The Easy Guide to Growing a Better Philodendron Birkin

It is amazing that we can have in our homes a plant which does not exist in the wild. The Philodendron Birkin is a plant oddity known as a chimaera. In botany this is a plant which contains a mixture of two or more genetically different types of cells.

White Wave

For example, the Philodendron ‘Birkin’, affectionately known as ‘White Wave’ is a spontaneous chimeric variegation which is said to have occurred between Philodendron ‘Rojo Congo’ and the ‘Imperial Green’ although there are other theories with regards to its origin. Undeniably, the pretty stripes on the leaf are captivating, and are the result of those white stripes not producing chlorophyll. Consequently, the leaves are one of the most distinctive in the plant world.

Origin

The ancestral roots of this tropical hybrid are found in South and Central America.

The family: Araceae

Common name: White wave

Philodendron Birkin Care

Light

Bright indirect light to prevent of scorching of the leaves.

Temperature

This plant likes it warm and will slow down its growth if it is too cold. Temperature at 60F and over is recommended. Standard household humidity will satisfy this plant, while extra humidity will give it an extra boost.

Water and Soil

The two components which are the key to success with any plant, including white stripes is water and soil. The best strategy with philodendron Birkin is to provide the best well draining mix ever. I recommend a blend of perlite, orchard mix and potting mix. When you pour the water it just drains through.

This plant is prone to root rot, therefore this has to be balanced with not allowing it to become too dry.

Reverting

Philodenron Birkin used to be a rare and expensive household plant, and of course with that came popularity, then commonality. Consequently, they are now all over the place.

You either love it or hate it. Most people like the colour and stripes on the leaves, but not the instability of the variegation. This plant can revert to pre hybrid colours.

The usual advice is to remove the the reverting leaves, but this seems like destruction purely for aesthetics. It is still a beautiful plant no matter what colour the leaves.

Common Problems

Yellow leaves – Needs more light. Don’t worry if it is an old green leaf at the bottom on the plant as this is the end of the leaf life cycle.

Wilted leaves – This is usually a sign of overwatering, not to mention fungus and mould.

Pests

Mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips, the usual suspects in the indoor plant world, are all frenemies to this plant. At the first sign of any of these pests, start treating with insecticidal soap.

Propagation

This plant can be propagated in soil via cuttings or by removing the young shoots (pups) and potting them.

I have just split one Birkin into three, two via cuttings and one via a pup and we will see what happens. As noted the ability to easily create more plants is very appealing.

My plant was going through it dormant phase but I noticed that there was evidence of fungus and pests, so it seemed best to split the plant while cleaning it to avoid added stress to the plant.

Making the cut

When cutting a stem from the plant it is important to use a clean sharp knife. Sterilise the knife with rubbing alcohol or boiling water.

Cut an inch below a leaf node as this is where the new roots will emerge. Place the stem in previously recommended soil type, covering the nodes.

If you choose to place the cut stem in water ensure that you remove any lower leaves so that none are touching the water.

Note the differing variegation on the leaves throughout the plant. The lower leaves are dark green and these leaves will gradually yellow and die. The youngest leaves are white with the thin green stripes when they unfurl in contrast to the dark green as they gradually darken.

Summary

The key to success with the philodendron birkin is to make the home environment as close to its natural environment as possible. It will survive if things are not ideal, but it will be slower to grow and not as vital. In addition, be prepared for the reversion of the striped leaves.

To ensure you will have plants from which to gain more knowledge it’s recommended that you propagate, propagate, and have many of these beautiful plants around your home.

Keep growing!