Variegated Philodendron Strawberry Shake Live Plant – Rare Potted Houseplant

Overview

Introduce an extraordinary botanical specimen to your indoor jungle with the variegated philodendron strawberry shake. This live plant is a highly sought-after cultivar known for its mesmerizing foliage. Each heart-shaped leaf is a natural work of art, displaying a vibrant tapestry of green, creamy white, delicate pink, and rich burgundy red hues. Philodendron Strawberry Shake is a tropical aroid, making it a fantastic choice for enthusiasts looking for a piece of living art. Its unique coloration and relatively manageable care requirements make it a rewarding addition for both seasoned collectors and those new to the world of rare houseplants. This particular plant is a true gem, offering an unparalleled visual appeal that transforms any living space into a botanical sanctuary.

Key Benefits

Owning a variegated philodendron strawberry shake brings numerous advantages beyond its undeniable beauty. This plant is not just a decorative item; it’s a living piece of nature that contributes positively to your home environment.

• Stunning Visual Appeal: The distinctive variegation featuring green, white, pink, and red makes this plant a focal point in any room, adding a pop of color and exotic flair.
• Air Purification: Like many philodendrons, this variety contributes to improving indoor air quality by filtering out common toxins, creating a healthier living space.
• Collector’s Item: Due to its rarity and unique aesthetics, the rare philodendron strawberry shake is highly prized by plant collectors, offering a sense of accomplishment and exclusivity.
• Moderate Care: While appearing exotic, this philodendron is relatively straightforward to care for, thriving with consistent bright, indirect light and proper watering. It’s an excellent step-up plant for those looking to expand their plant care skills.
• Growth Habit: This plant exhibits a beautiful vining or climbing growth habit, which can be encouraged with a moss pole or trellis, allowing for versatile display options.
• Indoor Plant Elegance: Perfectly suited for indoor environments, this indoor philodendron plant adds a touch of sophisticated greenery to offices, living rooms, and bedrooms.
• Conversation Starter: Its unusual and captivating appearance is sure to draw attention and spark conversations among guests, making it a unique decorative element.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your variegated philodendron strawberry shake involves understanding its tropical origins and replicating those conditions as closely as possible indoors. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially harsh afternoon sun, as it can easily scorch their delicate variegated leaves, leading to irreversible damage. A spot near an east-facing window or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window with sheer curtains provides ideal conditions. Consistent watering is key; allow the top inch or so of the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common pitfall and can lead to root rot, so it’s crucial to ensure good drainage. The frequency of watering will depend on factors such as humidity, temperature, and the size of the pot. When the leaves begin curling under, it’s often a sign of under-watering, signaling it’s time for a drink.

For optimal growth, use a well-draining potting mix that provides good aeration. A mix specifically formulated for aroids or tropical plants works best. You can also amend a standard potting mix with perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir to enhance drainage and aeration, which is vital for the health of your collector philodendron. Repotting should be done when the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its current pot, typically in the spring. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one to prevent excessive soil retention, which can again lead to overwatering issues. Maintain consistent room temperatures, ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C), and aim for moderate to high humidity. Regular misting or placing the plant near a humidifier can be beneficial, especially in drier indoor environments.

Size & Details

This offering is for the exact variegated philodendron strawberry shake live plant as depicted, ensuring you receive the specific specimen you choose. It arrives potted, ready to be displayed and cherished in your home. The plant’s size will vary slightly based on its individual growth, but it is typically a juvenile to sub-adult plant, showcasing its distinctive variegation. This philodendron exhibits a moderate growth rate, allowing you to enjoy its development over time. With proper care, it can grow into a substantial and impressive houseplant, developing larger leaves and a more robust structure. Its vibrant color palette makes each leaf a unique masterpiece. Please note that all parts of the philodendron plant are toxic if ingested and can cause irritation, so it should be kept out of reach of pets and small children.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: A variegated philodendron strawberry shake can grow quite large over time, especially if given a support to climb. In an indoor setting, its size is often limited by pot size and pruning, but it can reach several feet in height with mature leaves.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: This is primarily an indoor philodendron plant. While it enjoys warmth and humidity, it is not tolerant of cold temperatures and is best kept indoors in most climates, especially in the US target market.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: The philodendron strawberry shake care guide recommends bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, particularly the variegated areas, so a spot near an east-facing window or a filtered south/west window is ideal.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: It is considered to have moderate care requirements. It’s not as demanding as some rare plants but requires attention to light, watering, and humidity to thrive and maintain its vibrant variegation.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: You will receive the exact same potted plant shown. We take great care in packaging to ensure your variegated philodendron strawberry shake arrives in excellent condition, ready to flourish in its new home.
• Q: When is the best time to repot? A: The best time to repot your rare philodendron strawberry shake is typically in spring, when the plant is actively growing. Repot when it becomes root-bound or needs fresh soil.
• Q: Is the Variegated Philodendron Strawberry Shake pet-safe? A: No, unfortunately, this plant is toxic if ingested by pets or humans. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Q: What kind of soil does this plant prefer? A: This philodendron thrives in a chunky, well-draining aroid mix. A blend of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark provides the ideal balance of moisture retention and aeration for healthy root development.
• Q: How often should I fertilize my philodendron? A: During the growing season (spring and summer), you can fertilize your variegated philodendron strawberry shake every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
• Q: What makes this philodendron ‘Strawberry Shake’ unique? A: The ‘Strawberry Shake’ cultivar is highly prized for its unique variegation pattern, which includes splashes of pink and burgundy red in addition to the more common white and green, giving it its distinctive ‘strawberry’ appearance.