Philodendron 'Birkin'
Overview
Uses: Houseplant, patio plant, or outdoor plant (in approved tropical zones)
Benefits: Air purifier: removes toxins from the air. Unique and beautiful growth patterns, colors, and foliage. Easy to take care of.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 - 11
Sun: Bright indirect to partial shade. Avoid strong, full sun. A minimum 6 hours of bright indirect sun daily is suggested.
Life Cycle: Perennial
Mature Height: 36"
Mature Width: 36"
Summary
The Birkin Philodendron is a beautiful and trendy houseplant that's known for its large dark green leaves with unique (to each leaf) cream colored stripes.
A self-heading philodendron (meaning it is self-supporting and does not climb), Birkin grows to around 3' high and 3' wide—making it perfect for a variety of locations.
In addition to providing obvious beauty, this easy to take care of live plant also purifies the air of many harmful contaminates!
Care
How to Water a Birkin Philodendron
We suggest watering an indoor Philodendron 'Birkin' every 4-7 days between spring and fall—attempting to keep the soil moist but not wet.
Like other philodendrons, it's sensitive to overwatering.
The plant will not drink as much during periods of slow growth such as winter, during which it's suggested to shift the frequency of watering to a weekly to bi-weekly schedule. During this schedule it's important to attempt to allow the upper 1/3 of soil in the pot to dry between watering.
Like many other plants, too much watering will result in the yellowing of stems and leaves, eventually followed by root rot should the wet conditions persist.
Although this plant is considered to be drought resistant, too little water will result in the browning of branches and leaves, followed by eventual death if kept dry.
How Much Humidity Do Birkin Philodendrons Like?
Philodendron 'Birkin' prefers moderate to high humidity (above 50% RH) and does well with daily misting.
Humidifiers and pebble beds may be used to supplement humidity around the plant.
How Much Sun Do Birkin Philodendrons Like?
Avoid placing Philodendron 'Birkin' in areas that receive extended periods of strong, direct sunlight.
The best lighting is provided by bright indirect light as direct light could cause leaf burn.
Birkins do great with some shade, but need a degree of bright, indirect sun.
Too little light will result in loss of cream colored variegation, poor growth, and possible death.
What is the Ideal Temperature for a Birkin Philodendron?
Philodendron "Birkin" prefer warmer temperatures and will likely die in extended periods of 50°F weather.
It's best to keep this plant in temperatures above 55°F to ensure its beauty and the integrity of its growth; however the optimal temperature range of this houseplant is between 65°F and 85°F.
As such, this plant thrives outdoors year round in USDA zones 10-11, and will likely not survive living outdoors over winter in USDA zone 9 or cooler.
What is the Best Soil for a Birkin Philodendron?
Birkin Plant prefers well draining, loamy soils that hold moisture. Our potting soil is a great growing medium for this plant.
How Do I Fertilize a Birkin Philodendron?
Birkin Philodendron should be fertilized on a monthly basis between early spring and mid-fall.
Winter fertilizations may be required on a less frequent basis if the plant is in an environment where the temperature and the amount of light that it's exposed to don't promote fast growth.
We suggest using our slow release fertilizer, a balanced liquid fertilizer, or fish emulsion—being careful not to overfertilize.
Trimming and Maintaining a Birkin Philodendron
It's often not necessary to trim Philodendron 'Birkin' unless there is unsightly damage or if the plant has spindly growth.
Trimming is best done in the spring or fall, and should be accomplished with the use of a clean, sanitized, and sharp trimming scissors. We suggest lightly fertilizing after any extensive pruning.
Biannual pruning will encourage bushier growth, while not trimming the plant will encourage leggier growth.
Like most other plants, it's advised that any dead or dying leaves and stems be removed from the plant to keep it as healthy and clean as possible.
How to Repot a Birkin Philodendron
Philodendron 'Birkin' does not do well rootbound so it's suggested that you repot your plant if its roots begin to crowd its pot.
You can repot your plant by placing the entire root ball into a larger pot then softly breaking up its root structure around the edges of its root ball prior to surrounding it with a lightly packed, medium porosity potting mix. It's advised to only slightly increase the pot size when repotting.
How to Propagate a Birkin Philodendron
The propagation of Birkin Philodendron is accomplished through the use of cuttings, division, and air-layering. The particular situation and the growth pattern of the mother plant will best determine the ideal propagation method.
Size
What Size of Birkin Philodendron is for Sale Online?
The Philodendron 'Birkin' that we sell online will ship in a greenhouse grade grow pot. Each plant will be appropriately sized for its pot. Please contact us with any specific questions.
How Big do Birkin Philodendron Grow?
The size of Philodendron 'Birkin' at maturity is typically no larger than 36" high and 36" wide. Its leaves can reach up to 8" in width on fully grown, leggier plants.
Additional Information
Common Names of Philodendron 'Birkin'
-
Birkin Plant
-
Birkin
-
Birkin Philodendron
Toxicity and Risks of Birkin Philodendrons
Philodendron 'Birkin' is known to be toxic to both pets and people.
Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, abdominal pain, kidney failure, and/or death can occur after the ingestion of this plant—which contains needle-shaped crystals of calcium oxalate called raphides (known to cause kidney stones in humans).
Allergic dermatitis (skin inflammation) and swelling of the skin can occur after repeated skin exposure to this plant's sap.
