This painted lady (or so I was told) has never given me issues or been dramatic, but I want to see bigger leaves. I use plant food with every watering and it’s in a sunny window- and yes, tied to a chopstick, haha. Should I prune it? Do something else? Thanks!
by Pestoplasm
5 Comments
Looks like my red emerald. It needs to climb something to grow bigger leaves
You can totally prune it if you want but you’re just going to start over with a smaller plant and similarly sized leaves.
Honestly, I think support is his biggest need. You’d be surprised at the kind of growth that comes from a supported philo. You can use a moss pole or bamboo stake.
https://preview.redd.it/lav7sz8y2rcd1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4132dd53fb6aa969df75dc1523c6edc4a16b3f8f
*solo cup was for size reference, lol
Give it an actual support. The wooden poles you have aren’t helping it that well.
If sun isn’t an issue check the roots if it’s root bound
Might also just need fertilizer or more consistent waterinh
A moss pole will help with that. Look up Sydney Plant Guy on Youtube. He has tons of tutorials and examples of Philos on moss poles with massive leaves. It basically activates root growth at every node and so taking up more water and nutrients. This is my painted lady on a moss pole;
https://preview.redd.it/7qwvdhjlercd1.jpeg?width=3120&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=713f500a77e88abeccd40e4be01c91f2d3df6ab3
My understanding for big leaves is good support and regular water and lighting. A moss pole gives them something to grab onto and roots multiply with the support. I think it mimics what they do in nature and it makes a lot of sense to me.
I’m new to philos, just got a PPP and I’m making friends and doing lots of researching. I’m looking into moss poles but I think the homemade ones are better.