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If you’re looking to add a bit of tropical flair to your home, a philodendron atom is the perfect option for bringing some needed greenery to your space. It’s easy to care for, even for the most inexperienced of plant owners. But how big does this plant actually get?
A philodendron atom does not get very big. It can grow up to 30 centimeters (11 in) tall and 14 centimeters (5 in) wide. Unlike other types of philodendron plants, this variety doesn’t have any vines and doesn’t usually grow much larger than this size.
The rest of this article will tell you everything you need to know about the philodendron atom in regard to ideal growing conditions, proper care techniques, and potential problems to look for. Read on to gain a better understanding of this plant, so you can decide whether or not it will be a good fit for your space– both physically and metaphorically.
How To Promote Philodendron Atom Growth
The philodendron atom is an easy plant to grow and care for, making it an ideal choice for beginner gardeners who want to create an environment with a tropical feel. This plant has dark green leaves that will develop a waxy look as the plant ages.
Proper care will ensure that your philodendron atom has the opportunity to grow and adopt this waxy look and reach its full height potential.
Here are some key elements to promoting philodendron atom growth:
- Proper soil conditions
- Light requirements
- Temperature
- Humidity levels
Let’s explore each of these factors in greater detail.
Soil Conditions
The ideal soil conditions for the Philodendron atom consist of well-draining soil that still retains some water. It needs plenty of nutrients and moisture as a subtropical plant, but it doesn’t thrive when the roots are submerged in standing water.
Adequate soil drainage can be encouraged by adding in perlite or peat moss. Aim for soil that has an alkaline pH, as well. I make my soil by mixing one part each of regular potting soil, peat moss, and perlite.
This creates nutrient-rich soil with outstanding drainage.If I’m not up to making my own soil mix, I will purchase a premade soil solution instead.
I recommend this Philodendron Houseplant Potting Soil because it’s affordable, functional, and was manufactured specifically with philodendrons in mind.
This all-natural soil is designed to drain well while still retaining some moisture. It also includes worm castings which serve as a completely chemical-free natural fertilizer.
Light Requirements
Out in nature, you can find the philodendron atom on the ground floor of tropical and subtropical environments. This particular plant thrives in shade and indirect sunlight. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause its leaves to burn and turn brown or crispy.
Ideal Temperature
Proper temperature is extremely important for promoting growth. I keep my own philodendron atoms healthy by maintaining a temperature between 55°F and 85°F (12°C and 29°C).
This is not a plant that wants to experience the cold, so it should be kept warm at all times. If your plant is kept outdoors, make sure to bring it inside well before the first frost. Once inside, I keep it away from any drafty windows or doors.
However, extreme warmth is not ideal either. You should not let your philodendron atom be exposed to temperatures over 85 °F (12 °C) because this can cause damage. Make sure to keep it away from fireplaces, radiators, and heating vents.
If your plant is kept outdoors, bring it in on especially hot days to save it from potential exposure to direct sunlight and harmful heat.
Humidity Levels
Humidity plays an essential role in the health of any philodendron atom. It’s a tropical plant, so it loves humidity that is at least 55% and will do even better if the humidity is 60%. Unlike the heat, it can bear very high humidity levels, so don’t worry too much if its environment has excessive humidity.
Misting the plant regularly or keeping it in areas that tend to have higher humidity within your home can help maintain adequate humidity levels for your philodendron atom.
Bathrooms and kitchens tend to have high humidity levels, so you should consider keeping your plant in these areas if they also meet additional requirements like temperature and heat.
I also like to use a humidifier as well, just to add a little more moisture to the room. Sometimes, I also use a humidity tray to add more humidity to the space.
You can make a humidity tray with pebbles and water or purchase a premade one. I recommend this Humidi-Grow Indoor Plant Stand, as it has plenty of room for water underneath the plant, which can help create humidity consistency.
Caring for the Philodendron Atom
The philodendron atom is a relatively easy plant to keep alive and doesn’t require excessive care. It needs minimal attention to keep it growing strong and healthy.
Watering
Watering can either make or break any plant. It’s important to avoid underwatering in addition to overwatering.
I water my philodendron atoms just once per week in the growing seasons of spring and summer. I water it a little bit less during fall and winter months, usually about once every ten days.
Always check that the soil is somewhat dry with little moisture before watering your plant. Never let the soil dry out completely, even during the winter months.
Pruning
Pruning is the easiest part of caring for a philodendron atom because it doesn’t need to be pruned very often.
If I see any dead or diseased leaves, I cut them away immediately and then figure out what caused the problem. Aside from this, you shouldn’t have to worry about frequent pruning for a philodendron atom.
Potential Philodendron Atom Challenges
While a philodendron atom is a generally sturdy plant, there are a few potential problems to look out for that can often stunt or prevent growth.
Pet and Small Child Interference
If you have pets or small children, interference can pose a big issue for both your plant and your little ones.
It’s important to note that this plant is toxic to not only humans, but also cats, dogs, birds, and other pets that can potentially ingest it. The toxicity comes from the calcium oxalate crystals in the plant’s leaves. This can irritate the mouth, stomach, and intestines.
I keep my pets safe by always ensuring my philodendron atom is out of reach from their little paws. They love to explore (and nibble on) my plants, but an easy solution is to make them inaccessible.
These calcium oxalate crystals can be mildly toxic to humans, but only if they are ingested. Avoid this by keeping your philodendron atom out of reach for children who may find it intriguing.
Pests
Pests are a common issue for many house plants, including the philodendron atom. Most of these are small bugs that build a nest either in the soil or on the plant’s leaves.
Common pests include:
- Spider mites that typically infest under the leaves
- Scales that create yellow or rust-colored spots on the leaves
- Aphids that can drain moisture and nutrients from the plant, causing it to wilt and eventually die
- Mealybugs that can cause the leaves to wilt and fade in color.
You can address this issue by frequently checking your plants for pests or sprinkling cinnamon in the soil.
Conclusion
A healthy philodendron atom can grow about 11 inches (30 cm) tall. However, without the proper care, the growth of your plant can be stunted. To ensure that your plant is able to grow to its full potential, make sure to follow the tips included in this article so your philodendron atom can stay as healthy as possible.