti is a cool and unique houseplant that can make any home look better. It’s pretty easy to look after, as long as you give it the right surroundings and food. Here are some tips on how to keep your spiritus sancti Philodendron happy:

Light Requirements

When you’re taking care of a Philodendron spiritus sancti, light is super important. The best kind of light for this plant is bright but indirect. A little bit of direct sunlight in the morning could help, but too much could mess with the plant’s health.

The light should also come from above and not just from one side, or the Philodendron spiritus sancti might get lopsided or stressed. If you want, you can turn the pot around to give it even light, but don’t do this too much as it might stress the plant out.

Soil

Philodendron spiritus-sancti, just like other philodendrons, loves soil that drains well, is kinda loose, and nutrient-rich. To get the right soil mix for this plant, you can mix up the following stuff:

Peat moss or coco coir: These things are great for holding moisture while still letting air through. They also make the soil a bit acidic, which is what philodendrons dig. Use about 40-50% of peat moss or coco coir in your mix.
Perlite or pumice: These things help with drainage and aeration, stopping root rot and helping healthy root growth. Use about 20-30% of perlite or pumice in your mix.
Orchid bark or coconut husk chips: These things give extra aeration and support the climbing vibe of Philodendron spiritus-sancti. Use about 10-20% of orchid bark or coconut husk chips in your mix.
Composted bark, leaf mold, or well-decomposed compost: These organic things give nutrients and help hold onto moisture. Use about 10-20% of composted stuff in your mix.

Mix these components up well to make a soil mix that drains well and is airy, but still holds onto moisture without getting too soggy. Make sure that the pH of your soil mix is a bit on the acidic side, ideally between 5.5 and 6.5, because that’s what philodendrons like.

Remember, Philodendron spiritus-sancti is a rare and endangered dude, and growing it needs care and attention to its special needs.

Watering

When it comes to giving your Philodendron spiritus sancti a drink, the key is balance. Give your plant a good soak but not too often, only when the soil feels dry. If you can, use a tensiometer, and make sure that the soil’s moisture stays between kinda damp and wet throughout its growing time.

Watering too much or drowning the plant can cause root rot and end up killing your plant. Use water that’s room temp to avoid freaking out the roots, and make sure that it’s never sitting in water. Give your Philodendron spiritus sancti just enough water to keep it going without risking it getting too wet or overwatered.

Temperature

Philodendron spiritus-sancti, like most philodendrons, loves a tropical vibe. For the best growth and health, it should be kept at temperatures between 66 – 76°F (19-24°C). This temperature range is like the natural conditions of its original home in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil.

Keeping a steady temperature in this range is super important for the plant’s health. Avoid sudden changes in temperature or cold drafts. Also, making sure it has enough humidity, indirect sunlight, and well-draining soil will help this rare and beautiful plant grow successfully.

Humidity

For Philodendron spiritus-sancti, getting the humidity right is super important for its health and growth. Ideally, humidity levels should be between 70-80% to mimic its native tropical vibe. But if keeping humidity that high is too hard, keeping it between 40-60% is still okay, although the plant might not do as well.

To up the humidity around the plant, you can use a humidifier, put a tray of water with pebbles near the plant, or mist the leaves often. Putting it with other plants that love humidity can also help keep the moisture levels up. Remember that proper air movement is key to stop mold and other problems from too much humidity.

Fertilizer

Taking care of a Philodendron spiritus-sancti means fertilizer it the right nutrients to grow. Like other philodendrons, this rare plant will like a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that’s full of macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) as well as micronutrients (like calcium, magnesium, and iron).

Here’s a suggested fertilizer schedule:

Use a balanced fertilizer, maybe with a 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) ratio. You can also use a fertilizer made specifically for philodendrons or tropical foliage plants.
Dilute the fertilizer like it says on the package. In general, it’s a good idea to use a weaker solution than suggested to avoid over-feeding, which can burn the leaves or cause other problems.
Give the fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). In fall and winter, reduce the frequency to every 8 to 10 weeks or stop fertilizing altogether, as the plant’s growth will slow down during this time.
Always give the plant a good watering before and after giving it fertilizer to avoid burning the roots and make sure the nutrients spread out evenly.

