Philodendron Sodiroi: Care Guide to Growing Rare Silver Leaf Philos

The Philodendron Sodiroi is a glossy silver-leafed, fast-growing climber native to French Guiana. Best known for its large, heart-shaped foliage with sparkling patterns, the Sodiroi cultivar is a semi-epiphytic plant that thrives well in a low-light environment.

If you consider adding this stunning Philodendron variety to your collection, don’t hesitate, as the Philodendron Sodiroi is easier to grow and propagate on your own. To help you ensure this tropical houseplant will flourish in your garden or indoor space, I provide you below a complete guide to Philodendron Sodiroi care and cultivation.

Philodendron Sodiroi Overview

Commonly known to have originated in French Guiana, Northeast Coast of South America, the Philodendron Sodiroi plant is endemic in other South American countries such as Brazil, Suriname, and Venezuela, and also in Trinidad and Tobago.

Philodendron Sodiroi is one of the most popular 450+ species of the Philodendron Genus, which belong to the Araceae Family. Philodendron plants can be classified into vining and non-climbing varieties. The Sodiroi plant belongs to the vining variety that grows several feet on a support structure such as a hanging basket or a trellis.

Other common names of the Sodiroi variety include Silver Leaf Philodendron, Sodiroi Ornatum Silver, and Sodiroi Ornatum Giant Silver plant. These indoor plants have a fast growth rate. Ideally, the Sodiroi is best planted in the spring. However, you can plant it with success at any time of year.

Philodendron Sodiro Features

Philodendron Sodiroi is a semi-epiphytic plant that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. This Philodendron plant grows pretty quickly and becomes large given the right growing conditions.

As a tropical climber, this plant grows well in hanging baskets, moss-covered totems, or even in a round pot. You can let it climb up to the trellis, walls, windows or spread to the side of its planter.

Height

If cultured and appropriately grown, the Philodendron Sodiroi grows 1 to 3 feet per growing season. It flourishes and rewards you with striking silvery leaves with small nodes. The width of a Sodiroi plant is usually twice its height.

When this Philodendron plant reaches maturity, it can reach 3 to 4 feet in height. Therefore, if you are growing them indoors, you have to place them in a wide space.

Leaves

Philodendron Sodiroi produces heart-shaped leaf blades with silvery patches. A mature leaf can get about 5 to 8 inches in size. Each shiny leaf forms unique patterns that are different from the others.

The side of the Sodiroi leaf is light green. The midrib section is a bright green. On the surface of the leaf blades, you will see lateral veins that run parallel to each other.

Toxicity

Unfortunately, the Philodendron Sodiroi has toxins in its sap that are harmful to humans and animals if ingested. So be sure to use gloves when handling the Philodendron plants, and keep them away from the reach of children and pets.

Deer and Rabbit Resistance

Due mainly to its toxic characteristics, the Philodendron Sodirois are considered deer and rabbit resistant. Common grazers stay away from them in the wild.

Philodendron Sodiroi Care Guide

Caring for Philodendron Sodiroi plants is not as complicated as others might want you to think. With the correct information and basic growing tips to keep in mind, you can ensure that the Philodendron Sodiroi grows lush leaves and a stunning appearance for many years to come. 

Ideal Growing Place

Philodendron Sodiroi has been considered an excellent indoor houseplant for the last 50 or more years. However, this Philodendron plant can still be grown outdoors. Just be sure to place your Philodendron plants in a shaded area away from direct sun exposure.

You can let these tropical plants grow in hanging baskets or a round pot filled with soil moist for indoor culture. The Philodendron Sodiroi cultivar can do pretty well in an indoor environment. This Philodendron plant can tolerate low-lights and reduced humidity.

Water 

As semi-epiphytic plants, the Philodendron Sodiroi likes a dry period in between watering. Watering once a week would generally suffice for this plant. When the surface soil of the soil is dry, water them thoroughly. Do not allow a longer period for these plants to go dry.

You can adjust your watering routine depending on your environmental conditions. If you live in a very dry place, you need to water these tropical plants twice or thrice a week. But if you live in a tropical region, these plants do need much watering.

To know if the plant needs watering, you can stick a finger 1-2 inches into the soil. If the soil feels properly moist, then the plant needs watering. However, if the soil feels soggy or waterlogged, you might have overwatered the plant, which is not good and can cause root rot. Be sure to use well-drained soil and a planter with drainage holes.

