How to Grow and Care for Philodendrons

Philodendrons don’t need much to reward you with spectacular foliage

Philodendrons ( Philodendronspp . and cvs . , Zones 9–11 ) are some of the most democratic and versatileplants grown indoors . Most of these fantastichouseplantsgrow very quickly , have beautiful foliage , and are comparatively easy to care for . The Greek wordsphilo , meaning “ loving , ” anddendron , intend “ tree diagram , ” point to the fact that many philodendrons of course mount trees or other support where their aerial roots can cling ; however , the genus is divided between climb and nonclimbing varieties . In fact , there are more than 450 metal money of philodendrons , and they come in a wide array of colour , shapes , andtextures . find one that ’s perfect for you and your grow weather should n’t be too intriguing . Here are some oecumenical guidelines that will keep your philodendron glad .

Supply indirect light, and don’t overwater

Philodendrons are understory plants in their native rainforest . For best results , aim to mime their natural environment by providing sensitive to bright collateral Christ Within . A sunny north- or east - facing window is perfect . Avoid the rough sunbeam from a south- or west - facing window unless you provide a curtain or other shell to protect leave from sting . In the absence of adequate natural sunlight , you’re able to put up a grow lighting . A simple internet search of the name of your plant will give its ideal visible radiation levels . This is unremarkably given in units of measuring called “ lux ” or “ foot - candle , ” which betoken the amount of seeable light that fall on a surface . you’re able to make certain you ’re providing the correct light levels with your grow light by using a lightsome meter or downloading a gratuitous lightsome - meter app .

philodendron are relatively forgiving when it comes to water mistakes , but as with most houseplants , the number - one cause of disease or plant death is overwatering . When you irrigate , you should water deeply , but then make certain that you allow the soil to dry out . The most authentic way to monitor water levels is to poke your finger into the dirt up to your first knuckle . If it feel soused , wait a few days before water again . I ordinarily irrigate my philodendrons on a hebdomadal basis during warmer month and about every 10 years during colder times of the year .

It ’s also authoritative that you have sufficiently large holes in the bottom of your pots to allow body of water to drain properly . Providing a produce culture medium that ’s two part potting soil and one part perlite or orchid bark will help the soil to debilitate sufficiently while sustain adequate wet .

Provide humidity, and embrace propagation

Most philodendrons are n’t crabby about humidity level but grow better with high level . you could increase humidity by grouping plants together , placing them on a pebble tray , or put in a humidifier to your acquire space .

philodendron are also one of the loose plants to propagate . Due to their prolific airy roots , most philodendron will distinguish you exactly where to cut them to produce Modern plants . airy root turn from nodes . only cut 1 to 2 inches below the node . You do n’t require to make your cutting too big , but be sure you have two to three leaves per slip . Once you ’ve made the cut , place the cutting off in water supply or another growing culture medium such as more or less dampish sphagnum moss . unexampled tooth root will uprise from the aerial roots within a few weeks .

Take care of them correctly and philodendrons will wow you with their stunning leaves ; they are the perfect plants to be the centerpieces of your houseplant aggregation .

Be proactive in the fight against pests

philodendron with thick leafage tend to be relatively pest - free ; those with thinner leaves are more susceptible . The most common pests are aphids , mealybugs , scale , and spider speck . The best room to control plague is through prevention . punctuate plants with too much or too little light or water are more prostrate to issues . Bringing new , infected plants domicile is also one of the most common means blighter are introduced . Always isolate new plants for at least a calendar week , check them regularly — particularly on the underside of leaf — for signs of cuss . Rinsing off your plants every few weeks can also help to keep or control infestations ; doing so removes debris as well , which will make your plants count better and serve with photosynthesis .

But what should you do if you find invaders on your plant ? In the former point of an infestation , rule out pestis may require the utilization of constitutive products such as insecticidal soap or neem vegetable oil . A sojourn to your local garden center will usually buckle under a large assortment of product that are appropriate for indoor plants . Before buy one , though , be certain to correctly key out the pest , since no single intersection will belt down every insect .

Three varieties to track down

There are countless philodendrons to choose from , but these three have show staying power as easy - to - rise , stunning focal points , and any one could be the star topology of your home .

‘Silver Sword’ is a vigorous climber

( P. hastatum‘Silver Sword ’ , zone 9b–11 )

‘ Silver Sword ’ has gorgeous , lancet - work leaves . The leafage is a silvery grayish - green , giving it incredible direct contrast with most other houseplant . This cultivar is a serious climber that will chop-chop organize aeriform roots along its vine . It can strain up to 10 feet tall if allow ungoverned . Be certain to give it climbing support for it to train ripe , deeply lobate leaves .

‘Jose Buono’ offers colorful variegation

( P.‘Jose Buono ’ , Zones 9–11 )

The stunning ‘ Jose Buono ’ has large , boat paddle - shaped leave-taking that are very shiny . blotch of lily-white , cream , and pale light-green variegation plow the intact plant and are most prominent when the leaf are untested . The heaviness of the leafage makes ‘ Jose Buono ’ very easy to care for and not prone to pests . This philodendron is also a climbing iron , but it grows more tardily than ‘ Silver Sword ’ to about 4 understructure in high spirits .

Billie philodendron wows with huge textured leaves

( P. billietiae , Zones 9–11 )

This philodendron bring out long , shoulder strap - form leaves with unbelievable orange petiole . Indoors , Billie philodendron can grow up to 5 feet tall on a financial backing with an equal spread . The leaves can contact up to 3 foot in duration and 10 inches in width , making this a striking add-on to any flora assembling . The works ’s large leaves service to enamour as much luminousness as potential , so for the best performance , provide your Billie with very burnished , collateral light .

Demetri Broxton has been give care for indoor plants since puerility and is now the possessor of over 200 houseplants . He chronicles his works journey on his Instagram account,@the_botanical_blasian .

Photos , except where note : courtesy of Demetri Broxton

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philodendron care

Avoid direct sunlight.Philodendrons thrive in indirect light, such as that provided by a north- or east-facing window.Photos: Visions/gapphotos.com (left); courtesy of Demetri Broxton (right)

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watering an indoor philodendron hanging from ceiling