Native to the tropical regions of South and Central America, philodendrons are low-maintenance, resilient houseplants that will thrive and flourish indoors, if properly maintained.

There are vining and non-vining varieties of philodendrons. The vining plants climb or trail, so if you have one of these, you’ll need to provide support for it to grow on, such as a trellis, moss pole, or even a bare wall. Non-vining philodendrons are more compact and can be grown in pots without support.

Here are some pointers on how to care for your Philodendron plants.

1. Light

Philodendrons prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. If your plant is placed in too dark of a spot, it will become leggy, and its leaves will begin to lose their color. On top of that, there will be plenty of gaps between the leaves.

On the other hand, if placed in too much direct sunlight, the leaves will scorch and turn yellow.

2. Water

These plants like to be kept moist, but not soggy. Allow the top couple of inches of soil to dry out between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure to drain any excess water from the saucer or drainage tray under the pot.

If the leaves start to droop, it’s a sign that your plant is either thirsty and needs to be watered or that it’s getting too much water.

3. Soil 

Philodendrons do best in rich, well-draining soil. You can use a standard potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. 

Salt buildup can be a problem for these plants, so if you live in an area with hard water, consider using distilled or filtered water.

4. Fertilizer 

Feed your philodendron every month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the season. Be sure to stop fertilizing in late summer or early fall to allow the plant to rest before winter.

5. Temperature 

Philodendrons prefer warm temperatures and will not tolerate frost. These plants are native to tropical regions, so they prefer humid environments. If your home is on the dry side, you may need to mist your philodendron regularly or set it on a tray of pebbles and water to help raise the humidity around it.

6. Pruning 

If you want to shape your plant or keep it to a certain size, you can trip off the tips of the stems and use your stem cuttings to create more plants. 

To encourage fullness, you can also pinch back the stem tips.

7. Propagation 

Philodendrons can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings in water or moist soil. To take a cutting, remove a 4–6-inch (10 – 15 cm) section of stem from the plant using a clean sharp knife or pruning shears. The cutting should include at least two leaves. Then, place the cutting in a jar of water or pot of moist soil. Keep the cutting in a warm, sunny spot and wait for new growth to appear (i.e., root or new leaf development). Once the roots are 2-3 inches  (5 – 8 cm) long or the new leaves are 4-5 inches  (10 – 13 cm) long, you can transplant your new philodendron into a pot of its own, if you placed the cutting in water. 

9. Common problems 

Philodendrons are generally very tough and easy to care for, but there are a few things that can go wrong. Overwatering is the most common problem, so be sure to allow the soil to dry out between watering. These plants are also susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. If you see any of these pests on your plant, be sure to treat it immediately by either wiping them off with a damp cloth or using an appropriate insecticide.

Yellow leaves can indicate several problems, including overwatering, underwatering, poor drainage, or insect infestation.

If your philodendron’s leaves are wilting or turning brown, it is likely due to water stress. This can be caused by either too much or too little water. Check the soil to see if it is dry or soggy and adjust your watering accordingly.

Difference between philodendron and pothos plants

At a glance, many philodendrons (particularly the heartleaf philodendron) and pothos plants are often confused with one another. However, one primary difference is the shape of their leaves.  While both have heart-shaped leaves, philodendron leaves more closely resemble hearts than that of pothos plants. Here are 5 easy ways to tell the difference between these plants.

Is this plant toxic to pets?

This plant is toxic to people, cats, and dogs. So be sure to keep it out of reach of children and pets. 

Common types of philodendron plants:

There are several different types of philodendron plants, each with its own unique features. Some of the more popular varieties include:

1. Philodendron hederaceum

This variety is also known as the heartleaf philodendron. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 10 feet in length. The leaves are heart-shaped, and the stems are trailing.

2. Philodendron bipinnatifidum

This variety is also known as the lacy tree philodendron. It can reach up to 20 feet in length. The leaves are deeply divided and the stem is woody.

3. Philodendron selloum

This variety is similar to the Philodendron Bipinnatifidum. The leaves are also deeply divided, however, they’re dark green and shiny.  

4. Philodendron erubescens

This variety is also known as the red-leaf philodendron. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 10 feet in length. The leaves are dark green with red veins and the stems are trailing.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a low-maintenance, resilient houseplant to flourish in your indoor setting whether at home or your office, look no further than the Philodendron. Follow these tips to keep your Philodendron houseplants thriving and looking their best.