A member of the Araceae family and the Philodendron genus, Philodendron ‘Birkin’ is a relatively new offering in the ornamental plant industry. It’s primary claim to fame arises from the beautiful striated variegation pattern displayed in its broad leaves. “But,” you may ask, “where did this variegation come from?” Let’s look at that.
Philodendron ‘Birkin’ did not originate through the typical methods of breeding employed in plant hybridization. ‘Birkin’ was the result of a chimeric mutation in Philodendron Rojo Congo (Goldwyn, 2021). In layman’s language, this means that a dark-green plant with red hues (called Philodendron Rojo Congo) underwent a mutation in one of its cells. This mutation caused the DNA to code for variegated leaves. The mutated cell produced more cells, which produced more cells, eventually generating a whole section of plant with the new variegated leaf pattern. The new section of variegated plant tissue was then propagated to create what we call ‘Berkin.’
Your ‘Berkin’ is simple to care for, but we outline some keys here which will increase your chances for success greatly. Provide your ‘Berkin’ with bright, indirect light (Iseli, 2020). Heavy shade and direct sunlight should both be avoided. Keep your plant watered throughout the summer, allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry between waterings, but back off on supplemental H20 in the winter months when your ‘Birkin’ requires less moisture. Monthly fertilization with a simple balanced liquid fertilizer should keep your plant thriving and beautiful. Consider using half-strength fertilizer, but definitely don’t use more than the recommended rate.
Finally, we must address one final topic: loss of leaf variegation. What causes ‘Birkin’ plants to sometimes lose their variegated leaf pattern? Since variations in leaf pattern have been associated with lighting issues (Philodendron Birkin: In Depth Guide and Care Details, 2021; Goldwyn, 2021), ensure that your plants are receiving the bright indirect light prescribed above. However, as a sport mutation, ‘Berkin’ has also been know undergo another phenomenon. It can revert back to it’s native color at the genetic level. This phenomenon is discussed on one page by monsteramatthew.com, and we highly recommend this page for those who are serious about understanding their ‘Birkin’ plants.
Whether you already own Philodendron ‘Birkin” or whether you choose to purchase this plant in the future, our hope is that these tips will help you both understand your plant better, and enjoy it for the longest time possible! Happy growing!
Sources
Goldwyn, B. (2021). How to Care for Your Philodendron Birkin. Retrieved 7/28/21 from https://www.bybrittanygoldwyn.com/philodendron-birkin-care/
How to Care for a Philodendron Birkin (n.d.). Retrieved 7/28/21 from https://plantcareforbeginners.com/articles/how-to-care-for-a-philodendron-birkin
Iseli, M. (2020). Philodendron Birkin Care — Best Kept Secrets! Retrieved 7/28/21 from https://plantophiles.com/plant-care/philodendron-birkin/
Philodendron Birkin: In Depth Guide and Care Details (2021). Retrieved 7/28/21 from https://outsideinco.com/blogs/learn/philodendron-birkin-in-depth-guide-care-details
What’s Happening To My Philodendron Birkin? (2020). Retrieved 7/28/21 from https://monsteramatthew.com/whats-happening-to-my-philodendron-birkin/