Question

Philly plant   I have looked everywhere on the internet trying to determine what is wrong with my philodendron. I don't know the species exactly, but it looks closest to the picture attached.

I bought it a few weeks back and ever since it has been home with me it has been developing quarter sized or larger fluid filled blisters on its leaves that are quite fragile and soft and will break open releasing what looks like yellowish water. If I don't prune the plant, the whole leaf including the stalk will eventually droop to the bottom of its container and the stalk will go slimy and soft, losing all rigidity.

It is producing lots of new, healthy growth that doesn't seem to be affected by the same conditions...do you think I traumatized it during its transport home? I've never experienced such a sad, weepy plant. It's in partial sun, good drainage, moist soil...please help!

Answer
Hi Nicole,

Your plant is a Philodendron selloum, a Philodendron species that is susceptible to Erwinia, a bacterial infection for which there is no cure available to you.

Erwinia is quite contagious to other plants, so it is important that you discard the plant quickly and keep any tools and hands that have touched this plant away from other plants or soil until they have been properly sterilized. This is not a bacteria that is harmful to people, only plants. People can spread this infection, but not contract it themselves. Be sure to discard the soil and pot that the plant is potted in. If the pot is valuable, then thoroughly scrub it, preferably in very hot soapy water, before using it again.

Erwinia can nearly always be traced back to the nursery where the plant was grown. You may want to bring the problem to the attention of the place where you acquired this plant. Not only should you get your money back, but the retailer should test all of their plants for Erwinia before selling to other unsuspecting customers. Needless to say, I don't recommend that you ever purchase plants there again.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to PlantCareExperts.com