Birkin is a gorgeous houseplant with attractive white stripes on green leaves. The patterns and colors might make you conclude that it may be challenging to grow, but that is not true! Learn the Philodendron Birkin Growing Tips here in our article.
Botanical Name: Philodendron Birkin
Other Names: ‘Birkin White Wave’ or Philodendron ‘White Wave’
Check out our article on growing Philodendron Pink Princess here
Choosing a Container
A 6-8 inches pot will be a good starting point. Repot the plant as it grows and matures. Do make sure the planter you choose has sufficient drainage holes in the bottom.
Requirements for Growing Philodendron Birkin
Light
Like other Philodendron family members, birkin prefers bright but indirect sunlight. Exposure to direct sun will make the plant wilt, toasting the foliage. Any area that gets dappled or indirect daylight in a day will do wonders for its growth.
Soil
Any soil that drains well and can hold just enough moisture is perfect for the plant. Philodendrons also perform well in soil that is rich in organic matter, so adding some compost would be a great idea.
You can also mix perlite to better drainage, but that is optional.
Water
Water this tropical plant only when the top 1-2 inches of the soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to a case of root rot and lead to your Philodendron Birkin’s death.
Reduce watering during winter as the plant enters a somewhat inactive growth stage.
Temperature
Philodendron grows best in temperature between 65-75°F or 18-23°C. Ensure the plant is not exposed to temperatures below 50°F or 10°C for a long. In warm climates, avoid keeping the plant in hot conditions.
Humidity
Keep the humidity levels between 40-70 percent at all times for incredible growth. Place a humidifier near the plant or mist the foliage regularly. Placing a tray filled with pebbles and water under the container to raise the humidity level is also a good idea.
You can also keep the plant in a bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen.
Check out plants that look like Philodendron Birkin here
Philodendron Birkin Care
Fertilizer
Feed the Birkin with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer during spring and early summer for lush foliage, once in 4-5 weeks. Dilute the feed to 1/4 of its strength.
The plant enters a dormant stage during winter and does not need any feeding.
Pests and Diseases
Spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, and scales can be some of the common garden bugs that feed on the Birkin’s stunning foliage. Use rubbing alcohol or apply insecticidal liquid soaps and neem oil spray to get rid of them.
Avoid overhead watering if the air circulation around your plant is low to prevent fungal infections on the foliage.
Re-potting
Philodendron birkin grows at a moderate pace and needs to be repotted every couple of years. When repotting, choose a container about 1-3 inches bigger than the current one to make sure the plant has enough room to spread.
The best time to repot the plant is when the roots begin growing out of the bottom of the container.
Note: Do not pick an oversized container as it increases the chances of waterlogging.
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How to Make Philodendron Birkin Maintain its Best Colors?
The plant grows its new leaves in white color with stripes, and as they age, they start to take streaks of green and turn completely green in the end.
If you want your plant to stand out with striking variegation, then keep it where it gets plenty of indirect light. Also, snip away old and mature green leaves to promote new growth in white-green color!
Is Philodendron Birkin Toxic to Cats and Dogs
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Birkin is mildly toxic to dogs and cats because it contains calcium oxalate crystals. The symptoms after ingestion include burning sensation, oral irritation, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing, excessive drooling. Fortunately, these symptoms subside on their own.
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