Sunlight 

The ideal sunlight requirement for the Philodendron Sodiroi plants is between 70% to 85%. You can place these philodendron plants in an east-facing window with indirect sunlight. While it can handle a low-light environment, the foliage of the Sodiroi will not be as glossy and beautiful.

Direct sunlight exposure will burn their leaves. In their natural habitat, the Philodendron Sodiroi plants love to climb on large trees in the rainforest. Thus, these tropical plants thrive best in a spot that receives bright indirect sunlight.

Temperature 

The Philodendron Sodiroi is best grown in an ideal temperature between 65°F and 80°F (18° –27°C). It can survive in 55°F (13° –27°C), but it cannot survive in freezing conditions and cannot tolerate in temperature beyond 85°F.

Be sure not to expose the Philodendron plants to cold or hot drafts. Do not place them next to a heating vent or an air conditioning unit.

Soil 

For the aroid plant like the Philodendron Sodiroi, the best soil to use is good quality, well-draining, aerated soil mix. You can use a rich mixture of humus sand and peat. Another best alternative is sphagnum moss. Just be sure to tuck the moss in properly so that it is loose and wiggly.

Those are all good for climber plants. Whichever potting mixture you choose, make sure to keep the soil moist. Adding orchid bark or perlite to the soil will enhance the drainage of the soil.

The ideal pH level of the soil is 4.5 to 6. 

Humidity 

Tropical plants like the Philodendron Sodiroi naturally love higher humidity levels. Growing in a good humid climate, the plant’s foliage will look healthy and lush. Keep the humidity at least 60% or above if possible. Below 50%, the Sodirois will struggle to survive.

Adding a pebble tray of water near the plant is a good idea to improve the humidity. Misting is another good method to ensure adequate moisture around the plant. You can mist every 2 days mist, especially during its growing phase. However, make sure the plant will not stay wet for long to avoid fungal disease.

Another good alternative is using a humidifier.

Fertilizer

You can use a soluble fertilizer or organic products about every 2 weeks. Organic fertilizers are generally made from animal by-products. Either of the two kinds of fertilizers is good. Just be sure not to burn the plant by overfeeding.

Fertilize the Philodendron Sodiroi during summer and spring. Reduce the feeding during autumn and wintertime to once every 4 weeks.

The rule of thumb when it comes to feeding the philodendron plants like the Sodirois: the higher the light, the more they need feeding. The lower the light, the less they need feeding.

Pinching

You may need to pinch or prune back the plant to make it fit indoors. Occasional pinching and pruning of dead or infected leaves will also help to improve the healthy growth of the Philodendron Sodiroi. Remove dead or yellowing leaves by pinching or using a disinfected shear to prune back the plant’s stem, keeping them from extending too far or becoming too large.

You can also wash the leaves to make them look shiny and dust-free. Use a clean damp cloth to remove the accumulating dust and to keep the pores unclogged.

Avoid pinching the plant when it is not necessary. Make sure to wear gloves and sterilize or disinfect your cutting tools before pruning Philodendron plants.

Potting and Re-potting

The Philodendron Sodiroi plant is a fast-growing variety. Therefore, you will likely need to repot the plant once every 1-2 years. The best way to know if your Sodiroi needs repotting is when you see the roots growing out of its current pot. So pay attention to the roots of the plant.

Sodiroi plant has a fast growth rate. It can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) in height within a year. Upgrade to a bigger size pot but not too big to avoid overwatering the plant. Ideally, get a new pot that is 1 size bigger than the old pot.

The ideal time to repot the Sodirois is in spring, during its growing season. Simple take out the plant out of the planter. Remove the old soil. Then transplant the Philodendron Sodiroi to its new larger pot with fresh well-draining soil.

Growth Zone

The best suitable USDA Growth Zones for indoor and patio growing of the Philodendron Sodiroi are 4a to 11. However, if you live in zones 9b to11, you can grow the Philo plants outdoors.

Common Pests, Toxins, Diseases & Other Problems

Philodendrons are known to be resistant to common pests and diseases. However, they are not totally invulnerable to gnats, mealybugs, spider mites, scale, and whiteflies. Watch out for these common pests and get rid of them as soon as possible to avoid infestation.

To prevent them from pestering the growth of your Philodendron Sodiroi, keep the leaves dust-free by wiping them with a damp cloth. If you see any signs of the insects in the plant, get rid of them immediately using Castille or insecticidal soap, Neem oil, or spray the foliage with a diluted alcohol solution.

Yellowing leaves

If the leaves of your Philodendrons plants are yellowing, they are likely suffering from overwatering or not getting enough light. Also, if the plant is sitting on soggy soil for a longer period of time, there is a good chance that root rot occurs.

