Philodendron Whipple Way is a slow-growing variegated philodendron Plant. It grows beautiful variegated long leaves.

It is a climber and to grow it tall you should use a moss pole.

In the initial stage, the leaves stay green and as they mature, they turn pale green and develop dark green streaks.

Sometimes the variegated leaves look white, the bright indirect light turns pale green leaves to extremely pale green.

This gives them extraordinary color and white appearance.

Below is the complete care and maintenance guide for Philodendron Whipple Way. Follow the below tips and tricks to grow a healthy and thriving Philodendron Whipple.

What is Philodendron Whipple Way Plant?

Philodendron Whipple Way is a tropical rainforest plant. It is a slow-growing variegated climber. The general height of this plant is 5 feet tall.

But when we grow it indoors due to changes in its natural habitat. It only grows 2 to 3 feet tall.

I am using a moss pole to encourage its growth and my Philodendron Whipple is 2.5 feet tall. The size of its leaves depends upon the care and fertilizing methods.

General-purpose fertilizer is sufficient to help it to grow large-size variegated leaves.

Generally, this philodendron plant does not need much care. As we all know variegated plants have a low amount of chlorophyll pigment.

The same goes true with this plant and to full fill the light needs, you need to place it under bright light. The level of variegation is directly linked to the intensity of light it is receiving.

How to Grow a Thriving Philodendron Whipple Way?

Just take care of its growing needs and your plant will surely thrive like crazy. Below is my Whipple Way Philodendron growing experience.

Light Needs

Philodendron Whipple Way needs bright light for 7 to 8 hours per day. It cannot tolerate high-intensity light.

Therefore, keep it away from direct sunlight. For the best growth, its leaves need the full spectrum of light waves.

The sun is the natural source of full-spectrum light. The best place will be near the sunny-facing window. You can install a sheer curtain to protect your plant from direct sunlight.

In the winter season, I use grow lights to full fill the light needs of my philodendrons.

LED grow lights are the best to use for indoor plants. These lights emit a full spectrum of light and do not dissipate heat energy.

A good branded grow light costs you between $80 to $175.

Potting Soil

Use any Soil mix that drains extra water in a few minutes—no need to stick to a specific type of potting soil formula.

Fast-draining, aerated soil and light weight are the qualities that you need to look for in the potting soil.

I always buy different ingredients in bulk to make my potting soil at home.

Mix 20% perlite and 20% coco coir in general potting soil.

I do not recommend using garden soil for growing Philodendron Whipple Way. Because after watering the garden soil become heavy and waterlogged.

This increases the chances of root rot and leaf rot diseases.

These are deadly diseases and it is hard to treat infected plants.

Watering Philodendron Whipple Way

Watering is a crucial part of Philodendron Whipple Way care. It needs moist soil for 365 days a year. It is only possible when you give proper water to your plant.

The problem with watering is this philodendron plant is prone to root rot. We all know that overwatering is the cause of root decaying.

Therefore, you need to protect your plant from extra water. At the same time, you should also well-moisturize the soil.

There is one method of watering and is called the finger test watering technique.

This method can protect your plant from overwatering and also add a good amount of moisture to the potting soil.

First of all, check the moisture level of the potting soil. To do so poke your finger in the soil. If it has a good amount of moisture then do not water it.

On the other side, if the top 2 to 3 inches of the potting soil feels dry, immediately water the plant using fresh water.

What is the Best Water:

Distilled water is best to use because it does not contain chlorine and fluoride. Filtered water is easy for plants to absorb.

Chlorine in tap water cause damage to plant roots and results in blocked roots. As a result, your plant becomes weak and its leaves start turning yellow.

Temperature

Whipple Way Philodendron needs a warm temperature. 55 to 85 Degrees F is the ideal temperature range.

Keep the room temperature in this range for best-growing results.

Temperature shock is common with philodendrons in the winter season. To prevent temperature stress, move your plant away from large windows and doorways.

Place in a warm room but not near the heat vents.

The direct flow of hot or cold air on the plant is damaging to its health. Move it indoors if you are growing it outdoors.

Place a mat under the pot and also cover the plant pot with a warm cloth. This way you can protect it in cold weather.

Humidity

45% air moisture is the minimum level and 85 % is the max humidity level. Generally, we have home humidity between 45% to 55%.

To check the room humidity use hygrometer.

Steps to increase humidity:

Misting water:

Take a spray bottle and fill it with clean filtered water. Spray water on Whipple way leaves. Cover the plant in 2 to 3 sprays.

Keep in mind that wet leaves are prone to bacterial leaf spots.

Grouping Plants:

If you have multiple plants this technique is very beneficial. Place all your plants in a single room at a 2-foot distance.

Every plant release water vapor, when we group them, these vapors make a humidity balloon around them.

This technique is beneficial in a 5% to 7% drop in humidity.

Pebble Tray:

Take a tray and fill it with small pebbles, and add tap water (no need to use filtered water). Keep the water level 2 inches below the edges of the bottom tray.

This method is useful in 10% low humidity.

Humidifier:

This is the permanent and strong solution to low humidity. Choose an efficient plant humidifier and place it next to your plants.

