With over 400 Philodendron species out there, it can sometimes be hard to differentiate between them. You really have to pay close attention to details to be able to distinguish them.
Philodendron Sodiroi and Philodendron Mamei are often mistaken for one another due to their remarkable resemblance, but we have some great tips and tricks on how to tell the difference.
Philodendrons are popular houseplants because of their easy plant care and magnificent large leaves, which can be used to create a mini indoor jungle!
Now, let’s analyze Philodendron Sodiroi vs Mamei and see what their similarities and differences are.
Philodendron Sodiroi vs Mamei: Key Differences
It is extremely hard to spot differences between these two philodendron species, and even veteran gardeners can find it difficult.
However, we are here to learn more about every Philodendron out there, so today we’ll be killing two birds with one stone.
We usually differentiate between philodendron species by looking at the leaves, but you never know with these two. They both have heart-shaped leaves that have silvery variegations on the surface.
However, the intensity of these colous can vary.
Let’s look at the main differences .
Growth Habits
As well as the shape and size of the leaves, we can also look at their growth habits .
Philo mamei is a tropical plant that has creeping growth habits .
This type of philodendron can usually be found on the ground as a cover, and sometimes it can creep up trees and walls. This distinctive feature makes it a great indoor decorative houseplant !
On the other hand, the P. sodiroi is your typical climber Philo. It’s a fast grower , so you must provide it with some type of support immediately after buying one. If you provide it with a moss pole it tends to produce larger leaves. If you don’t like moss poles , you can always use some of these great moss pole alternatives .
Petioles
Another distinctive feature of these two Philos are their petioles . Luckily, they differ in both texture and color!
For instance, the Philodendron Sodiroi has petioles with a rougher texture compared to the smooth Philodendron Mamei petioles .
Also, the P. Sodiroi has petioles that are between red and pinkish and less than intense mottlings, with lateral veins further apart. On the other hand, P. mamei petioles have a dark-green to olive color with lateral veins closer to each other.
P.mamei petioles have much more intense mottlings, too!
Philodendron Sodiroi vs Mamei: The Similarities
Both P. Sodiroi (also known as Sodiroi Ornatum and Silver leaf Philo ) and P. Mamei (also known as Philodendron Silver Cloud ) are rare Philodendron plants used primarily for ornamental purposes.
There are also variations of these plants, but the most famous one is definitely the Philodendron Sodiroi Aff .
Both belong to the Araceae family and these rare plants are very similar, so let’s learn more about Philodendron Sodiroi and Philodendron Mamei care !
Plant Care Guide
Philodendrons are popular houseplants , largely because they are low-maintenance and don’t have any special requirements.
Let’s dive into specifics!
Soil Requirements
If this isn’t your first time growing Philodendron plants, then you are probably familiar with their plant care . These plants have aerial roots, so they require loose and porous soil.
The main reason for this is to allow air to reach the roots. If you use a compact soil, it can prevent airflow and suffocate your beloved plant.
Another crucial soil requirement is good drainage. Philodendrons enjoy growing in well-draining soil!
Drainage is essential for removing excess water and preventing root rot, which is a serious issue caused by overwatering . Plant your Philodendron Sodiroi or Mamei in a pot with drainage holes.
Your new plant will also need neutral soil, which means the pH level should be about 7. Test it before planting to find out what kind of soil you have.
Philodendrons absolutely love nutrient-rich soil, which should also be considered when fertilizing. You can simply add compost before planting your Philo .
Store-bought aroid potting soil mix should do the trick, but you can also make it by yourself.
Buy high-quality potting soil and mix it equally with:
• Orchid Bark
• Perlite
• Sphagnum peat moss (add lime to counteract high acidity)
• Compost
• Vermiculite
• Sand
Water Requirements
It’s hard to define a fixed watering schedule for these plants because their watering needs depend on a few factors, such as temperature and humidity levels.
Luckily, we have a few tips and tricks that might help you figure out the perfect watering schedule!
Before watering philodendrons, it’s a good idea to check if the topsoil has dried out completely. If you don’t have a soil moisture sensor, simply stick your finger in the dirt and water the philodendron if it’s dry.
You don’t need to water this plant on a regular basis, and regular watering can actually cause more harm than good.
Instead, check the topsoil every few days to see whether it’s dry, and water the plant when it is . If you’re not sure whether or not to water your little Philos, it’s best not to because the plant is less likely to recover from overwatering than it is from underwatering.
You will have to water it more frequently during the summer as the soil will dry out quicker, especially if you live in a hot climate, in which case you might be watering it every other day (I usually water my Imperial Green Philodendron twice a week).
Another useful tip is to water your Philodendron slowly so the soil has time to soak up the moisture.
Light Requirements
Philodendrons originate from tropical rainforests and are used to growing in natural shade and indirect light .
When cultivating any type of plant, the best possible care that you can provide it with is mimicking its natural habitat!
