The Strawberry Shake Philodendron: A Beautiful and Unique Plant
The Strawberry Shake Philodendron is a stunning houseplant that has become very popular. Its leaves look like they’ve been splashed with shades of green, cream, pink, and even red-orange—just like a strawberry milkshake! Each leaf is different, making this plant truly special.
Why is it Special?
- Colorful Leaves – The mix of green, cream, pink, and red-orange makes it stand out.
- Rare and Popular – It’s not easy to find, making it a prized plant among collectors.
- Climbing Growth – This plant grows like a vine and does well with support, like a moss pole or trellis.
How to Care for a Strawberry Shake Philodendron
Light
- Needs bright, indirect light (not direct sun, which can burn the leaves).
- A spot near an east or north-facing window is ideal.
- If the colors fade, it may be getting too much light. If it looks weak or loses its bright colors, it may need more light.
Watering
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Use a pot with good drainage to let extra water escape.
Humidity
- Loves high humidity (like a tropical rainforest!).
- Increase humidity by:
- Using a humidifier.
- Placing the plant on a tray of water with pebbles.
- Grouping plants together.
- Misting the leaves sometimes.
Soil
- Needs well-draining soil.
- A mix of perlite, orchid bark, and coco coir is best.
Temperature
- Likes warm temperatures (65°F–80°F or 18°C–27°C).
- Keep away from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Fertilizing
- Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer.
- Use half strength to avoid overfeeding.
- No need to fertilize in winter.
Support for Growth
- Since it’s a climbing plant, give it a moss pole or trellis to grow taller and develop larger leaves.
How to Grow More Strawberry Shake Plants (Propagation)
- Stem Cuttings (easiest method)
- Cut a healthy stem just below a leaf node.
- Remove the bottom leaves, leaving a few at the top.
- Place in water or moist soil to grow roots.
- If using water, change the water regularly.
- Once roots appear, plant it in soil.
- Air Layering (advanced method)
- Encourages roots to grow while still attached to the plant.
Common Problems and Fixes
- Root Rot → Happens from too much water. Let the soil dry a bit between waterings.
- Pests → Watch for bugs like spider mites or mealybugs. Clean leaves regularly and treat infestations quickly.
- Loss of Color (Variegation) → Needs more light if the pink/cream colors start to fade.
- Leaf Burn → Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves.
- Slow Growth → May need more light or fertilizer.
A Few Final Tips
Since the Strawberry Shake Philodendron is rare, it can be expensive. Be careful when buying—if the price seems too good to be true, it might not be a real Strawberry Shake.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Shake Philodendron is a gorgeous, unique plant that brings a splash of color to any home. It’s not too hard to care for, but it does need proper light, humidity, and watering. If you take good care of it, this beautiful plant will reward you with its vibrant, eye-catching leaves for years!
The “Strawberry Shake” Philodendron – A Beautiful and Unique Houseplant
The “Strawberry Shake” Philodendron is a special type of houseplant loved by plant enthusiasts for its colorful leaves. It’s rare, beautiful, and a great addition to any plant collection.
What is the “Strawberry Shake” Philodendron?
This plant is a type of Philodendron erubescens, which naturally grows in South American rainforests. What makes it unique is its variegated leaves, meaning its leaves have different colors. The leaves can show a mix of:
- Green
- Red
- Pink
- Yellow
- Orange
The colors resemble a strawberry milkshake, which is how it got its name!
Special Features
- Colorful Variegation: Each leaf looks different, making every plant one of a kind.
- Climbing Growth: This plant loves to climb, so it does best with a moss pole or other support.
- Rare & Expensive: It’s not easy to find because it grows slowly and is hard to propagate. That’s why it can be pricey.
How to Care for a “Strawberry Shake” Philodendron
Light
- Needs bright, indirect light (not direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves).
- Good lighting helps keep the colors bright and beautiful.
Watering
- Let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry before watering.
- Too much water can cause root rot, so use a pot with drainage holes.
- Water thoroughly until excess water drains out.
Humidity
- Loves high humidity (like in a rainforest).
- Use a humidifier, a pebble tray, or place it in a bathroom for extra moisture.
Soil
- Needs well-draining soil, like a mix with perlite and orchid bark.
Temperature
- Prefers warm temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C).
Fertilizing
- Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer in spring and summer (the growing season).
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plant.
Important Things to Know
- The amount of light affects the color of the leaves.
- It grows slowly, so be patient.
- Because it’s rare, it can be expensive to buy.
If you’re lucky enough to own a “Strawberry Shake” Philodendron, taking good care of it will help it grow into a stunning, colorful plant! 🌿✨