Remember, the Philodendron spiritus-sancti, like other philodendrons, is sensitive to too much fertilizer, so it’s super important to avoid over-feeding. Keep an eye on the plant’s health and change your feeding schedule as needed based on how it’s growing and looking.

Repotting

Pick a pot with solid drainage when you’re moving your Philodendron spiritus sancti to a new home. Make sure the pot is a few inches bigger than the old one.

Fill the new pot with a light soil mix that drains well, then gently take the root ball out from its old home.
Pop the plant in the new pot and fill it up with soil mix, pressing lightly around the root ball to keep it steady.
Give it a good watering after moving it to help settle the soil and get the roots going.

Moving your plant to a new pot is a great time to check for any bugs or diseases on the roots of your plant. If you see any, make sure you deal with them before settling your plant back in its pot.

Put your Philodendron spiritus sancti somewhere with bright, indirect light and avoid putting it in direct sunlight. Moving can be hard on a plant, so keep a close eye on your Philodendron spiritus sancti after moving it for any signs of trouble or wilting.

Pruning

Giving your Philodendron spiritus sancti a trim is key to keep its growth even, and you should do it often throughout the year. Cut away any dead or damaged bits of the plant, like leaves or stems. You can also give it a trim at the start of spring or fall if you don’t see any bugs or diseases.

Trimming often also helps keep bugs and diseases away like Spider mites, Mealybugs, Bacterial leaf spots, and Root rot. Cut away any webs or white cottony clumps if you think you’ve got bugs. Sick parts of the plant show ring spots and slow growth; cut these off right away to keep your Philodendron healthy.

Related: Philodendron Moonlight Care And Grow: The Ultimate Guide

Spiritus sancti Philodendron Propagation

Since cuttings don’t root well, propagating these plants can be tough. Getting them to make seeds, though, is super hard, and a lot of seeds sold online aren’t real. Because of this, air layering is your best shot. If you decide to try this, be careful. Some people have found their plants get worse after being cut, so, the plant might die.

You’ll need sphagnum moss, plastic wrap, tape or twisty ties, a knife, soil that drains well, and a small pot with drainage holes. Then follow the steps below:

Start by picking a mature and healthy stem of your Philodendron spiritus sancti. Look for one with at least two to three leaves on it that has a good amount of root growth and not too many aerial roots (roots coming from the stem).
Carefully, using a sharp knife, make a clean cut through the stem about 10 cm above the soil. Make sure to leave enough stem on both sides of the cut so that your two cuttings can be tied together easily.
Put sphagnum moss (or another rooting medium) around the bottom part of the stem and cover it with plastic wrap, making sure to keep it tight. You can use tape or twisty ties to keep the plastic wrap in place.
Put the top part of the stem back onto the bottom part, and tie them together securely making sure there’s no gap between them.
Water your Philodendron spiritus sancti regularly, making sure the moss stays damp.
Check your plant often and look for signs of root growth, which should start within a few weeks.
When the roots are 1-2 cm long, carefully take off the plastic wrap and untie the stems. Cut through the stem below the bottom of the new root system with a sharp knife.
Plant the cutting into a small pot with drainage holes filled with soil that drains well, and water it regularly. The Philodendron spiritus sancti should start to grow new leaves in no time!

Philodendron spiritus sancti Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Philodendron spiritus-sancti, like other philodendrons, can get hit by common pests and plant diseases. Here are some of the most usual issues you might run into and how to deal with them:

Pests

Spider mites: These tiny critters can cause speckling or yellowing of the leaves. To keep spider mites in check, regularly wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and use bug-killing soap or neem oil as a treatment.
Mealybugs: These buggers show up as small, white, cotton-like clumps on the plant. Wipe them off by cleaning the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, and treat the plant with bug-killing soap or neem oil.
Aphids: Small, squishy bugs that can cause leaves to deform and turn yellow. Deal with aphids using bug-killing soap or neem oil, and think about bringing in helpful bugs like ladybugs to help control the population.
Thrips: Tiny bugs that can cause leaf damage, discoloration, and distortion. Keep thrips in check with bug-killing soap or neem oil, and keep a close eye on the plant for any signs of infestation.