Turn it ON and let your plant enjoy a good amount of air moisture.

Fertilizing Philodendron Whipple Way

To fertilize it, use general houseplant fertilizer. It has variegated leaves and they need a good amount of NPK.

Do not use fertilizers that are only rich in Nitrogen.

You should use balanced fertilizer I am using 20-20-20. Spring and summer are the best time for fertilizing Whipple Philodendron.

Use nutrient supplements once a month. To reduce fertilizer expenses, you must add some parts of compost to the soil.

Reduce coco coir to 10% and add 10% of compost instead. This way your plant gets a continuous supply of essential organic nutrients.

This helps it grow constantly and prevents nutrient deficiencies.

Pruning

Pruning is only required in the fall when you see some yellow and dead parts on your plant. This plant is a slow-growing climber. It does not grow dense.

Sterilize your tools before cutting your plant parts.

Use damp cotton to wipe its leaves. Remember that unhygienic surroundings and dirty leaves increase the chances of bacterial infection.

I use rubbing alcohol to disinfect my gardening tools. Also, wear garden gloves while pruning your plant.

Repotting

Repotting is not required for the first 2 years. Moreover, it likes to be a little rootbound. Always check the growth of your plant before repotting it.

Repotting is required for overly-grown plants. Check the soil surface if the roots are sneaking out of the soil. This means they need more space to live.

Secondly, if Philodendron Whipple way roots are growing out of the drainage hole. This clears that the current plant pot is now small for the root size.

They need a new large pot in short immediate repotting.

Repotting Process:

• Water your Whipple way plant 24 hours before repotting. This will make the soil lose and prevent damage.
• Tap on all sides of the plant and tilt the plant pot.
• Gently loosen the soil with your fingers, do not use any sharp tools.
• Garb the base of your plant and pulls it out of the pot.
• Remove the soil from the roots and check for signs of fungus.
• Cut the infected root and apply cinnamon powder.
• Take fresh potting soil and a new pot larger than the current pot.
• Plant your Whipple way in the new pot and fill it with new fresh soil.
• Add some water and follow the regular care routine.

Toxicity

Unfortunately, it is toxic to pets and humans. This is the reason I am growing it far from the reach of my kids.

Nausea, skin irritation, redness, and sore throat are a few of the toxic effects. The sap of this plant is toxic because it contains calcium oxalate.

It is toxic to humans and animals.

Ingestion of any part of this plant results in its toxicity.

To protect yourself wear garden gloves while working on this plant. Safely throw the trimmed parts in the garbage.

Propagating Philodendron Whipple Way

Stem cutting is the best method of propagating Whipple Way Philodendron. In this technique, we use healthy stem cutting.

You have two options of growing medium one is water and the second is potting soil.

In my experience, you should use water as a growing medium in propagation. It increases the chances of success.

Propagating Steps:

• Once you cut a healthy stem, remove the bottom leaves.
• Top leaves are required in propagation.
• Apply rooting hormone on the cut edge.
• Take a jar of water and submerge stem cutting in it.
• Makes sure the leaves stay above the water level.
• Place the jar in a warm place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep eye on the jar water and change it once it gets unclear.
• Within 15 to 20 days the stem cutting will grow new roots.
• Transfer the stem to potting soil once the new roots grow more than 1 inch long.

Troubleshooting

Pest Attacks

Spider mites, Aphids, and Mealybugs are pests that are common on houseplants. They build their colonies under the leaves.

These pests lay eggs in leaf tissue and you see dark spots on the leaves.

Slowly they suck the sap of the plant and your plant goes into a nutrient-deficient state. It starts drooping and dying slowly.

Inspect your plant for pests while watering.

Insecticidal soap is the best solution to pest problems. Spray the liquid soap on your plant and rinse it with normal tap water.

Keep it separate and give it little extra attention.

Rubbing alcohol is another method of killing plant pests. But it is time-consuming and I don’t recommend it in this case.

Less Variegation

Variegation is linked with the amount of light your plant is receiving. Variegated plants have less amount of chlorophyll pigment.

They should expose to bright light for hours.

When you place a variegated plant in low light. Its leaves will lose the variegated portion.

To encourage your plant to produce good variegation. You must expose your plant to bright indirect light.

It will regain its variegation in a few days.

Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves indicate a problem in the root zone. Overwatering is the cause of root rot. And root rot is the cause of the yellowing of leaves.

Immediately unpot your plant and inspect its roots. Cut the damaged roots with sharp shears. Wash the pot with dishwashing soap.

Throw the potting soil and use fresh soil to replant your Whipple way.

Leaf tips Turning Brown

Lack of sufficient humidity turns healthy leaf tips brown and crispy. Whipple Way leaves absorb a good amount of moisture from the air.

They use this moisture for various purposes.

The dry air push plants to use moisture that is stored in leaves. The lack of moisture turns healthy variegate leaves into brown crispy leaves.

Conclusion

Philodendron Whipple Way is a plant that needs less care as compared to other variegated philodendrons. It can survive in moderate home humidity and low light.

Watering is the part that you need to master to grow without facing problems. Use neem oil to keep it protected from many types of pests and fungal infections.

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