Philodendron Birkin plants are stunning houseplants and growing in popularity. Their beautiful variegated leaves that subtly fade as the plant ages adds style and sophistication to any plant collection. I’ve had one of these beautiful plants for months, and it’s the first plant new visitors ask me about. If you are looking for an easy plant with show-stopping looks, the Philodendron Birkin may be your perfect pick.
The Philodendron Birkin belongs to the Philodendron family. While Philodendron Birkin is the most common name, the official scientific name is Philodendron hybrid ‘birkin.’ Since philodendrons have a variety of variations, this label helps separate it from other plants in the Philodendron family.
Philodendron Birkin plants can make themselves at home in most indoor environments. With the right light, amount of water and moisture, your Philodendron Birkin can live well and produce the stunning leaves the Birkin is known for. Thanks to it’s forgiving nature, the Philodendron Birkin is really a fantastic option as an indoor plant. Knowing the certain light, water, temperature and humidity, this plant needs will probably let it become a healthy plant and keep growing for years to come.
How much light should Philodendron Birkin plants get?
The right lighting conditions are the biggest factor in helping the Birkin continue to produce large, variegated leaves with the cream and green patterns this plant is known for. While garden centers may market the Philodendron Birkin as low-light friendly, the reality is that this plant will take as much indirect light as you can provide. The more light, the faster, and bigger leaf growth you’ll see.
What does this mean in the real world? Bright indirect sunlight is the best for your Philodendron Birkin. Sunny windows with western or southern exposures are an ideal area for your plant. These plants will thrive in environments with up to 12 hours of daily light, with a minimum of at least 6 – although less light may lead to slower growth. It’s ok if your home doesn’t have perfect lighting. Inexpensive LED lights can easily help provide extra light energy to keep your plant happy.
While it may be tempting, avoid exposing your Birkin to direct, outdoor sun which can burn its sensitive leaves. You’ll notice these as brown, crunchy spots on the leaves that will be permanently damaged. If this happens, impacted leaves may not recover, but your plant should produce new, healthy leaves over time.
This is especially important during the summer season, when sunlight is strongest. Doing this will make sure your plant will not get burned. It is also better to stay away from dark environments like basements to make sure your plant is receiving sufficient energy from sunlight. Does your room get enough light for you to read comfortably? If so, it’s probably ok for your plant to do well.
Plants will always try to grow towards your space’s light source. You can occasionally rotate your Philodendron Birkin plant pot about a quarter turn every week. This additional action allows your plant get even sunlight. This step also stops your plant from leaning towards the light source. Finding the perfect lighting balance will go a long way to making your plant happy. It’s not a surprise that more than 50% of plant owners worry that their plants may not be receiving enough sunlight.
How much should I water my Philodendron Birkin?
Proper watering is vital for the long-term health of your Philodendron Birkin plant. Philodendron Birkin plants do well with a medium amount of water.
This means that watering once every 1-2 weeks will supply sufficient moisture and motivate strong root growth. Putting to use filtered water will most likely keep any hard chemicals out of your plant as well. The specific schedule will vary dramatically depending on the humidity, temperature, and lighting your home provides. Pay careful attention to signs your plant needs water. Soil should feel dry, but not like a drought. If your soil feels a little damp, your plant can go a few more days before it needs another check on watering. In time, you’ll learn the signs to look for to keep the water level balanced and your plant properly hydrated.
How to not overwater Philodendron Birkin plants
Do not overwater your Philodendron Birkin plant. The number one cause of plant decline and death is overwatering. At first, this may seem easier said than done.
What could happen if you overwater your plant? You may attract gnats or fungal infections that can be fatal. How do I prevent myself from overwatering my Philodendron Birkin? Wait until the top inch of dirt is completely dry between waterings. Being tropical plants, many people may initially think that the soil should constantly remain damp. This is far from the case, since damp soil is the bet way to attract pets and encourage root rot. If anything, these plants prefer to stay on the drier side, if only to ward away an issues that standing water otherwise attracts.
Placing your indoor plant in a planter that contains drain holes and a tray guarantees extra water can adequately drain out. By allowing excess water to go through the container, your Philodendron Birkin roots can stay drier than if the water was stuck in the container. Without proper drainage, your plant may experience insects and fungus as the root system sits in standing water. Our container guide will walk you through what to look for in picking your next plant pot.
How to prevent Philodendron Birkin under watering?
Underwatering your Philodendron Birkin plant can also cause decline. Any time the top inch of your plant’s soil feels dry to the touch, it’s the right time to water. Your timing does not need to be precise, and your plant may be a little bit flexible if you water a few days late. Look for visual symptoms of distress if your plant is dry and making an effort to keep moisture. Dropping and discolored leaves are a definitely sign you might have forgotten to water your plant.
Philodendron Birkin temperature range
Like many houseplants, Philodendron Birkin plants prefer average indoor temperatures. It’s no surprise that Philodendron Birkin plants do well at homes and workplaces given their flexibility. If your area has seasonal changes in temperature, it’s better to keep away from places that might be subject to cool drafts or substantial heat. Your plant will probably stay healthy and grow if maintained in an area that’s consistent at all times.
For this reason, it’s ideal to prevent setting your Philodendron Birkin next to drafty windows or exterior doors that get used often throughout seasons that experience extreme cool or heat. By managing a consistent interior temperature, your Philodendron Birkin plant will have a long, happy quality of life.
Philodendron Birkin humidity
Philodendron Birkin plants will thrive in high humidity, loving shady patios during the hot summer months. They can also be just as happy indoors with regular humidity levels. This makes them very popular with lots of people wanting to spruce up their home or office using an easy-to-care-for plant. If the humidity in your home or office is comfortable to you, your new Philodendron Birkin plant will probably do just fine.
How to manage humidity for Philodendron Birkin plants
Given that Philodendron Birkin plants want average humidity, it shouldn’t be hard to make your home feel welcoming to your plant. This could be more challenging if you are in a particularly dry environment, or have chilly winter months that might reduce the humidity lower than normal.
In case you find yourself in a drier setting, you can buy an affordable spray bottle to mist your plant’s leaves. Also, you may want to look at investing in a humidifier to add cool mist to the air for your and your plant’s advantage.
A consistent moisture level will probably stimulate a stable growth environment to keep your plant healthy.
Should you use fertilizer with Philodendron Birkin?
Like additional plants in the Philodendron family, Philodendron Birkin plants will respond well to fertilizer. It’s ideal to fertilize your plant right before the spring growth season. This will assist your plant get ready to grow. It may also be a great opportunity to move your Philodendron Birkin plant to a larger pot. You could likewise make use of this time to switch out old or compacted soil to promote new growth for the summer ahead.
Is Philodendron Birkin toxic to cats and dogs?
Sadly, Philodendron Birkin plants are not safe for cats, dogs, or other pets. The poisonous quality of these particular plants should make you take another look if this plant is right for your home if you have any pets around that have a tendency of eating some houseplants you may likely get.
What to look for in choosing the great Philodendron Birkin at the nursery
Think you can take care of a new Philodendron Birkin plant after checking out this overview on PottedPlants.org? At your neighborhood plant nursery, you may be able to find medium Philodendron Birkin plants that are 10″-15″ in height to take home.
When choosing your houseplant, closely look for any discolored leaves, insects in the soil, or other clues of neglect. This check will make sure that your plant is in good shape and will thrive when you take it home. Your new plant could take a handful of weeks to adapt to your house. Come back to reference this overview, and with any chance, you’ll have a healthy plant a long time to come.