Are you looking for a houseplant that will wow your guests with its exotic origin? Do you want to add color and charm to your living space without breaking the bank? If so, you might be interested in the strawberry shake philodendron, a rare and beautiful hybrid of the Philodendron erubescens. It is native to the rainforests of South America, where it grows as a climbing vine on trees.
We will show you how to grow and care for strawberry shake philodendron. So you can enjoy its beauty and benefits for years to come. By following our tips and tricks, you will be able to cultivate your strawberry shake philodendron at home.
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Overview of Strawberry Shake Philodendron
It is a hybrid of the Philodendron erubescens, which is native to the rainforests of South America. Plant collectors who were amazed by its unique foliage first discovered it in the wild in Ecuador in the 1990s. It is also known as Philodendron erubescens ‘Strawberry Shake’ or simply ‘Strawberry Shake’.
Furthermore, strawberry shake philodendron is a rare and beautiful houseplant with a unique appearance. This houseplant has large, glossy leaves that are variegated with green, white, and pink colors. The pink and cream colors resemble the swirls of a strawberry milkshake, giving it a sweet and refreshing look. Plus, the leaves also have a velvety texture that adds to their charm.
If you are looking for a stunning houseplant that adds color and personality to your home. Then you might want to consider getting a strawberry shake philodendron.
It is a one-of-a-kind plant that will surely impress your guests and make you smile every time you see it 😊
5 Essential Care Tips for Strawberry Shake Philodendron
1. Light
One of the most important factors for the health and appearance of your strawberry shake is light. This plant needs plenty of bright, indirect light to keep its leaves vibrant and colorful. However, it is also true, direct sunlight can scorch or fade its variegation. Therefore, you should place your plant near a sunny window but avoid exposing it to the sun’s rays directly.
Furthermore, if you live in a place where there is not enough natural light, you can use artificial lights such as fluorescent or LED bulbs. However, make sure that the lights are not too close or too bright for your plant, as this can damage its leaves.
2. Soil
This plant prefers a well-draining soil mix that holds some moisture but does not become soggy or waterlogged. A good soil mix for your philodendron should contain peat moss, perlite, and organic matter such as compost or bark chips. Plus, you should repot your strawberry shake every one to two years in a larger pot with fresh soil mix to prevent root-boundness and nutrient deficiencies.
3. Water
Watering is another vital factor for the survival and beauty of your strawberry shake philodendron. This plant needs moderate watering to keep its roots healthy and hydrated without causing water stress or wilting. The amount of water you need depends on several factors, such as the size of your pot, the temperature and humidity of your environment, and the season. So, you need to be careful with your watering routine.
4. Fertilizer
You only need to fertilize this plant once a month in spring and summer, as it is a medium to light feeder. Right after watering, use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half the recommended dose. Do not fertilize anymore when the temperatures begin to fall in early fall. Plus, we recommend you flush out any excess salts from your plant’s roots once every few months by soaking them in plain water until they run clear.
5. Temperature and Humidity
This plant likes warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F (18°C) and 90°F (32°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures down to 55°F (13°C) but avoid exposure to cold drafts or temperatures below that threshold. This Philodendron prefers moderate to high humidity levels, which can be achieved through misting or using a humidifier.
You can also read our blog on Why Monstera is droopy.
Steps to Propagate Strawberry Shake Philodendron
1. Stem Cuttings
One of the best ways to propagate strawberry shake philodendron is by stem cutting. This method includes cutting a healthy stem with at least one leaf and placing it in water until roots form. After that, you can plant the rooted stem in soil and water it regularly. To do this method, you need a sharp knife, scissor,a jar, water can, and plastic bag.
Here are essential steps to execute stem cuttings:
- You must choose a healthy stem with at least one leaf about 6 inches long.
- Remove the nodes or buds, then cut the stem at least one inch below the leaves.
- Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the leaves are submerged but not touching the bottom of the jar.
- After that, covered the jar with a plastic bag, which will help you to create a humid environment.
- You can change the water every few days, and keep the cutting in bright light.
- After two weeks you will see roots grow out of the cut end of the stem.
