The Philodendron Autumn is a hybrid houseplant known for its striking, evolving foliage. New leaves emerge with a vibrant coppery-red hue, reminiscent of autumn, before gradually transitioning to a deeper green as they mature. Its dynamic color display makes it a visually appealing addition to indoor plant collections. Its upright, bush-like growth habit makes it popular for both seasoned plant enthusiasts and new indoor gardeners.
Philodendron Autumn Care
Light
Philodendron Autumn thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat beneath a tree canopy. Placing the plant near a window with filtered sunlight is ideal, as direct sun can scorch its leaves and diminish their coppery-red vibrancy. While it can tolerate lower light, this may result in slower growth and less intense leaf color.
Watering
Water your Philodendron Autumn when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. This prevents both overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and underwatering, which may cause wilting or crispy leaf edges. During warmer months, more frequent watering may be necessary due to increased plant activity. In cooler periods, reduce watering as the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Soil
Philodendron Autumn prefers a well-draining, aerated soil mix rich in organic matter. A suitable blend includes components such as peat moss or coco coir, perlite, and chunky orchid bark. This combination ensures the soil retains sufficient moisture while allowing excess water to drain effectively, preventing waterlogging and promoting healthy root development. An ideal pH range for philodendrons is slightly acidic, between 5.0 and 6.0.
Humidity and Temperature
These tropical plants flourish in environments with high humidity, ideally ranging from 60% to 80%. To increase humidity, place your Philodendron Autumn on a pebble tray filled with water, group it with other plants, or use a humidifier. They prefer warm temperatures, with an ideal range between 65°F (18°C) and 85°F (29°C). Protect the plant from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, as temperatures below 55°F (13°C) can cause stress.
Fertilizer
Regular fertilization supports the vigorous growth of Philodendron Autumn. A balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 formula, is recommended. During the active growing season in spring and summer, apply the fertilizer monthly, diluted to half or quarter strength. In fall and winter, when the plant’s growth slows, reduce feeding or stop fertilizing entirely to prevent nutrient buildup.
Propagating Philodendron Autumn
Propagating Philodendron Autumn is achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem approximately 4 to 6 inches long with several leaves. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, a small bump on the stem where leaves or roots emerge. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, ensuring at least one node remains exposed.
The cutting can be rooted in either water or soil. For water propagation, place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring nodes are submerged but no leaves are in the water. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. For soil propagation, plant the cutting directly into a well-draining potting mix, ensuring the node is buried. Roots begin to form within three to four weeks in bright, indirect light.
Repotting Philodendron Autumn
Repot your Philodendron Autumn when it outgrows its current container. Signs include roots emerging from drainage holes or the soil surface, slowed growth, or the plant appearing top-heavy. Repot during spring or early summer, periods of active growth.
When repotting, choose a new pot one size larger to provide ample space for root expansion. Use a fresh, well-draining potting mix suitable for philodendrons. Carefully remove the plant from its old pot, gently loosen any circling roots, and place it in the new container, filling around the root ball with fresh soil.
Common Problems with Philodendron Autumn
Yellowing leaves on a Philodendron Autumn can signal overwatering or a nutrient deficiency. If the soil remains consistently soggy, it can lead to root rot, causing leaves to yellow. Ensure proper drainage and allow the topsoil to dry between waterings. Nutrient deficiencies can be addressed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Brown leaf tips or crispy edges point to low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity through misting, pebble trays, or a humidifier. Consistent watering, ensuring the plant does not dry out completely, will also prevent these symptoms.
Slow or stunted growth, or leggy stems with sparse leaves, may indicate insufficient light. Move the plant to a location that receives brighter, indirect light for more robust and compact growth. Pests such as spider mites and mealybugs can also affect Philodendron Autumn. Regularly inspecting leaves and wiping them with a damp cloth helps prevent infestations, with targeted treatments like neem oil or rubbing alcohol for persistent issues.