Check the soil to confirm its moisture level and relocate the plant to a good spot where it can receive a healthy dose of indirect sunlight.

I remind you again that the Philodendron Sodiroi plant contains high levels of calcium oxalate crystals. Wear gloves when handling the plant as they can cause an allergic reaction.

Propagation

The best way to propagate Philodendron Sodiroi plants is by stem cuttings. Other methods used by growers are air-layering and propagating by seeds. These alternatives are more time-consuming. If you want the easiest and more efficient way, go for stem cutting propagation.

Follow this step-by-step guide to Philodendron Sodiroi propagation:

• Get a cutting blade or pruning shear. Be sure to sterilize or disinfect the cutting tools before using them. Disinfection will reduce the risks of transmitting viruses to the plant. You can use a spray bottle with 70% ethanol alcohol for disinfection.
• Cut a stem at least 3-6 inches long with a healthy leaf or two from the mother plant. If you check your Philodendron plant, you will see nodes on the stem, which is the plant’s growing point. When cutting a stem, make sure you don’t cut the node part of the stem. Longer nodes are better.
• When propagating, a great growing media for the plant is sphagnum moss or sand mix for rooting hardy plants. A regular potting mix with well-drained soil would also work.
• Scrape off the older tissue on the stem cuttings around the node to help the plant get more nutrients and energy.
• Plant the fresh stem cutting in the pre-prepared moss or potting mix. You can use a growth hormone when propagating your houseplants, but the Philodendron Sodiroi does not necessarily need the hormone for this.
• It will take 2 to 3 weeks for the roots to develop or about a month before being brought out and planted into a growing area. Just be sure to keep the soil moist. Give your plant a good drink for it to recover fast and develop.

Philodendron Sodiroi Mature Timeline

• Week 1: This is the start of the propagation period, where you take a stem cutting from a healthy mother plant and plant it in a rich potting mix. See the Philodendron Sodiroi propagation guide above.
• Week 2-Week 3: Put the new plant in a warm, shaded spot. Soil should be properly moist but too wet or soggy. The roots of the plant will start to grow and develop.
• Week 3-Week 7: Maintain a balanced watering routine. Be sure not to let the soil go dry. Keep the new plant under observation.
• Week 7–Week 12: Shoots will start to emerge.
• Week 12–Week 24: Around this period, the plant is growing strong and healthy. New leaves can be seen growing. Water twice a week. You can feed the plant with fertilizer in small quantities.
• Week 24–Week 27: The new Philodendron Sodiroi plant will become self-sufficient. The foliage becomes more prominent. As the epiphytic plants climb the support, be sure to provide proper watering, good indirect sunlight, warmth, and humidity.
• Week 27–Week 50 (spring): At this time, the Sodiroi will grow by leaps and bounds. You may now feed the plant with a good amount of fertilizer. Water 2-3 times a week. Prune it back when necessary.

From week 50 onwards, start watering the plant on alternate days. Add fertilizer once a month. The Philodendron Sodiroi foliage will turn silverish green at this stage. Maintain the moisture and the humidity level around the plant to help it bloom.

Is Philodendron Sodiroi Rare?

The Sodiroi variety is one of the rarest Philodendrons out there. They are pretty in demand and highly sought after by many houseplant enthusiasts. If you are looking to add this fantastic cultivar to your collection, the best place for you to find one is through the internet.

You can check social media platforms like Facebook groups and Instagram. Just be sure to do the due diligence and purchase only from reputable and trusted online sellers.

Is Philodendron Sodiroi a Climber?

Yes, the Philodendron Sodiroi is considered an epiphytic plant that grows well in hanging baskets or moss-covered totems. You can grow Sodirois to climb up the trellis or walls in your home garden. Most houseplant growers cultivate the Sodiroi plant as a vining climber.

This Philodendron (literally means “love trees”) variety naturally uses its aerial roots to wrap around trees or any support it finds in the surroundings. When cultivating this plant as a climber, make sure to provide strong support like a trellis or moss totem to reach their full stunning potential.

The Bottom Line

Although the Philodendron Sodiroi variety is pretty rare, it is fairly easy to look after and grow in your home if you are lucky to get one. Not only will the Sodirois add charm and beauty to any indoor or outdoor spaces, but they are also quite entertaining in their ability to climb up walls and support.

Philodendron Sodiroi cultivation and propagation will be in good hands with this comprehensive Philodendron care.