Plant of the month
She is a little quirky, effortlessly elegant, and completely irresistible. Meet the Philodendron Jose Buono, our plant of the month for September. With her large leaves and unique variegated patterns in cream, green, and yellow, she is truly one of a kind. No two leaves are ever the same, and that is exactly what makes her so special.
Philodendron Jose Buono
With her tropical charm and love for climbing, Jose brings a vibrant touch to any space. In her rainforest home, she is always reaching up, chasing the light through the canopy, and she is happy to do the same in your living room. Give her some love and a bright spot with indirect light, and she will keep surprising you with her one-of-a-kind leaf designs.
Fun fact! The name ‘Philodendron’ comes from Greek, where ‘philo’ stands for love and ‘dendron’ for tree, a sweet reference to her climbing nature and her love for a little extra support.
Care guide
Want your Philodendron Jose Buono to keep showing off her beautiful variegated leaves? The right care is key. She is not demanding, but she does enjoy a little attention now and then. With the perfect mix of light, love, and humidity, she will grow into a striking and enchanting beauty. From watering to the perfect spot, here’s how to keep her happy.
Light
Jose is happy to shine, but only under the perfect light. Bright, indirect light is her favourite, so think of a spot near a window with filtered sunlight. Direct sun is a bit too much for her gorgeous leaves and can cause them to burn. She can also handle some shade, but her colours really shine when she gets plenty of bright, indirect light.
Tip: Jose’s creamy variegation has less chlorophyll, the pigment plants use to turn light into energy. This means she needs just a bit more light than her fully green sisters to keep her variegated look. Give her a bright spot without direct sun, and she will treat you to the most beautiful leaf patterns!
Watering
A little drink makes this Philodendron happy, but soggy feet are a big no-no. Let the top layer of soil dry out before watering again. Let the top layer of soil dry out before giving her another drink. In summer she is a bit thirstier, while in winter she prefers a slower sip. Make sure there is no water left sitting in the bottom of the pot or decorative planter; her roots are a little fussy and won’t thank you for sitting in water for too long.
Tip: Philodendrons like Jose don’t handle overwatering well. Too much water can lead to root rot, and that is a tough one to fix. Always use a pot with drainage holes and let excess water run off. Not sure if it is time to water? Wait a little longer. She would rather be slightly thirsty than drowning.
Soil
Jose loves a light, well-draining soil mix. She is happiest in a mix of potting soil, perlite, and a touch of coco coir, which keeps things nice and airy while letting excess water drain away. Heavy, soggy soil? That is her worst nightmare.
Tip: Light, well-draining soil is the secret to happy roots. It keeps rot away and encourages strong growth. Give the top layer a gentle fluff every now and then… her roots will thank you!
Temperature & Humidity
Jose feels at her best in warm, gentle conditions, just like in the tropics. Keep her between 18 and 24°C, and she will stay happy and healthy. Cold drafts give her the chills, and sitting next to a heater can dry her out, so it is best to avoid both. Normal household humidity is fine, but if you treat her to the occasional misting or group her with other plants, she will be living her best rainforest life.
Propagating
Thinking about propagating your Jose Buono? Go for it! It is like giving your plant the chance to have cute little siblings that you can spread around your home (or share with friends!). She is not only stunning but also surprisingly easy to root. Give her a little love and attention, follow the steps below, and before you know it, you will have a mini-Jose growing from your very own cutting.
Step 1
Choose a strong stem with at least one leaf and a visible node (that’s the little bump on the stem where roots or leaves can grow). If you are lucky enough to spot a small aerial root, even better; that will give your cutting a head start.
Step 2
Always use clean, sharp pruning shears or a knife. Cut the stem just below the node. Make sure your cutting has at least one node (ideally with a leaf), because without a node, roots won’t grow.
Step 3
Pop your cutting into a glass of water or tuck it straight into a light, well-draining soil mix. Water makes it easy to keep an eye on those first tiny roots as they appear, while soil gets them used to their forever home right away. Whichever you choose, make sure the node is submerged in water or nestled in soil, and keep the leaf dry so it stays happy and rot-free.
Step 4
Put your cutting in a warm, bright spot with indirect sunlight. If it is in water, refresh it every few days. If it is in soil, keep it lightly moist (never soggy). After a few weeks, roots will start to grow. Once they are a few centimetres long, you can pot up your new baby Jose and let her begin her own adventure.
Tip: Got a small propagation box or a plastic bag? Pop it over your cutting for some extra humidity. Just like in the tropics, Jose will feel right at home!
Buy Philodendron Jose Buono
Looking for a plant with tropical flair and personality? The Philodendron Jose Buono is your perfect match! Her large leaves with unique cream, yellow, and green patterns instantly catch the eye. She is easy to care for and loves to climb if you give her a little support. This month she is shining as our plant of the month, so you can bring her home at an extra special price. A stunning addition for any plant lover who enjoys something special!
Is the Philodendron Jose Buono air-purifying?
Yes! Just like her Philodendron family, Jose helps clean the air in your home. She is a natural beauty and a little home helper all in one.
Is the Philodendron Jose Buono toxic?
A tiny bit. If nibbled, she can cause irritation, so it is best to keep her away from curious pets and little explorers. Pop her somewhere safe, and you can admire her worry-free.
How big does the Philodendron Jose Buono get?
Jose grows at her own pace, but with some patience she can get pretty impressive. Her leaves can stretch up to 150 cm long! Give her a moss pole or climbing support, and she will happily head for the skies.
Does sunlight make the variegation stronger?
Oh yes! Bright, indirect light will really make her creamy patterns pop. Just keep her out of harsh direct sunlight; it is a little too much for those delicate leaves.
Why are my Philodendron Jose Buono’s leaves turning yellow?
Most of the time, it is from too much water. Let the top of the soil dry before watering again, and make sure extra water can drain away. Older leaves can also turn yellow naturally; nothing to worry about!