This means your Philodendrons should receive enough bright indirect light!
If you are growing an indoor plant , I recommend you keep it near an east-facing window because the morning sun isn’t as strong, so your philodendrons won’t be sunburned even if it is in direct light.
However, you should keep it out of direct sunlight in the afternoon because it is very harsh and will burn your plant. If you keep it in a room with a south or west-facing window, you should move it further away from the window so direct sunlight won’t harm it.
You can also invest in a good set of growth lights. You can find good LED grow lights on Etsy or Amazon for 20 bucks!
Temperature Requirements
Both Philodendron Sodiroi and Philodendron Mamei thrive in temperatures from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Similar to Pothos (as they are both tropical plants ), Philos don’t like extreme temperature fluctuations.
Luckily, it isn’t as hard to maintain their preferred temperatures because they are basically normal room temperatures!
However, you should keep your Philos away from windows, vents, and air conditioning so it isn’t exposed to cold drafts, which can prevent your plant from growing and developing properly.
Keep them away from space heaters because the heat can harm your plant as well.
Humidity Requirements
As they are both tropical plants , they love humid environments!
This means it can be quite tricky to find perfect humidity levels, but your Philos are versatile so they can adapt to lower humidity and still be happy. I’m sure you want the best for your plant, though, which is why humidity levels should be around 70%.
Don’t worry if the humidity in your home doesn’t reach these levels; the only thing that matters is that they don’t drop under 50%.
Here are some ways to increase humidity:
• Mist your plant
• Invest in a humidifier
• Put your plant in the bathroom or laundry room
• Create a pebble tray
Fertilizer Requirements
We already mentioned that Philodendrons love well-draining and nutrient-rich soil, and there are some other ways to improve the nutrient content of soil to provide your plant with some plant food.
High-quality fertilizers will give your plant all the essential nutrients it needs, as well as encourage the growth and development of new leaves . Your room will soon be shining with silvery leaves!
These types of plants should be fertilized once a month during the growing season . You can use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote lush foliage development.
You can choose between a balanced granular fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer — it’s totally up to you!
You can also add worm compost if you don’t want to add fertilizer, but still want to improve the nutritional content of the soil.
Your Philos will enter dormancy during the winter months, which means it will stop growing and won’t need much water and nutrients. This means you should avoid fertilizing during the winter season!
Avoid overfertilizing too because it can lead to excessive chemical and salt build up in the soil, which can prevent the plant’s roots from normally absorbing water and nutrients and disrupt pH levels.
Pruning
Pruning isn’t an essential part of keeping these two Philodendron species happy and healthy. I am sure it would be far too difficult to remove those lovely little leaves when they are so beautiful!
However, if you find any damaged or infected leaves you should remove them immediately to prevent the spread of disease.
If you trim off any healthy leaves, you can always use them for propagation !
Propagation
Philodendrons are quite easy to propagate, and there are a few different methods that you can use.
You can use stem cuttings , put them in soil or water somewhere sunny, and wait for your new baby Philos !
You can also use the air layering method — this is how I propagated the rare Philodendron Camposportoanum (PS. it’s not so rare now!).
Repotting
You won’t have to worry about repotting these types of Philodendrons more than once every couple of years.
Ideally, you should repot your Philos when they become rootbound, so when you see those little roots sticking out of the drainage holes you’ll know it’s time for repotting!
The next pot should be just 2 inches larger than the previous one . If you get one that is too big, you increase the risk of overwatering .
It is also important that your new pot has drainage holes in the bottom because Philos enjoy proper drainage!
Common Pests & Diseases
Unfortunately, both the Philodendron Sodiroi and Philodendron Mamei are prone to certain pests and diseases.
The common pest infestations are white flies, mealybugs, and spider mites. If you notice any discoloration of the leaves or stunted growth, you might be dealing with a pest infestation. You should spray neem oil or use insecticide to treat them.
Root rot is the most common disease, and is caused by various fung i. This is usually the outcome of overwatering a Philos for a long period of time. Root rot will cause the plant’s roots to decay and rot, which destroys the entire plant.
If you notice that the soil starts smelling funny, immediately repot your plant. If you notice any black and mushy roots, cut them off and put your plant in a brand new pot and soil because the previous ones might be infected).
Bear in mind that these plants are toxic, so keep them away from kids and pets!
Other Famous Philodendron Houseplants
If you are looking for some plants to expand your indoor plant collection, check out these famous philodendron houseplants — sadly, there are only 400 Philodendron species for you to choose from.
All jokes aside, here are our top picks that can fit lots of different aesthetics and home decors.
1. Philodendron Gloriosum
The Philodendron Gloriosum is a plant that truly captures that magnificent tropical beauty!
With its large leaves that have a prominent green color, they are one of the most popular Philos out there. They aren’t pricey either!
P.Gloriosum, as the name suggests, is a glorious plant with an easy plant care guide, so it’s perfect for both gardener beginners and also the folks that want to create mini indoor jungles!
