Optimizing soilless growing media for compact growth of Philodendron xanadu

Abstract: The study on optimizing soilless growing media for compact growth of Philodendron xanadu was conducted at the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, India. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with five different growing media, viz., M₁: cocopeat (50%) + vermicompost (30%) + perlite (10%) + vermiculite (10%), M₂: cocopeat (50%) + vermicompost (20%) + neem cake (10%) + perlite (10%) +vermiculite (10%), M₃: coco chips (50%) + vermicompost (30%) + perlite (10%) + vermiculite (10%), M₄: coco chips (50%) + vermicompost (20%) + neem cake (10%) + perlite (10%) + vermiculite (10%) and M₅: cocopeat (60%) + vermicompost (20%) + perlite (20%). The study revealed that plants grown in media M₂ and M₄ showed significant variations and superior performance in vegetative and root parameters. These media also exhibited the highest chlorophyll content and favorable physical and chemical properties, enhancing nutrient uptake and plant growth cost-effectively. The inclusion of cocopeat in M₂ and coco chips in M₄, along with organic amendments such as vermicompost, perlite, and vermiculite, provided excellent water retention, aeration, and nutrient content, promoting root and vegetative growth. Additionally, the neem cake amendment contributed to the superior performance of plants in these media. Conclusively, these growing media M₂ and M₄ are recommended for achieving the compact growth of Philodendron xanadu, emphasizing the potential of optimized soilless growing media for sustainable and efficient Ornamental Horticulture.