- Lastly, remove the plastic bag and let it dry slightly before planting in the soil.
2. Air Layering
This method involves wrapping a stem around a moist sphagnum moss ball. The moss ball acts as a barrier that prevents air from reaching the cambium layer of the stem, which stimulates root growth. To do this method you need a sharp knife, scissor, moist sphagnum moss ball, tissue paper, and water.
3. Division
In this method you need to choose a mature plant that has at least two stems growing from its base. But, make sure that each stem has at least two leaves attached to it. After that, dig up your plant carefully by loosening its roots around its base without damaging them too much. Plus, you may need to use your hands or gloves to do this as some parts may be hard to reach.
Now, separate each stem into smaller pieces by digging around its base until you reach healthy roots. You can also cut off any unwanted parts such as dead leaves or flowers before separating them into smaller pieces. Place each piece in a pot with drainage holes filled with soil mix according to its size.
Common Problems With Strawberry Shake Philodendron
For your reference, we have listed down the common problems, that you need to watch out for on your strawberry shake plant. So, let’s get started.
1. Losing Variegation
Well, variegation term means the presence of different colors and patterns on the leaves. Variegated plants are often sought after for their aesthetic appeal and uniqueness. However, not all plants can indeed maintain the variegation over time. Your strawberry shake plant loses variegation due to lack of light.
As we know, it is a rare plant and has triangular or spade-shaped leaves with red, orange, green, and yellow hues. The more light your plant receives, the more pigments it can produce and display on leaves. However, if your plant does not get enough light, it may not be able to produce enough pigments to maintain its variegation.
Therefore, it is important to provide adequate indirect light to your plant to maintain its variegation.
2. Leaf Spots
Like most philodendrons, strawberry shake is prone to fungal leaf spot disease, and it’s common to encounter such leaf spot issues. These spots are circular or irregular patches of brown, black, and yellow spots on the surface of the leaves. It is mainly caused by fungal infections, bacteria infections, nutrient or viral infections, etc…
We recommend you check your houseplant, and if you notice such leaf spot issues on your strawberry shake, treat them immediately with a fungicidal spray.
3. Yellow Leaves
The third common problem that strawberry shake philodendrons face is the yellowing of their leaves. As we know, it’s normal for plants to shed their old leaves, turning into yellow color occasionally. This issue usually occurs due to various factors, such as root rot, natural deficiency, underwatering, pests, diseases, etc…
However, if you notice such issues frequently, that could be a sign of growing issues. In such a scenario, you need to keep a close watch on your houseplant and identify the issue to correct it on time. This way, you can give your strawberry shake philodendrons plant a thriving touch.
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FAQs
How do you make a philodendron strawberry shake pink?
The pink color of its leaves is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the production of chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their green color. The mutation also makes the leaves more sensitive to light and prone to fading if exposed to direct sunlight.
Why are strawberry shake philodendron so expensive?
The strawberry shake philodendron is rare because it is very difficult to grow and maintain. It requires specific conditions to keep its variegation intact. It also needs regular fertilization and repotting to prevent root rot and nutrient deficiencies.
Where can I buy a strawberry shake philodendron?
The strawberry shake philodendron is not widely available in nurseries or online stores, as it is a natural hybrid. It is mainly cultivated by specialized breeders who have access to the original seeds and plants. You may be able to find some sellers who offer this plant for sale on specialized websites or forums.
Why is the strawberry shake philodendron rare?
It is a natural hybrid that generally occurs in regions of South America, where the climate and soil conditions are suitable for its growth. Plus, it is also difficult to care for and propagate strawberry shake philodendron, as it requires specific techniques. So, these are the main reasons strawberry shake philodendron are rare.
Hi, I’m Jacqueline, the editor-in-chief of cozynest. I have a passion for plants and gardening, also, have a degree in horticulture from the University of California, Davis. I love to share my knowledge and experience with our readers and help them create beautiful and healthy gardens, indoors, and outdoors. I also enjoy experimenting with different plant varieties, designs, and techniques, and learning from other experts in the field. When I’m not working on cozynest, you can find me in my own cozy nest, surrounded by my favorite plants and books.
