A Plant Family With Hundreds of Species
ThePhilodendrongenus contains hundreds of species of beautiful foliage plants.
These popular houseplants are known for their easy care.
There are two types of philodendrons to choose from: vining and non-climbing.
The Spruce / Alexandra Shytsman
The vining varieties grow several feet, usually requiring somesupport structureto climb on.
Non-climbing varieties grow upright.
In general, philodendrons have a fast growth rate.
The Spruce / Alexandra Shytsman
The Spruce / Alexandra Shytsman
All philodendrons are toxic to humans and pets.
Set them up by a window that getsbright, indirect light.
Soil
Philodendrons like loose, acidic potting mix thats rich in organic matter.
The Spruce / Alexandra Shytsman
The soil must have good drainage.
The plants are sensitive to salts that accumulate in the soil via watering.
This may result in leaf browning and yellowing.
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Water
Water this plant whenever the top inch of soil has dried out.
Philodendrons generally like a moderate amount of soil moisture.
Philodendrons dont do well sitting in soggy soil, as this leads to root rot.
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The non-climbing varieties tend to tolerate dry conditions slightly better than the vining species.
Reduce your watering schedule during the winter dormancy.
Temperature and Humidity
The temperature tolerance of philodendrons varies based on the species.
These plants like humidity, so mimic their natural tropical environment by boosting humidity around them.
Mist the plant every few days with water from a spray bottle.
Ideally, aim to do this in the spring or summer.
When doing so, cut just above a leaf node and use the remaining cuttings for propagation.
Pruning Tip
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Propagating Philodendrons
Philodendrons are easy topropagate from stem cuttings and division.
Increase your own stock or give newly propagated pots of this popular houseplant to friends.
The best time to propagate is in the early spring as the days grow longer.
The ideal time to repot is in the late spring or early summer.
Select one pot size up.
Then, water the plant thoroughly.
Is This the Right Plant for You?
This virus is identified by yellow streaks or lesions on the leaves and curled or distorted growth.
Infected plants should be discarded before they infect other aroids.
Dust gets in the way of the plant’s ability to see the sun and photosynthesize.
If the older leaves are yellowing, then you may be under-watering the plant.
If the younger bottom sets of leaves turn yellow, you may be overwatering the plant.
In most cases, adjust these factors to see your plant rebound.
These extra steps ensure the roots do not get burned by the chemicals in the fertilizer.
Smell the soil for a rotting odor or dig up the root to inspect its health.
Also, if your plant’s leaves start to get brown and mushy, you are likely overwatering.
Brown leaf edges that start to curl indicate the plant needs more water and less sun.
Browning leaf tips with yellow halos may also indicate that your plant needs more humidity.
Don’t submerge the plant base; keep it right above the waterline.
Their attractive appearance and minimal care requirements make them popular houseplants.
If given the right conditions, philodendron plants can live for decades.
There are a variety of climbing and non-climbing philodendron plants.
If you have a climbing one, you may need to support it with a structure.
If you have a non-climbing one, it will grow upright.
National Capital Poison Center.
Philodendron.Clemson University Cooperative Extension.
Dasheen Mosaic of Edible and Ornamental Aroids.
