Growing Philodendrons
Welcome to the wonderful world of Philodendrons!
For years, plant lovers have been fascinated by this diverse group of houseplants. Philodendrons come in an incredible range of colors and forms. Their leaves can be dark green, neon green, red, purple, orange or even variegated. Some varieties have large split leaves, while others feature smaller heart-shaped foliage.
The diversity doesn’t stop there. Philodendrons also vary in growth habits; some climb, some trail and others grow upright. With their tropical look and easy care requirements, they make excellent houseplants for all plant owners.
While specific varieties may have slightly different needs, most Philodendrons share very similar care requirements.
Growing Philodendrons
Philodendrons are hardy, adaptable plants that can thrive in many areas of your home.
Light & Location
All plants need light to grow, but Philodendrons are not overly picky about where they live. They can adapt to low, medium, or bright filtered light.
However, there are two locations to avoid:
- Spaces with no natural light
- Harsh, direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves
In nature, Philodendrons grow in tropical rainforests beneath a canopy of trees. This means they naturally prefer bright, indirect light, which mimics those filtered forest conditions.
If your home doesn’t get much natural light, grow lights are a great option for keeping your plant healthy.
Watering
Philodendrons prefer evenly moist soil, but they can tolerate short dry periods between waterings.
Allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings can actually help prevent issues like:
- Root rot
- Black spot
- Other watering-related diseases
Plants kept in lower-light areas should dry out more between waterings.
Tip: Upright Philodendron varieties are usually more drought tolerant than vining types, making them a great choice for people who want a lower-maintenance plant.
Fertilizing
Philodendrons benefit from regular feeding during the growing season.
A balanced all-purpose fertilizer or a houseplant-specific fertilizer both work well. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label for proper timing and dosage.
During spring and summer, fertilize as recommended. During fall and winter, reduce feeding to half the amount or stop fertilizing altogether.
If your plant isn’t receiving enough nutrients, you may notice:
- Slower growth
- Smaller or stunted leaves
Humidity
Because Philodendrons are native to tropical climates, they enjoy moderate to high humidity. Increasing humidity can help prevent brown leaf tips and better replicate their natural environment.
Two easy ways to increase humidity include:
The Pebble Tray Method
Fill a tray or saucer with pebbles or small stones, then add water. Place your plant pot on top of the pebbles so it sits above the water level. As the water evaporates, it increases humidity around the plant.
Use a Humidifier
Adding a humidifier to the room is another simple way to boost humidity for your houseplants.
Growth Habits
Most Philodendrons are fast-growing plants, especially when given proper care.
The speed of growth depends on the variety and growing conditions. For the best results, provide:
- Consistent watering
- Regular fertilizing
- Bright, filtered light
Philodendrons come in many forms, including:
- Vining varieties
- Climbing varieties
- Upright varieties
While they are primarily grown for their beautiful tropical foliage, some Philodendrons will produce blooms under the right conditions. These flowers can be trimmed off or left to enjoy.
Types of Philodendrons
(There are many more than we have listed, but here are some popular varieties that we think you'll enjoy!)
Philodendron cordatum
An extremely popular climbing/vining plant easily identified by its heart-shaped leaves that are most commonly green, but variegated varieties can also be found.
Philodendron melanochrysum
A climber with stunning, dark, velvety leaves powdered in a tinge of bronze.
Philodendron 'Birkin'
An upright plant characterized by striking, thin white stripes on its green leaves.
Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’
As a cultivar of the Philo. cordatum heart-leaf Philodendron, this species features the same signature heart-shaped leaves with an added lime green variegation.
Philodendron micans
A vining, bicolored chameleon. This cultivar's leaves begin their lives arrayed in bronze and mature into a dark green.
Philodendron selloum
Bright green foliage distinctive for its frilly, deeply lobed leaves with a finger-like appearance. This large variety can reach more than 5-feet wide!
Monstera deliciosa
Is the quintessential split-leaf plant with gigantic ovate leaves that fenestrate (fancy word for split) with maturity. For more fenestration, grow in a bright light. Plants grown in a dark corner tend to grow solid leaves that are less likely to split.