Useful tips on how to take care of Birkin Philodendron

Out of the many philodendron species available, there is an interesting one known as philodendron Birkin or Birkin philodendron. This popular houseplant has an easygoing nature and large, uniquely pointed oval green leaves with creamy white or yellow streaks – sometimes part red, part creamy white foliage.

Did you know, Philodendron literally means “tree lover” in Greek? And this beautiful plant was discovered in the 1600s in Brazil’s rainforests. 

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What does a Birkin Philodendron plant look like?

Philodendron Birkin is a species of evergreen houseplant originally from the Araceae family in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. 

This plant is a unique hybrid (of Philodendron Rojo Congo) that does not occur naturally. It’s intentionally bred in tropical, humid climates. 

These plants are relatively small in size and grow on tall, sturdy, and vibrant green stems. 

Some specific details about Birkin Philodendron

• Common name: White wave, Birkin white wave, Philodendron Birkin
• Botanical name: Philodendron Birkin
• Family: Araceae
• Plant type: Perennial
• Dimensions: Around 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide
• Sun requirement: Partial sunlight
• Soil type: Well-drained soil
• Soil pH: Acidic, neutral
• Hardiness zones: 9-11 (USDA)

Is having Philodendron Birkin at home a good idea?

A fantastic option for limited areas, the slow-growing and compact nature of this plant makes it suitable for small spaces, as long as it receives sufficient bright, indirect light to enhance its attractive variegation. It has a sturdy, upright stem that supports itself, giving it a tree-like appearance. 

Important: Keep the Philodendron Birkin out of the reach of children or pets due to its toxicity to both humans and animals. 

How to take care of Birkin Philodendron?

Surprisingly, it’s a low-to-medium maintenance plant – perfect for beginner gardeners. However, it is important not to disregard certain requirements. For instance, the plant requires adequate warmth, moisture, and indirect sunlight to thrive and display its remarkable patterns. 

Nevertheless, it is advisable not to be overly attentive, as excessive fertilization and watering can be detrimental to this plant. Instead, it is recommended to periodically wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to enhance the patterns and maintain their glossy and healthy appearance.

What factors should you consider while caring for the indoor plant?

Light requirement

Birkin likes filtered light. A window facing west or east with somewhat bright, indirect light works well for the plant’s growth. Also, remember that you don’t want a location that is overly dark if you want to maximize the variegation on the leaves. However, too much direct sun might scorch the leaves and cause limp, lanky growth. 

A good point to remember is that this plant variety benefits from a few hours of morning sunlight. It prefers to grow towards the sun, therefore rotating the plant sometimes encourages more balanced growth.

Soil requirements

Philodendrons thrive when planted in potting mixes specifically formulated for aroid species. But, you can also make your own mix. To create an ideal blend, combine equal parts of potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite. This mixture provides the optimal balance of acidity, moisture retention, drainage, and aeration. Philodendrons require good air circulation but cannot tolerate overly wet roots.

For Philodendron Birkin, in particular, it is important to have loose, well-draining soil that can retain some moisture. If the soil doesn’t drain well, it can lead to root rot and eventually kill the plant. Therefore, it is recommended to use a soilless growing mix such as sphagnum peat moss or coco coir, as it has the right balance of airiness and water retention. Additionally, you can add coarse sand and perlite to improve the porosity and drainage capacity of the growing medium.

Watering schedule 

As mentioned before, overwatering⁠ this plant can be a problem. Perpetually soggy soil may result in mushy stems and root rot. The most effective approach is to water the plant only when the soil’s top layer dries out. Plants are generally forgiving about occasional delays in the watering schedule and tend to revive after a thorough watering. Remember to remove any excess water by draining it away.

Temperature and humidity levels

These exotic plants flourish in warm temperatures and humid conditions, making them excellent choices for indoor plants in bathrooms. It is essential to maintain a minimum temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure their well-being. However, if your home tends to be dry, Philodendron Birkin may not be a suitable plant for you.