2. Philodendron Monstera
There are a lot of discussions about whether this plant is a Philodendron or a Monstera species, and somehow it got the best of both worlds!
Nonetheless, the Philodendron Monstera plant produces beautiful green leaves that have long fenestrations. These fenestrations were developed to survive strong winds and heavy rains because they originate from deep tropical rainforests.
Higher temperatures, higher humidity levels, bright indirect light , and peat-based potting mix are essential for keeping this plant thriving!
3. Philodendron Plowmanii
The Philodendron Plowmanii also produces large green leaves, and they have interesting textures and shapes. It seems like there are a lot of protrusions along the leaves’ surfaces, but it’s just their unique variegations .
The leaves are also heart-shaped!
The Philodendron Plowmanii requires minimum plant care and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. If you want a tropical jungle in your garden, definitely consider growing this Philo .
4. Philodendron Mexicanum
Here is one of the rare Philodendrons that originates from Mexico!
The Philodendron Mexicanum differs a bit from the previously mentioned species because its leaves are glossy and leathery with well-defined lobes. The undersides of the leaves are magenta to maroon, and they can definitely add some color to your room!
They are fast-growing plants and can reach up to 6 feet tall indoors if they are provided with the right conditions.
This plant enjoys warm temperatures and moderate humidity, and thrives in bright indirect light . It also needs somewhat acidic and well-draining soil, as well as mild fertilization.
5. Philodendron Verrucosum
The Philodendron Verrucosum is not your common Philo species; this plant produces quirky emerald leaves with prominent white veins all over the surface. The edges of the leaves look just like waves!
Their leaves aren’t as large and they are a climbing variety.
Bear in mind that this type of Philo is quite pricey! It usually costs about 50 to 100 bucks, but it’s definitely worth it!
6. Philodendron Cream Splash
This Philodendron isn’t called Cream Splash for no reason! It has creamy white variegations that contrast the dark-green background of its leaves.
They are unique, easy to take care of, and can fit into every house style!
If you take good care of it, your little Philodendron Cream Splash plant will start blooming and producing wonderful white flowers. However, it isn’t hard to provide them with good care; just keep them in indirect light and water them every now and then and you will see those little flowers in no time!
7. Philodendron Mcdowell
The Philodendron Mcdowell, often confused with Philodendron Pastazanum, is another great plant that can make any room look more lively!
Native to Ecuador and Peru, this extremely rare plant has stolen the hearts of many plant enthusiasts! It is almost impossible to get your hand on this plant; I’ve been on a waitlist for 2 years!
It produces heart-shaped, glossy leaves with small white veins on the surface.
This sophisticated plant is a crawler, and its requirements are similar to those of many Philodendron plants.
8. Philodendron Melanochrysum
The Philodendron Melanochrysum is a type of Philo that produces the largest leaves you’ve ever seen!
It’s quite interesting that these types of leaves are narrower than they are wide, and they have a dark to almost black color with prominent white veins protruding through the leaves.
This plant thrives in bright indirect light and is prone to overwatering , so make sure the soil is at least two inches dry before watering.
9. Philodendron Luxurians
Now, this Philodendron is all about luxury!
It produces thick, glossy, heart-shaped leaves with intense creamy white veins. This plant has been proclaimed as one of the most gorgeous Philodendron species, and it’s price reflects that! No wonder it’s called luxurians (though sometimes it is mistaken for Anthurium ).
This plant is a climbing variety, and regular Philodendron plant care applies here as well!
10. Philodendron Florida Ghost
The Philodendron Florida ghost is an extremely rare plant from South America. It’s a hybrid, which means it was created by combining two separate plants.
The term “ghost” comes from the fact that this plant produces little white blossoms at first. This could be the only ghost you want in your house!
Provide them with a warm temperature, high humidity, and some fertilizer, and you will notice these little ghosts thriving and flying!
11. Philodendron Brandtianum
The Silver-Leaf Philodendron, also known as Philodendron Brandtianum , has gorgeous olive green foliage with silvery variegations (kind of like our Sodiori and Mamei!).
They grow in a bushier manner, which is not common with philodendrons. The Philodendron Brandtianum is a great hanging plant, but it can also be trained to climb up a moss pole , trellis, or other support.
The rate of growth and color of the leaves, on the other hand, will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, and temperature. Silver leaf philodendrons also help to purify indoor air by removing pollutants.
Final Word
It can be hard to differentiate between many Philodendron species, especially when they look so much alike!
There is a lot of confusion between Philodendron Pedatum and Florida because they have similar growth habits and features.
Hopefully, our analysis on Philodendron Sodiroi vs Mamei has provided you insight into these two plants, and you will now be able to distinguish between them.
Luckily, almost all Philodendron plants have a similar care guide and requirements so you can’t go wrong by following any Philodendron plant care guide.
Until next time!
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