Philodendron billietiae is a unique and easy-to-grow houseplant that will bring you years of joy
Billy is the nickname I have given to my Philodendron billietiae (billee-etee-yay). It is a stunning tropical plant known for its striking foliage and ease of care. With its elongated leaves and vibrant green color, it can be a beautiful addition to your indoor jungle. But billietiae hasn’t been indoors with us for very long. The species was discovered by Frieda Billiet growing in the lowland tropical rain-forest of French Guyana. It has only been known as a houseplant since 1995. In addition to its attractively wrinkled foliage, P. billietiae is distinguished by its yellow-orange petioles (the stems that attach to each leaf). Billy has been hanging around my house for about a year now. To ensure he thrives, it’s essential for me to meet his needs, including light, soil, fertilizer, watering, and overall environment. Below, I’ll look into each of these factors so that my Billie and yours grow into a healthy and vibrant plant.
Light
Philodendron billietiae thrives in bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, providing adequate light will promote healthier growth and more vibrant foliage. So far I’ve kept Billy in a medium light room across from a West-facing window. In order to encourage growth, I’m going to put him in a brighter location during the upcoming spring and summer months. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, leading to unsightly brown patches. So, if I move him to a sunny location, I’ll make sure the light is filtered. This isn’t a problem since most of my windows have cellular shades.
Soil
Philodendrons, in general, prefer a well-draining potting mix. A blend that includes peat moss, perlite, compost and maybe a little orchid bark is ideal as it provides the necessary drainage and aeration for the roots. Avoid using heavy, compacted soils that retain too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot. Billy has been doing well in a growers pot since I adopted him. I will likely repot him late in the growing season into a slightly larger pot with a little extra drainage material.
P. billietiae can be fertilized like most tropical plants by feeding regularly (about every other watering) with an all-purpose fertilizer diluted to quarter strength during the Spring and Summer. This will provide the necessary nutrients to support healthy leaf development and overall plant vigor. During the Fall and Winter months, reduce or eliminate feedings, as the plant’s growth slows down during this time. You can resume fertilizing normally when there are signs of new growth which will happen in late Winter or early Spring.
Watering
Watering is a critical aspect of caring for Philodendron billietiae. The key is to maintain a balance. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt. A good rule of thumb is to check the top inch of the soil; if it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water. When watering, ensure that the water drains freely from the bottom of the pot, and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
During the growing season, you may find that your plant needs more frequent watering, but in the winter months, you can reduce the frequency as the plant’s growth slows. Always observe your plant’s leaves; if they start to yellow, it may be a sign of overwatering, whereas crispy, brown edges can indicate underwatering.
Environment
Philodendron billietiae prefers a warm and humid environment, which mimics its natural tropical habitat. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). I keep Billy away from cold drafts, sudden temperature changes, or extreme heat sources, as these can stress him out and hinder his growth.
Humidity is also a factor to consider for P. billietiae. This plant thrives in humidity levels of 50% or higher. This winter my house has been dry. I use various forms of passive humidifiers around my “plant areas” (so, pretty much everywhere) to mitigate the issue. Regular misting can also help, but be cautious not to overdo it, as excessive moisture on the leaves can lead to fungal infection.
The leaf stems (petioles) of P. billietiae can be more delicate that some other Philodendron species so I have given Billy a little trellis for support. He’s just a little guy now but with the right care he can get quite tall. As an indoor plant, your billietiae can grow to three feet (1m) tall and have leaves one to two feet (30-60cm) in length. In the wild they can get even bigger.
Keeping these factors in mind, I can give Billy everything he needs to succeed as a houseplant. And if you don’t already have one in your jungle, I encourage you to try out Philodendron billietiae as your next green companion. 🪴
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