Philodendron Camposportoanum Care – Plant Guide 101

The small non-climbing Philodendron camposportoanum with beautiful velvety leaves loses its shine and turns brown under harsh sunlight and improper growing conditions.

Besides, a few tips and tricks can help the Philodendron camposportoanum attain proper height and color.

Overview of Philodendron Camposportoanum

Belonging to the Araceae family, Philodendron camposportoanum is an aroid adored for its lobed leaves. 

Native to the rainforests of South America, this evergreen vining variety is one of the rare among all the Philodendron varieties.

A Complete Guide to Philodendron Camposportoanum Care

Although Philodendron camposportoanum is not a difficult plant, it demands particular care requirements for the leaves to shine to the fullest.

Bright-indirect light (6-8 hours)	Twice a week in Summer Once in 14 days in Winter
Well-drainage soil Do not let soil dry	Balanced fertilizer Apply monthly in Spring
Optimal temperature (60-70°F)	High moisture content ( 55-60%)

1. Sunlight & Temperature

Philodendron camposportoanum prefers bright indirect sunlight for at least 8-10 hours daily, with warm surrounding at 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C).

However, a few hours of early morning sunlight is wonderful and even better for its healthy growth. But make sure to place the plant 3-4 feet away from the north-facing window if you are growing them indoors.

Philodendron still grows in low light conditions, but the growth will be slower, and the plant will be stunted.

Low light and cold drafts cause the stem to become leggy due to disproportionate growth towards the light source. 

Tips for Proper Sunlight and Temperature

• Use a sheer curtain to avoid the incidence of direct light on the Philodendron leaves.
• Bring the plant indoors or use winter protection like burlap to protect the plant from cold dark winter.
• During winter, use heating pads to maintain warmth for the normal growth of the plant.
• You can also use grow light for 8-9 hours to fulfill the light requirement light.
• Rotate the plant regularly for equal distribution of light to the entire plant.

2. Watering & Humidity

Philodendrons, in general, are a little particular about their moisture requirement. 

Similar to their natural habitat, Philodendron needs consistently moist soil by not soggy at higher humidity (above 60%). 

But humidity below 40% and dry soil cause droopy leaves, brown tips, and curled edges. 

Ensure not to overwater the plant, or you’ll suffocate the roots leading to a mushy root, a wilted plant with yellow leaves, and root rot. 

Tips to Provide Adequate Moisture

• Water the plant only when the top inch of the soil is dry. Use your finger to check the dryness of the soil.
• Remove the water on the drip tray regularly to prevent unknown over-watering of your plant.
• Bottom water the plant to avoid drenching the leaves, which may result in the rotting of the leaves. 
• Mist the plant occasionally to maintain the humidity. Or, simply gather all the house plants together to create a mini-biome.
• Place the plant in a highly humid area of your home, like the bathroom or kitchen.

3. Soil & Fertilizer

Well-draining and aerated soil (pH 6 to 7) enriched with organic matter are the best for a thriving Philodendron camposportoanum.

To avoid the DIY hassle, you can also use commercial potting mix curated for Philodendrons like Philodendron Houseplant Mix, rePotme Soil Mix, and Dirtco Potting Soil.

The commercial potting mix is pre-enriched with nutrients, so avoid adding any for 6 months to a year. You can then apply a balanced fertilizer monthly in the active growing season (spring).

Also, reduce fertilizer application in the dormant winter to avoid salt accumulation leading to chemical burns, brown spots, and root rot.

4. Potting and Repotting

Terracotta or ceramic pots with 1-2 drainage holes is the best to plant the Philodendron camposportoanum.

You may also use a plastic or cement pot, but they may not facilitate adequate drainage like the above ones. 

As the plant becomes pot-bound, roots start peeking out of the drain hole, and water pools on the soil surface due to compact soil failing to drain the excess. 

The prolonged rootbound condition causes leaves to become brown and slow plant growth.

So, to avoid such situations, get a pot 2-3 inches larger than the existing ones to allow enough space for the root to grow and repot the plant. 

