Welcome to our guide to philodendron joepii care and propagation, covering the plant’s light, water, humidity and other needs…

 

Philodendron Joepii Care Summary

Light needs: Medium to bright indirect sunlight.
Watering needs: Check weekly, water if most of the soil is dry.
Fertilizer: A balanced feed once a month in spring and summer.
Soil: A well draining soil.
Humidity: 60%.
Temperature: 15-32°C (59-90°F).
Where to buy: Try JIFFYPLANTS
Common issues: Yellowing, browning or dropping leaves from over watering.

Introduction

The philodendron joepii is named after the Dutch botanist Joep Moonen. It is a rare, tri-lobed, pointy-leaved green philodendron, only discovered as recently as 1991. Its taken off as a houseplant and fairly recently become much in demand.

Light Needs

Medium to bright indirect sunlight is best. Those big leaves want plenty of light to grow and thrive, they also do not want to get burned by direct sun though.

 

How Often to Water

Check the plant every week, but only water it if the soil is mostly dry.

Tip: underwater this plant rather than overwater it as they get root rot easily. Check the soil and only water if mostly dry, and make sure you don’t leave the pot sat in any excess water. Soggy water logged soil is your enemy!

Philodendron Joepii Fertilizer

Philodendrons grow faster and fuller when fed. You can feed it a balanced feed once a month in the spring and summer.

Soil

The philodendron joepii needs a well draining soil so it’s roots do not sit in water logged soil. For more on Philodendron soil see our guide on what to buy or how to make your own: Philodendron Soil.

Tip: mix orchid bark, normal compost and perlite in equal parts for chunky well draining potting medium. This plant does not like a soggy bottom!

When To Repot

Repot it in spring to give it room for growth over the warmer months. I check all my plants at Easter time to make sure the roots have space.

Philodendron Joepii Humidity

60% or even more is ideal. It will be ok in less, but a humidifier or daily misting will get the best out of this plant.

Tip: Keep them humid, at least 60% in the day and they’ll be ok with a bit less at night. You can buy a humidity meter to keep an eye on maximum and minimum levels.

 

Temperature

15-32°C (59-90°F) is ideal. Don’t let them sit in cold drafts over winter and they’ll be ok in most homes.

How To Propagate Philodendron Joepii

I would propagate these in sphagnum moss for the best chance of success. The cutting should be cut with a clean knife and include a node and one leaf. It should be healthy too. It can be tempting to use the worst looking leaf for the cutting as you want to remove it from your plant, but you need a healthy cutting for the best chance of it rooting. Leave the cutting for half a day so the wounds by the nodes are fully calloused over, then plant it in a cup of moist sphagnum moss. It should start to root soon and be well rooted in under 3 months at which point you can move it to a soil mix or keep it in moss.

Philodendron Joepii leaf
Philodendron Joepii leaf

Is It Toxic To Cats?

They are mildly to moderately toxic to cats if eaten. Seek vets advice immediately if you think your pet has eaten any.

Is It A Climber Or Crawler?

The Philodendron Joepii is climbing philodendron.

 

Philodendron Joepii Vs 69686

Both the philodendron joepii and the 69686 are similar looking with green tri-lobed leaves, but the joepii leaves are thinner and more intricate looking than the 69686.

 

Philodendron Joepii Care FAQs and Common Problems

Overwatering causes a lot of common issues like yellowing, browning or dropping, all related to root rot from the plant sitting in soggy soil.

Is It Rare?

They are fairly rare, and that has pushed prices up, but it has been tissue cultured so it is starting to be grown in bulk which has brought the price down. You can find plants on sale on Etsy as well as many other plant stores.