How to care for Philodendrons

Philodendrons have robust foliage and long roots making them a perfect low-maintenance house plant. Despite being easy-care, Philodendrons will benefit from the correct amount of water, sunlight and humidity. In this article, we have outlined everything you need to know to help make your Philodendron thrive for years to come.

Species of Philodendron

The first thing to understand is what species of Philodendron you are dealing with. There are over 400 species of Philodendron, with many of these being suitable for house plants. Here are some of our favorites:

               

How often should you water Philodendron's?

If you notice your Philodendron leaves turning yellow, this is a sign of over-watering so be careful to keep it on the drier side. The best way to get these house plants to grow is by letting the top layer of soil dry out between watering. If you notice the leaves starting to wilt this is a good indication that it needs more water. Do not let your Philodendron get wet-feet (sit in water or become soggy), as this can lead to root rot.

How much sunlight do Philodendron House Plants Need?

One of the reasons that Philodendrons make great house plants is their ability to adapt to different lighting conditions. The large dark leaves on most species of philodendron allows them to easily absorb any trace of light or water. Ideally you want to place your Philodendron near a window allowing natural but not direct sunlight. This may burn and damage the leaves.

Should you mist Philodendron House Plants?

Philodendrons are exotic tropical plants and therefore prefer humid environments. Misting them regularly (about once a week in the growing season) can encourage these humid environments which may accelerate growth.

How to propagate Philodendron House Plants

Growing new plants from cuttings of philodendrons is an easy task.Cut a long stem off the Philodendron plant where you can see a visible root or node. Place this cutting in water and remove any leaves that are submerged. Change the water every 4-5 days and check back in 2 weeks to see if the stem has formed roots. If so this can now be repotted into a new pot. Use a quality potting mix for best growth results.

How often should you re-pot a Philodendron?

If you notice that your Philodendron has stopped growing, it may need repotted. One reason for slow growth maybe that the plant has become too big for its pot and the roots have nowhere to go. To double check, you can inspect the bottom of the pot. If the roots are starting to grow out the bottom, then you will indeed need to repot. This generally needs done once every 2 years. 

Do you need to prune Philodendrons?

Remove dead leaves from your Philodendron as this will help new ones come through. If you want the plant to stay small then maintain regular trimming. When pruning ensure you cut above where another leaf is attached to the stem.

If you have any questions regarding Philodendrons or house plant care, please contact us through the website. Our talented team has a wealth of knowledge and is here to help you grow healthy and happy plant babies. 

Moffatt's have many varieties of Philodendrons for online purchase or to buy from our retail shop in Halswell.