Make sure not to get extremely large pots, as big pots store more water than required creating soggy conditions.

The plant may be in shock for a few days and may show symptoms like drooping and wilting. However, don’t panic and continue with the general care routine of Philodendron.

5. Pruning of Philodendron Camposportoanum

Philodendrons are generally pruned to remove the wilting, dead leaves, and long, leggy stems. Removing long and leggy stems helps in making the Philodendron bushier.

Common pests like Mealybugs, aphids, thrips, and whiteflies feed on the leaves and stem sap, turning them yellow.

Similarly, diseases like leaf spot, blight, and root rot gradually affect the health of the entire plant.

Try using neem oil to subside the pest and disease infestation. In case it doesn’t show any positive result, trim the damaged parts just above the nodes. 

Philodendron Camposportoanum: Growth Habits

Unlike other varieties like Philodendron bipennifolium and Philodendron gloriosum, the camposportoanum is relatively petite. 

Meanwhile, the foliage changes its shape and color throughout its growing period.

The young Campos leaves are oval and impart maroon shine on light incidence. And as the foliage matures, it develops into a 12 inches (30 cm) heart-shaped, dark green, and velvety texture.

Moreover, this velvety Philodendron has vine-like growth habits. Therefore, it can be grown on a moss pole or planted in a hanging basket.

Further, after 12-15 years, the plant fully matures and may produce a white funnel-like flower in its natural habitat.

Philodendron Camposportoanum Propagation Methods

Philodendrons are generally propagated by stem-cutting and air layering in the spring or early summer when it is actively Growing.

Quick Check Before Propagating

The list of materials that you will need while propagating are:

Propagation Via Stem Cutting

• Select a healthy stem 3-4 inches long, at least a year old.
• Make a cut in the stem below the nodes with at least two leaves intact.
• Let the cutting dry for about a week to form callous on the wounds. Roots can easily grow on a calloused cutting.
• Plant your cutting on a fresh and porous potting mix about 2 inches deep in the soil. About two-thirds of the cutting should be buried inside the soil to ensure abundant root growth.
• Then water the plant thoroughly and place it in bright indirect light.
• Your plant should show signs of bud formation within a month.

Propagation Via Air Layering

• Choose a stem 4-5 inches long with some aerial roots 
• Cut the stem about 2 inches deep and 2 inches long, and push a toothpick from the top and bottom of the wound to keep it wide open.
• Take a handful of wet sphagnum moss and place it around the wounded stem to cover it.
• Wrap the stem with transparent plastic and make two holes in the plastic to allow breathing.
• Don’t forget to spray the moss with water every second day to keep it moist. Keeping the moss moist is very necessary to encourage root growth.
• Roots will start to grow in about three weeks. After 4-5 weeks, it’s time to cut the stem and plant it in a pot.
• Cut the stem at least a few inches below the wound. Then remove the plastic wrap. You should be careful during the process and not damage the fresh roots.
• Now plant it on a fresh, well-draining soil mix covering all the roots.

Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a location with bright and indirect sunlight. Further, care for the new plant is the same as for a matured plant.

Toxicity of Philodendron Camposportoanum

Like any other Philodendrons, the sap of camposportoanum also contains calcium oxalate crystals.

While in humans, oxalate causes problems like swollen tongue and throat, difficulty breathing, nausea, and vomiting.

So, keep the plant away from the reach of children and pets to discourage the consumption of Philodendron camposportoanum.

Further, we recommend you seek help from a nearby vet or contact the following helplines to prevent mishaps.

• Animal Poison Control Centre: (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661

FAQs About Philodendron Camposportoanum

Does a Philodendron Camposportoanum Clean the Air?

Yes. Philodendron camposportoanum absorbs the toxins of the air through its leaves and roots.

It then releases fresh oxygen free of toxins acting as a biofilter to the polluted air indoors.

Is Philodendron Camposportoanum a Climber?

Philodendron Camposportoanum is a nonclimber plant. But its vine-like growing habit makes it best for hanging baskets and moss poles.