Araceae
Silver Sword Philodendron: Perfect Indoor Houseplant
Philodendron hastatum
Grow in bright indirect light, water when the top couple inches of soil dry out, and keep humidity above 50% for the healthiest silvery foliage.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
15° - 29°C
50% - 70%
Categories
What is Silver Sword Philodendron?
Silver Sword Philodendron (Philodendron hastatum) is a medium-care plant from the Araceae family. Philodendron hastatum, known as the silver sword philodendron, is an epiphytic climbing aroid native to the tropical rainforests of southeastern Brazil. Its young leaves are lance-shaped with a metallic silver sheen, maturing into longer, more elongated leaves with coppery undersides.
Silver Sword Philodendron grows up to 2.5m, spread of 90cm, watering every 7 days, 15°C – 29°C, 50–70% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Silver Sword Philodendron?
TLDR: Silver Sword Philodendron needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-29°C with 50-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Silver Sword Philodendron?
Water about once a week in spring and summer, letting the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil dry between waterings; reduce frequency in fall and winter. Avoid soggy soil, as this species is prone to root rot.
How Much Light Does Silver Sword Philodendron Need?
Provide bright, indirect light near an east or north-facing window; avoid direct sun, which can scorch the silvery leaves.
What Is the Best Soil for Silver Sword Philodendron?
Use a chunky, well-draining aroid mix with bark, perlite, and coco coir; avoid dense or clay-heavy soils that retain too much water.
What Pot Should You Use for Silver Sword Philodendron?
A terracotta or ceramic pot with drainage holes to let excess water escape and keep roots from sitting wet.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Silver Sword Philodendron and Where Does It Come From?
Philodendron hastatum, known as the silver sword philodendron, is an epiphytic climbing aroid native to the tropical rainforests of southeastern Brazil. Its young leaves are lance-shaped with a metallic silver sheen, maturing into longer, more elongated leaves with coppery undersides.
How to Propagate Silver Sword Philodendron?
Stem cutting
Use clean, sharp shears to avoid contamination, and consider a rooting hormone to speed up root development.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem segment with at least one node and 1-2 leaves
- 2 Remove the lower leaves near the node
- 3 Place the cutting in filtered water or a moist aroid mix
- 4 Keep in bright indirect light and change the water weekly if propagating in water
- 5 Transplant into potting mix once roots reach 3-5 cm
Materials needed:
How Big Does Silver Sword Philodendron Grow?
TLDR: Silver Sword Philodendron can reach up to 2.5m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
2.5m
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Silver Sword Philodendron?
TLDR: Silver Sword Philodendron is susceptible to 9 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Grey Mould
Thrips
Thrips are tiny cigar-shaped insects (1/25-inch long) that damage plants by sucking plant juices and scraping at fruits, flowers, and leaves. With over 6,000 species and rapid reproduction (lifecycle as short as 14 days), they can quickly infest plants and transmit viruses like tomato spotted wilt virus.
Meaning & Symbolism
Like other philodendrons, it is associated with warm hospitality and lasting affection; its silver, sword-shaped leaves are also linked to quiet protection and steady growth.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
