---
title: "I picked up this black cardinal philodendron from a local plant…"
description: "I picked up this black cardinal philodendron from a local plant store. They had been treating it for spider mites. I brought it home and repotted it 1 week…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/6WjlL_2rTSS00GnYx8UA_g/0Ypi3g3KSq2EzZYYF8zcKg"
community: "Philodendron Parents"
author: "Kat"
published: "2024-11-23T19:35:55.199215Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/tqy9NmhX_fwtmvao4n3WFJEK_Ju9C0xgKlvNHVGr--M/USbjjKLJRimav61L882hRA.webp?size=large"
---

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# I picked up this black cardinal philodendron from a local plant…

_Posted by Kat on 2024-11-23_

I picked up this black cardinal philodendron from a local plant store. They had been treating it for spider mites. I brought it home and repotted it 1 week ago. I am awaiting a grow light because it think it’s current location is too dark. South facing windows about 15 feet away.

Any tips on helping this plant recover and survive? It’s looking pretty pathetic. Should I trim the wilted leaves?

![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/tqy9NmhX_fwtmvao4n3WFJEK_Ju9C0xgKlvNHVGr--M/USbjjKLJRimav61L882hRA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/tqy9NmhX_fwtmvao4n3WFJEK_Ju9C0xgKlvNHVGr--M/0di3yy6FRraF0tRrua-atg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/tqy9NmhX_fwtmvao4n3WFJEK_Ju9C0xgKlvNHVGr--M/oMAFRDipTLmdwNy3Ix6hpg.webp?size=large)

## 8 comments

### Plant Dad commented on 2024-11-23

Keep it in isolation for a while until you know the spider mites are 100% gone. I would be cautious with how often you water as that soil looks to be a bit dense and the pot a big large; Planta doesn't allow us to zoom in on pictures so I could be completely wrong. I personally trim any leaf as soon as I know it's dying. What kind of grow light did you buy if you don't mind me asking; just curious.

#### Kat replied on 2024-11-23

Yodaker full spectrum LED light, ordered from amazon. I used all purpose potting mix, is there something that would be better? New plant mom so I’m still learning. Thanks for your help!

#### Plant Dad replied on 2024-11-23

I have a couple of the Yodaker. They are ok for what they are. I've had great success with these. Depending how many plants will be together, I got my first Sansy butane I flipping love it. They are actually on sale now too. You do need an area where you can hang it thougho

#### Plant Dad replied on 2024-11-23

For the potting mix I would add a lot alot more perlite. It always better airflow for stronger roots

### Plant Dad commented on 2024-11-23

Yes that is correct. You don't have to make it a super chunky mix but adding some will definitely help

#### Plant Dad replied on 2024-11-23

My "chunky mix, that I use for all my plants in soil include,: Fox Farms soil, perlite, leca and every so often I'll throw in some bark chips. But I use mostly soil as the base

#### Kat replied on 2024-11-24

Thanks so much for your help! I’ll update when it’s recovered!

### Plant Dad commented on 2024-11-24

Absolutely. Always happy to share my experiences. It might look a little rough now but I got faith; it will bounce back in no time. =)))

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