Philodendrons are a large group of plants with both climbing and non climbing varieties available, we look at basic Philodendron Care. These plants are grown for the foliage and proper growing conditions will keep them looking good year round.
How to Grow happy and healthy Philodendrons. (Basic Philodendron Care)
These are a plant from tropical to sub tropical areas, they are widely grown as indoor plants. With both types of Philodendron watering is very important to keep them healthy and stop the foliage from drooping, other care factors are also important for good growth.
Watering
In warmer conditions indoors or in summer, you will need to water more often than in cooler winter periods.
The following system works well.
The top 2 – 3 centimetres (1 Inch) of the soil or potting mix should be allowed to dry between waterings.
Water deeply, allow the water to run through the drainage hole. Always empty the saucer beneath the pot, never allow the pot to sit in water, as this can cause root problems.
Generally if the leaves are drooping, the Philodendron needs watering. If the soil is moist and the leaves are still drooping, you may be overwatering.
Lighting Conditions
Bright filtered light is the rule. Direct sun can cause leaf burn, to tittle light will cause growth problems. A 40% to 70% shade cloth will suit plants grown outdoors, the hotter the climate the more shade.
Temperature
Like many plants, cooler nighttime temperatures and warm daytime temperatures are best. Never place the plant in cold drafts or next to heaters.
Temperature influences humidity, and dry air can be a problem. To overcome this, mist spray during hot weather. You can also sit the pot on stones or pot feet ABOVE a saucer of water.
Feeding your Philodendron.
As a rule it is best not to over fertilise your Philodendron. It is also best to fertilise away from the trunk. You can use either a general purpose slow release fertiliser, in spring, early summer and then late summer.
You can also use a liquid general purpose fertiliser every 3 weeks at 1/3 strength. You can increase this or decrease it depending on the growth. In winter, do not fertilise.
If you under fertilise, growth will be slow. Over fertilising cn lead to a build up of salts in the soil and this can cause root problems.
Repotting
Philodendrons like a loose soil, this allows for good root growth. If the soil becomes compacted, and the plant is root bound, then growth will be poor and the plant will look scrappy, so you will need to repot.
- Every 2 – 3 years you will need to repot. This is best carried out in early spring.
- Lift the plant from the pot.
- Remove some of the old potting soil.
- Repot using a good quality potting soil.
- Water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
Climbing Varieties
- P.atabapoense
- P.barrosoanum
- P.bernardopazi
- P.billietiae Croat
- P.bipennifolium
- P.cordatum
- P.distantilobum
- P.melanochrysum
- P.verrucosum
- P.wilsonii
Non Climbing
- P.davidsonii
- P.erubescens
- P.evansii
- P.giganteum
- P.gloriosum
- P.selloum
- P.luxuriens
- P.plowmanii
- P.stenolobum