PHILODENDRON 'CONGO' TM PPAF
Philodendron 'Congo' TM PPAF is a medium to
large, self-heading Philodendron with very thick, glossy leaves suitable for interior use
in 8" to 10" containers.
HANDLING LINERS
Liners of 'Congo' should be potted up as
soon as possible after delivery. Plant them deep so that the base of the plant is covered
with soil. Plant first into 4" or 6" pots. After a full root-ball has developed,
pot up into larger pots. For fullness, use 2 to 3 plants for a finished 10"
container.
SOIL
'Congo' requires a light, well-drained soil and good aeration. Use mixes such as 50%
Canadian peat, 30% bark, and 20% perlite; or 60% Canadian peat, 25% bark, and 15% perlite.
The pH should be between 5.5 and 6.0. In order to keep the pH at this level, use a modest
amount (2-3#) of dolomite per cubic yard (depending on the pH of the peat). Incorporate 1
to 2# gypsum for additional calcium. If the pH creeps above 6.0, top dress with granular
sulfur (15 grams per 10" pot should suffice), or drench with iron sulfate. Canadian
peat is helpful in maintaining a low pH.
FERTILIZER
'Congo' is a fairly heavy feeder. Incorporate a slow release fertilizer such as 15-9-12
with I lb./cubic yard of magnesium sulfate into the soil before planting. 'Congo' is a
fast growing philodendron, so when roots are well developed (about 6-8 weeks after
planting) the plants can be fertilized with a liquid fertilizer such as 24-8-16 or
20-10-20 at a rate of 150 to 200 ppm N (EC-1-1.5) maintaining soil EC~1.0. As plants
mature, apply additional Magnesium weekly.
WATER
Over-watering will induce root rot in Philodendrons. While the young plants establish
new roots keep the soil evenly moist but do not over water. After the roots have
penetrated beyond the liner root ball, monitor moisture levels carefully.
LIGHT
In order to maintain good foliage color and growth, light levels should be kept between
1500 to 2500 fc. (73%-80% saran). Higher light may cause yellowing and susceptibility to
diseases.
TEMPERATURE
The optimum day temperature for 'Congo' is 76 to 86o F, with soil
temperature no less than 65. Although the plant will tolerate temperatures as high as 104
for brief periods, higher temperatures will reduce growth rate and increase disease
susceptibility. Maintain night temperatures between 65 and 72oF. Again, lower
temperatures are tolerated, but will slow growth. Damage can occur at 40oF.
PESTS
Thrips, aphids, spider mites, and scale.
DISEASES
Root rots such as phytophthora and pythium are a problem only if the soil is too heavy
or too wet. Under good conditions, the plant is fairly resistant to erwinia. Extremely
hot, wet conditions are conducive to infections of erwinia. When these conditions prevail,
a preventive program of copper-based bactericides is prudent.
OTHER
Plants should have a fully developed rootball before shipping and going into the
interior.