Diseases

Root rot: This usually happens from watering too much or from soil that doesn’t drain well. To prevent root rot, make sure that your Philodendron spiritus-sancti is planted in soil that drains well and don’t overwater it. If you think you’ve got root rot, remove the affected roots, let the plant dry out, and then move it to a fresh pot with new, well-draining soil.
Bacterial and fungal leaf spots: These can cause ugly spots on the leaves and may lead to leaves dropping if not treated. To prevent and manage leaf spot diseases, keep the humidity levels right, make sure there’s good airflow around the plant, and remove any affected leaves. If the problem keeps happening, you might need to use fungicides or bactericides.

Make sure to check your Philodendron spiritus-sancti often for any signs of pests or diseases, and deal with any issues right away to keep your plant healthy. Keeping the area clean, giving it the right care, and making sure the plant’s needs are met will help keep the risk of pests and diseases low.

spiritus sancti Philodendron Care Common Problems

Caring for a Spiritus sancti Philodendron is pretty easy, but like any other houseplant, it can have some common problems. Here are five usual issues that might come up when caring for your Spiritus sancti Philodendron:

Underwatering: If this plant doesn’t get enough water, its leaves will start to turn yellow, brown and curl. While it’s tough, Spiritus sancti Philodendron still needs to be watered often.
Overwatering: Too much water can cause root rot, which will make the plant weaker and make it more likely to get diseases. It’s best to water this plant when the soil is dry about an inch down from the surface.
Fungal Diseases: If your plant isn’t getting enough light or air, it can get fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Make sure your Spiritus sancti Philodendron is somewhere with plenty of light and airflow to help prevent this issue.
Temperature Changes: This plant does best in a warm, steady place. If the temperature is too cold or changes too much, it can hurt the leaves and cause them to turn yellow.
Pests: Spiritus sancti Philodendron can get bugs like aphids and mealybugs. Keep an eye on the plant and treat it with a pesticide if needed can help prevent this issue.

These are just five of the most usual problems that might come up when caring for your Spiritus sancti Philodendron. If you take the time to learn about its needs, like watering, light, temperature, and pest control, your Spiritus sancti Philodendron should stay healthy and look great for many years to come!

FAQ about Philodendron spiritus sancti care

Why is spiritus sancti expensive?

Spiritus sancti is a super rare and sought-after kind of Philodendron, making it really wanted among plant lovers. Its unique leaf shape and stunning coloration are really attractive to collectors. Because it’s so rare, spiritus sancti is often more pricey to buy compared to other philodendrons. Prices for this plant can easily reach hundreds of dollars, depending on how big it is and its condition.

Is spiritus sancti a slow grower?

Yes, spiritus sancti is a slow-growing philodendron species. While other plants and vines might grow fast in both height and width, spiritus sancti can take months to even years before it has grown to the size you want.

Is spiritus sancti endangered?

Right now, spiritus sancti is not listed as endangered or threatened. It can be hard to find in the wild and it’s grown by nurseries for the purpose of sale, but its existence is not believed to be at risk. However, because it’s a rare species and many collectors look for it, some conservation efforts should be taken to make sure it keeps existing.

To wrap it up, the unusual and beautiful Philodendron spiritus-sancti needs careful care to survive. You can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this rare philodendron in your own home by giving it the right combination of light, water, humidity, temperature, and fertilizer. To protect the health and lifespan of your plant, keep an eye out for common pests and diseases and act fast if anything goes wrong.

We hope you found this Philodendron spiritus-sancti Care and Growing Guide helpful and informative. At FamiPlants Blog, we’re all about giving you expert tips and advice on all things plant care. Keep exploring our blog for more articles on various plant species, gardening techniques, and how to make your own thriving indoor jungle. Happy planting!

Philodendron spiritus sancti Care And Growing Guide