Philodendrons are popular houseplants, valued for their diverse foliage and adaptability. Their variety in leaf shapes, sizes, and colors, combined with their ease of care, makes them appealing to both new and experienced plant enthusiasts. This guide provides information for cultivating healthy philodendrons.
Understanding Philodendrons
Philodendrons are a large genus in the Araceae family, with hundreds of species native to tropical Central and South America. In their natural habitat, they grow as understory plants, thriving in dappled light under tree canopies. This explains their preference for bright, indirect light and warm, humid conditions indoors.
Philodendrons have two main growth habits: vining (climbing) or upright (self-heading). Vining types use aerial roots to attach to structures; upright types grow bushier. Their diverse foliage includes heart-shaped, lobed, or deeply cut leaves, often green, but also variegated in pink, yellow, or white.
Popular Philodendron Varieties
Popular varieties include the Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum), known for its small, glossy, heart-shaped jade green leaves and vining habit, ideal for hanging baskets. Its cultivar, ‘Brasil’ (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’), features striking lime green or yellow variegation. The ‘Pink Princess’ Philodendron is another vining type, recognized by its dark green or maroon leaves with vibrant pink variegation. For upright growth, the ‘Birkin’ Philodendron is a non-climbing variety with deep green leaves and delicate white pinstripes. Note that Monstera deliciosa is a separate genus, despite similar appearance and shared care needs.
Essential Philodendron Care
Light
Philodendrons thrive in bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window provides ideal conditions, offering gentle morning or late afternoon sun. Too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves, while insufficient light may result in leggy growth.
Watering
Water philodendrons when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, allowing the soil to dry partially between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering leads to drooping and yellowing. Always ensure water drains thoroughly from the pot, and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
Soil and Potting
Philodendrons prefer a well-draining, airy potting mix rich in organic matter. A suitable mix includes peat moss or coco coir for moisture retention, combined with perlite, vermiculite, or coarse sand for drainage and aeration. These plants also appreciate slightly acidic soil, ideally with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0.
Humidity and Temperature
Philodendrons prefer temperatures from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). While they tolerate average household humidity, higher levels (50-60% or more) encourage larger, more vibrant foliage. Increase humidity by misting, using a humidifier, or placing the pot on a pebble tray (ensuring the pot doesn’t sit in water). Protect them from cold drafts and temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
During their active growing season (spring and summer), philodendrons benefit from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20 formula), applied monthly or every two weeks, is recommended. Dilute the fertilizer to half or quarter strength to avoid burning roots. Reduce or stop fertilizing entirely during fall and winter when growth slows.
Addressing Common Philodendron Issues
Philodendrons show distress through signs. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light; younger yellow leaves often suggest overwatering, while older ones might signal underwatering. Adjusting watering based on soil dryness can resolve this. Brown leaf tips or edges, especially with a yellow halo, often point to low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increasing humidity through misting or a pebble tray can help.
Drooping leaves are a common sign of both overwatering and underwatering; check soil moisture to diagnose. Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids can affect philodendrons and can be treated with insecticidal soap or a diluted dish soap solution.
Propagating and Repotting Philodendrons
Propagating philodendrons is straightforward, done through stem cuttings. Take healthy stems 4 to 6 inches long, with a few leaves and at least one node. Cuttings can be rooted in water (roots appear in 2-3 weeks) or directly in moist potting soil. When rooting in water, ensure no leaves are submerged to prevent rot, and change the water weekly.
Repotting philodendrons is generally needed every one to two years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, indicated by roots growing out of drainage holes or circling the pot. The best time to repot is during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose a new pot that is only slightly larger (1 to 2 inches wider in diameter) to avoid excessive soil that can retain too much moisture. When repotting, gently loosen the root ball, remove any unhealthy roots, and place the plant in fresh, well-draining soil at the same level as its previous pot.