PHILODENDRON CARE

Family: Araceae
Common Name: Brasil, Heart Leaf Philodendron, Birkin, Florida Green, Ring of Fire, and plenty more!
Botanical Name: Philodendron hederaceum, Philodendron plowmanii, and hundreds of more species.

Upright Growing Philodendron

Upright philodendrons grow in a bush-like pattern.They grow slower than the climbing variety, some staying compact, and others getting long petioles. Though they are slow growers, over time they will get largejust like any other philodendron. You can trim them back or let them grow wild, it's your choice! A support pole or stake canbe added as they get large to keep them from toppling over. Almost all philodendrons will grow in typical house conditions.However, like all tropical plants, they prefer warm, humid, and sunny conditions. 

Vining Philodendron

Climbing philodendrons grow up trees in rainforests, using their aerial roots to cling onto branches. As they grow up tees, their leaves get larger in size and mature in shape. Most vining philodendrons need a pole or trellis to climb to reach their full potential. These varieties include Verrucosome, Florida Green, and Domesticum. Others canbe left to hang like Brazil and Micans. Hanging varieties can stillbe attached to poles tofully mature. Some vining philodendrons even crawl along the ground like Plowmanii and Gloriosome. For these a long potis preferred so they can crawl as they grow. Most philodendron store water in their leaves for drought periods, so they can handle drying out. They do not,however, prefer this, so remember to water them before they completely dry out.

Important! Philodendrons are poisonous if you ingest them. This goes for pets and children as well so keep them out of reach. The sap can cause skin irritation as well.

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Light

Like most tropical plants, philodendrons prefer bright indirect sunlight. They can survive in low light, but they will become leggy. If they don't receive enough light, new leaves will get smaller as they grow.Though philodendrons live outside in their natural habitats, they do so under the canopy of trees. This means direct sunlight is a no-go for philodendrons. If your home isn't well-lit by sunlight, you can always add some LED grow lights to supplement.

Water

It is a myth that philodendrons like to completely dry out between waterings. In fact, almost no plant wants this other than desert plants like a cactus. Instead, water your plant when it has dried out 70 to 80 percent. This will keep the roots from drying out and then rotting when theyare watered again. The best way to test if your plant needs tobe watered is to stick a chopstick in it to the bottom of the pot. When you pull it out you will be able toeasily see how much of the soil is still wet because it will stick to the chopstick. Water your philodendrons with room temperature water so the roots aren't shocked. As always, water themthoroughly and let the excess drain out. If the soil gets compact and doesn't soak up water place it in a bowl of water. Let it soak it up until the topsoil becomes moist. If it continues to stay compact then it may be time to replace the soil.

Soil

As we discussed earlier, philodendrons grow up trees, so their aerial rootsare watered by falling rain. This means they need well-draining, chunky soil. Regular bagged potting soil is not going to cut it on its own. You can find all the additives you need at any home improvement store or big box store with a gardening section. Perlite and orchid bark are a must. Most easy recipes consist of one part soil (coco coir is the best), one part perlite, and one part bark. Extras can include coco husk which absorbs moisture, so if you use it add less soil. Pumice is also used just like perlite because it is heavier and doesn't float to the top over time. Because it's heavier it makes your pot heavy, so don't go by weight when deciding if your philodendron needs watered. A handful of horticultural charcoal is also a good idea. It helps absorb any built-up toxins in your soil. A handful of worm castings should also be added to any mix for easy access to nutrients. If you don't regularly use fertilizer water, this is a good time to add a slow-release fertilizer as well.

Temperature

Philodendrons can grow in typical household temperatures of 65-75° Fahrenheit. Of course, they are tropical plants, so higher temperatures are ideal. If the temperature drops below 55℉, there is a risk of cold damage. If you have your philodendron outside remember to check the temperatures.

Humidity

Generally, philodendrons can live in typical house humidity. They do prefer levels above 60 percent but they are easy to acclimate. Some are finicky and prefer higher and may need a humidifier.

Fertilizer

Philodendrons are one of the faster-growing varieties of houseplants. This means they like a lot of fertilizer,specifically nitrogen-heavy. Nitrogen encourages leaf production which is what we are growing them for!Philodendrons don't often flower, but when they do, you might want to switch to a more phosphorous-forward fertilizer. You want to fertilize your plants regularly as long as they are actively growing. This means at least once a month, or more if you are diluting it.

Growth Rate

Vining and climbing varieties of philodendron are fast growers which is why theyrequire high amounts of fertilizer. The bushy varieties are a bit slower. They may only put out one to two leaves a month. As long as you keep them happy they will grow larger and larger.Eventually, you may have to cut your philodendron if it gets toounruly. You can add the cutting back into the pot to make it fuller or grow it as its own plant!

Pro Tips

1. If your philodendron needs trimmed, you can propagate the cutting and make a new plant! You can simply place them in water or any other moist medium.
   
   
2. To support your climbing philodendron attach it to a pole or a stake. The aerial roots will attach to it and help the leaves grow bigger and more mature.
   
   
3. Provide your philodendrons with adequate lighting, especially the ones with colorful leaves. This will keep them from getting dull.
   
   
4. It is normal for your plant to drop its lower leaves when it's acclimating to a new environment. If your philodendron continues to do this often it may be a deeper issue. Check root health and your watering habits. Not enough fertilizer also causes this issue.