Philodendron Silver Sword Care
Philodendron hastatum
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Bright indirect. Tolerates medium light. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the top 3β5 cm of soil is dry. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Chunky and airy: our Chunky Monkey Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 16β29Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average is fine; higher humidity gives bigger leaves. |
| πΎ Pets | Not pet safe Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. |
| π± Care level | Easy Climber |
| π Grows to | 1β2 m on a pole. |
Silver Sword has metallic, blue-silver leaves that start as little spears and grow longer and more sword-shaped as the plant climbs. Give it a pole and some light and it becomes a real showpiece.
Light + placement
Bright, indirect light brings out the silvery shine and bigger leaves. It handles medium light but grows slower with smaller, greener leaves. Avoid hot direct sun.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 3β5 cm of soil is dry. Don't let it sit wet. Water less in winter.
Soil + repotting
An airy, chunky mix like our Chunky Monkey Potting Mix. Repot every 1β2 years in spring.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every time you water; this is a hungry plant. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
For a slow, natural boost, top-dress the pot with a thin layer of worm castings every few months, or mix some in when you repot. Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Wipe the leaves to keep their shine.
Give it something to climb
Silver Sword is a climber. On a coco coir or moss pole, its leaves grow larger and more elongated. Tie the stem loosely with soft tie and guide the aerial roots onto the pole.
Propagation
Take a stem cutting with at least one node and leaf and root it in water or sphagnum moss. See Propagation 101.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Small, greener leaves | Low light or nothing to climb | Move to brighter light and add a pole. |
| Yellow leaves, wet soil | Overwatering | Let the top few cm dry before watering. |
| New leaves stuck or torn | Dry air | Raise humidity; group with other plants. |
| Brown crispy edges | Underwatering or dry heat | Water more consistently. |
| Leggy stems | Not enough light | Move closer to a window. |
Varieties we carry
Silver Sword sometimes comes in as a small plant and sometimes as a big plant on a pole. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
None in stock online right now. New plants arrive every week, so check back soon or ask us in the shop.
Frequently asked questions
Why do the leaves change shape?
Young leaves are short and spear-shaped. As the plant climbs and matures, they grow longer and more sword-like.
Does it need a moss pole?
It doesn't need one, but climbing gives you bigger, more mature leaves.
Is it safe for pets?
No. Like all philodendrons, it's toxic to cats and dogs.
Why is my Silver Sword losing its silver?
Usually low light. Brighter, indirect light keeps the metallic shine.
Silver Sword care kit
- Chunky Monkey Potting Mix: Bark-rich and airy, for climbers and aroids.
- D-Shaped Moss Pole: Fill with sphagnum and keep damp for climbers.
- Sphagnum Moss: For moss poles and rooting cuttings.
- Garden Soft Tie: Gently ties stems to a pole or stake.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
Snake Plant Β· Monstera Β· Bird of Paradise Β· Ficus Audrey Β· Fiddle Leaf Fig Β· Rubber Tree Β· Ficus Altissima Β· Ficus Amstel King Β· All plant care β