Alternans – Alternans very rare and unusual strapped like leaves grow in an alternating fashion from this heavily rooted philodendron. Alternans is one of the fastest climbing Phils with it’s large bayonet leaves reaching 3 feet at maturity. These are very healthy, climbing tropical plants with well established root systems.
The growth rate and leaf color of Alternans will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. A few leaves are often trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress.
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OUTDOOR
Zone 9b-11
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PATIO
Zone 4a-11
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SOIL TYPE
Rich Moist
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% SUN
70-85%
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POT SIZE
6″
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INCLUDES
One Plant
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Alternans are very easy to grow tropical plants that require little care indoors or out. Like other aroids, many species of Philodendron can be grown as houseplants, or outdoors in mild climates. They thrive in moist soils with high organic matter and grow best when provided with a mossy post or burlap wrapped pole to climb. Philodendron plants can be grown in pots, hanging baskets or outdoors as a ground cover or beautiful tree wrap. Indoors plants thrive at temperatures between 55°- 80°F and in lower light conditions than other house plants. In the ground or up an arbor, philodendrons get big and are often unrecognizable from their potted juvenile state. They add a wonderfully tropical accent to any well-lit space or cascading from your favorite hanging planter. In very cold zones a containerized Philodendron can be brought inside for the winter months. Be sure to avoid frost and freezing temperatures.
When you receive your new Philodendron, there is no need to worry about planting right away. Your new plant can be stored for a while by simply placing it in a bucket with about a half inch of water in the bottom and moving it to a shady location. You can then add some mulch to keep your plant standing upright. The mulch will also supply nutrients while in storage. This will give you plenty of time to select the ideal location for your new Philodendron.
Philodendron grow very well in patio and indoor containers. Allow enough room for growth generally a 10″ to a 20″ diameter, 10″ deep container will suffice to get started. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your plant will be. When the plant becomes root bound its growth will slow, at that point it is time for a larger pot.
Alternans Philodendrons enjoy well drained but moist, rich organic mix. Remember try to stay away from wet, mucky or dry, sandy soils.
To help establish your new Alternans Philodendron, fertilize sparingly at least 6 inches away from the base, tri-annually with a slow time released product. Unfertilized they will tend to grow very slowly. Note: The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers will damage the roots and possibly kill the plant.
Best outdoors if grown in zone 9b-11, find your zone here. This Philodendron requires 70-85% sunlight. Depending on your location filtered sun is best. In the northern end of their grow zone Alternans plants should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted plant will flourish over the summer months in colder zones but must be brought inside before frost.
At the nursery these Philodendron plants are grown under 20-40% shade cloth. If you plant this Philodendron in a brightly lit area you may experience leaf burn. It is best to acclimate this plant to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or two to avoid stress before planting.
Before leaving, Alternans Philodendron plants are inspected, watered, and pruned. Larger plants, generally those that ship in 8″ pots or with totems, will be topped to 36″ or 48″ overall, depending on the variety, if necessary to facilitate shipping. Your new plants’ pot is then bagged to ensure that the soil stays in the pot and not loose in the box. Plants are tissue or kraft paper wrapped and secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts.
