Philodendrons, known for their diverse foliage, are popular indoor plants. Many varieties thrive outdoors in suitable climates, offering unique landscaping possibilities. They introduce a lush, tropical aesthetic to garden designs. Their forms and textures enhance diverse landscape settings.
Selecting Philodendrons for Outdoor Landscapes
Selecting philodendrons for outdoor landscaping requires considering growth habits and climate suitability. Different varieties offer distinct appearances and functions within a garden. Primarily tropical, philodendrons thrive outdoors year-round in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, where temperatures rarely fall below 50-55°F (10-13°C). Some varieties, like Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (formerly Philodendron selloum), tolerate temperatures as low as 32°F (0°C) with acclimation.
Climbing philodendrons, such as Philodendron hederaceum (‘Brasil’, ‘Micans’) and Philodendron erubescens, suit vertical landscaping. They can be trained on trellises, walls, or trees, adding height and texture with their heart-shaped or elongated leaves. Requiring support, they create natural curtain effects, enhancing privacy and visual interest.
Upright or self-heading philodendrons offer a sculptural presence. Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum and Philodendron xanadu are larger, bushier types suitable as focal points or for mass plantings. These varieties form broad plants with leaves radiating from a central point, creating a lush, tropical appearance. Outdoors, they can reach up to 10 feet wide and 15 feet tall.
Smaller vining types, like some Philodendron hederaceum varieties, can be used as groundcover or spill over containers. Without support, they form a continuous green carpet. Variety selection depends on desired growth habit and local climate for successful outdoor cultivation.
Integrating Philodendrons into Landscape Designs
Philodendrons offer diverse aesthetic possibilities for outdoor spaces. Their lush foliage transforms areas into tropical retreats, especially when combined with other tropical plants. Large-leafed philodendrons, like Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, create dense, jungle-like environments, suitable for poolside plantings or as massive silhouettes.
These plants suit shade gardens where others struggle. Philodendrons naturally grow as understory plants, preferring filtered light or partial shade. This makes them ideal for brightening shaded corners with vibrant green foliage.
Spreading philodendron varieties function as groundcover or in mass plantings, creating a continuous green carpet. This covers bare ground, suppresses weeds, and adds uniform texture. Dense growth provides an appealing visual base for taller plantings.
Vertical landscaping benefits from climbing philodendrons. Varieties like Philodendron hederaceum or Philodendron erubescens can be trained to ascend pergolas, fences, or living walls, adding dramatic height and visual interest. Sturdy support, like a moss pole or trellis, enables their climbing habit.
Container gardening offers flexibility, especially in colder climates where philodendrons cannot survive outdoors year-round. Growing them in pots allows indoor relocation during winter, serving as movable accents on patios, balconies, or entryways. Terracotta or clay pots with drainage holes promote good airflow and prevent waterlogging.
Philodendrons pair well with companion plants, enhancing garden aesthetics and ecological balance. Ferns, calatheas, bromeliads, and impatiens are suitable, sharing similar light and moisture preferences. These combinations create layered designs, offering texture and form contrasts while maintaining a cohesive tropical theme. Using philodendrons as focal points or for textural contrast elevates landscape appeal.
Essential Outdoor Care for Landscape Philodendrons
Proper care ensures philodendrons thrive outdoors. They prefer bright, indirect light or partial shade, mimicking their natural forest habitat. Direct afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates, can scorch leaves, causing yellowing or browning. A location with morning sun and afternoon shade is often ideal.
Well-draining, rich, organic soil is important for all philodendrons. Heavy clay soils may need amendments like organic matter, perlite, or sand to improve drainage and aeration. Sandy soils benefit from added organic material to enhance nutrient retention. Soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 5.0 and 6.5.
Consistent moisture is necessary, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. Keep soil moist but not soggy, allowing the top inch or two to dry between waterings. Container plants may need more frequent watering due to faster soil drying. Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases and attract pests.
Philodendrons are cold-sensitive, with ideal temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Temperatures consistently below 50-55°F (10-13°C) can damage foliage and roots. In cold-prone regions, move containerized philodendrons indoors or protect in-ground plants with heavy mulching or frost cloths.
Regular fertilization supports robust outdoor growth, particularly during the active growing season. A balanced liquid fertilizer, like a 20-20-20 NPK formula, applied every 4-6 weeks, provides essential nutrients. Organic options like worm castings or compost tea also supply nutrients and improve soil structure. Reduce or stop fertilization during dormant periods.
Addressing Common Challenges in Landscape Philodendrons
Managing common issues maintains the health and appearance of outdoor philodendrons. Pest management is a recurring concern, as outdoor plants are susceptible to various insects. Common outdoor pests include aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, thrips, slugs, and snails. A strong water spray can dislodge many pests, while insecticidal soap or neem oil is effective for larger infestations. Regularly inspecting leaf undersides helps detect pests early.
Disease prevention involves proper cultural practices. Philodendrons are generally disease-resistant, but root rot is common, often from overwatering or poorly draining soil. Leaf spot, a fungal disease, can occur in overly warm or moist conditions. Ensuring good air circulation, avoiding excessive humidity, and allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings prevents these problems.
Environmental stress manifests in several ways. Sun scorch appears as yellow or brown patches on leaves from excessive direct sunlight. Moving the plant to a shadier location or providing filtered light alleviates this. Cold damage results in blackened leaves when temperatures drop too low. Nutrient deficiencies can cause yellowing leaves; for example, lack of magnesium or iron leads to chlorosis. A balanced fertilizer corrects most deficiencies.
Pruning benefits both health and aesthetics. While not always necessary for growth, pruning maintains shape, controls size, and removes dead, damaged, or diseased foliage. This promotes better airflow and encourages new, healthy growth. Pruning should be done with clean tools, and gloves worn as philodendron sap can cause skin irritation.