Nevertheless, these plants can thrive in most households, provided the temperature is ideally maintained between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the humidity levels in your home are lower, you can consider using a humidifier or placing a water-filled pebble tray beneath the plant to create a more suitable environment.

Fertilizer needs

The good thing about this plant is that it doesn’t always need fertilization. In fact, using too much fertilizer can cause root burn and yellowing leaves. If you must, feed the plant with a balanced, weak solution of houseplant fertilizer after a few months during the growing season. This will promote quicker and healthier growth and improve leaf variegation.

Pruning requirement

You don’t need to put much effort into pruning this plant as it grows slowly. Simply remove any leaves that are damaged or no longer in their prime, allowing all the plant’s energy to focus on the healthy foliage.

How to propagate Philodendron Birkin?

This plant can be easily propagated by using stem cuttings. Here are the steps to propagate Birkin Philodendron: 

1. Use scissors or pruning shears to obtain a 4- to 5-inch stem cutting that has four to six leaves.
2. Take off the lower leaves to expose the nodes and leave two or three leaves at the upper part of the cutting.
3. Immerse the nodes in water and place the cutting in a location that has bright, indirect light.
4. Change the water every few days.
5. Once you observe the emergence of small white roots, approximately 1 inch long, you can transfer the cutting to the soil. This usually takes about two to four weeks.
6. When planting in soil, choose a well-draining potting mix that is moist.
7. Maintain the cutting in the same location where it receives bright, indirect light.
8. Keep the soil consistently moist during the initial few weeks, avoiding excessive waterlogging.

How to pot or repot Philodendron berkin?

Due to its medium size and slow growth, the plant doesn’t need repotting very often. Nonetheless, transferring the plant to a slightly bigger planter every few years allows for a revitalization of the potting soil. Especially if you observe roots emerging from the drainage holes. Do not opt for a significantly larger pot, as this can result in excessive moisture accumulation and potential root rot. Typically, increasing the pot diameter by a few inches is sufficient.

Follow the steps below to successfully repot your Philodendron:

• Add aroid or any houseplant potting mix until the pot is approximately a third full. 
• Put the plant in and fill in the mix until it reaches just below the rim.
• Gently pat the soil down.
• Water the plant. 
• Place the new pot in the same spot as before.

The takeaway 

Philodendron birken’s distinct patterned leaves make it a stunning choice for enhancing any indoor plant collection. But do remember that it’s a slightly unstable plant and needs some tender loving care. In order to maintain the optimal appearance and health of the foliage, it’s necessary to provide the plant with suitable levels of light, water, and humidity. The right Philodendron Birkin care will ensure the most gorgeous foliage. 

FAQs: Some common problems with Philodendron Birkin plants

Why are my Philodendron leaves turning yellow?

It is common to observe older leaves near the bottom of the plant turning yellow and falling off. Nonetheless, if you notice unsightly yellow leaves appearing on new growth, it is probably an indication of excessive watering or over-fertilization.

Why do the leaves have brown tips?

If you notice the edges or tips of your plant’s leaves turning brown, it usually indicates a need to increase the watering frequency or enhance the humidity levels. In case you own several tropical plants, it might be beneficial to acquire a humidifier. Browning leaves can also indicate that your plant is placed in an area with intense sunlight. Always ensure that it is kept away from any heating vents.

Why are my Philodendron leaves curling?

Curling leaves indicate that the plant is not getting enough moisture. Or, you have over-fertilized it. Water the plant whenever you notice that the top layer of soil is dry.

Why are the leaves dropping at an alarming rate?

These tropical plants thrive in a consistently warm environment and should be kept away from any drafts. If you notice your plant shedding leaves frequently, it indicates the need for a warmer location.

Why is the variegation on the leaves fading?

Some slight reduction in variegation is normal during different seasons, but inadequate light can cause your plant to lose its beautiful creamy white stripes. While excessive direct sunlight can damage the leaves, a bright yet indirect light is essential to encourage a vibrant and healthy pattern.

Written by Ramona Sinha. May 26, 2023

Ramona is a content writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depths of her soul.