Philodendron is a common easy care houseplant grown for its striking foliage, as outlined in the philodendron growing guide. The lush oval, arrow- or heart-shaped leaves add a vibrant touch to indoor living spaces, with a range of colors and patterns to suit any decor. There are two basic types of philodendron with different growth habits on how to grow philodendron. Vining types with a climbing or trailing habit are the most commonly grown, though there are varieties with an upright bushy growth habit as well. Native to tropical rainforests of Central and South America, philodendron does best in an environment that mimics its native habitat, but is tolerant of a range of growing conditions. One of the easiest tropical houseplants to grow, it will thrive indoors when provided with basic care. Here’s how to grow and use a philodendron in your home or office.
PHILODENDRON CARE & PLANTING
How to plant: Philodendron has a rapid growth rate, proving its worth as an easy care houseplant, and will need repotting every 2-3 years. Remove your plant from its pot and inspect the roots, following proper philodendron growing guide. If roots are circling around the outside of the root ball, it’s time to transplant into a bigger pot. The best time to repot these plants is in spring or summer when they are actively growing. Provide a new pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter and slightly deeper than the old pot.
For proper philodendron plant care indoors, remove the plant from its current pot and check the roots for any signs of rot or other damage. Cut out any damaged portions as needed. Inspect plants for any other pest or disease problems. If the new pot has been previously used, clean and sterilize it before reusing. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes to allow excess water to drain out the bottom. Place fresh potting soil in the bottom of the new pot. Position the philodendron plant in the new pot at the same level it was in the previous container. Add fresh soil around the sides of the pot up to the base of the plant stem. Tamp soil down gently to remove air pockets. Water until liquid comes out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, a proper step to philodendron plant care indoors.
Light requirements: Grow philodendrons in medium to bright indirect light near a window, with emphasis on how to grow philodendron successfully. Some varieties can tolerate low light. Direct sunlight may cause leaf burn, while not enough light can result in foliage color to fade. Discover more high-light plants for bright spaces, including tropical houseplants like philodendron.
Temperature: Philodendrons prefer warmer temperatures as found in their native habitat. The ideal temperature range is between 60-85 degrees F. Temperatures below 55 degrees F can cause plant damage. Avoid placing plants near heating or cooling vents. Drafts or sudden swings in temperature can cause plant stress.
Humidity: Though philodendron prefers high humidity between 60-80%, it can tolerate drier conditions typically found in indoor environments. To boost room humidity, mist plant leaves, place plants on trays filled with water and pebbles, or use a room humidifier.
Soil: The best soil for philodendron plants is rich, well-drained potting mix with a slightly acidic pH, an important point in any philodendron growing guide.
Watering: Philodendron plants prefer evenly moist soil that doesn’t get too soggy. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in winter when plant growth slows.
Fertilizing: During spring and summer when plants are actively growing, apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month according to package instructions on how to grow philodendron. Cease fertilizing during winter months when plant growth slows down-an easy care houseplant task to follow.
Pruning: If vining philodendron plants become too long or leggy, they can be trimmed back as needed, following proper philodendron plant care indoors. Prune in spring or summer when growth is active. Some varieties can tolerate less light.
Are philodendrons toxic? Philodendron can be toxic to people and pets. Display plants on a high shelf or in hanging baskets to keep out of reach of curious children and pets.
How often do you water philodendron? Water your philodendron plant when the soil surface is dry 1-2 inches deep. This is usually about once a week, or less often in winter.
Should I mist my philodendron? Philodendron plants prefer the high humidity found in their native habitat. If your home or office has drier air, mist plants regularly to hydrate the foliage.
Can a philodendron grow in water? Some varieties such as heartleaf philodendron can be propagated from cuttings and grown in water, understanding the philodendron growing guide. Choose stems with healthy growth and remove bottom leaves before placing cuttings in water. Change water every few days and keep containers clean to prevent bacterial growth and other problems.
What plant is mistaken for a Philodendron? Two similar plants to philodendron are pothos and monstera. When comparing pothos vs. philodendron, pothos leaves are thicker, more textured and may be asymmetrical, while heartleaf philodendron foliage is smoother and more uniformly heart-shaped. For philodendron vs. monstera, these two are often confused because of their similar appearance and common names. Split-leaf philodendron, formerly Philodendron bipinnatifidum, is now classified as Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum. Monstera also goes by the common name of split-leaf philodendron even though it belongs to the Monstera genus. Get more information on pothos.
HOW TO USE PHILODENDRON IN YOUR HOME OR OFFICE
Here’s how to display philodendron plants in your home or office: Train a philodendron vine up a moss pole, trellis or other vertical support and display in a bright entryway or corner of a room. Plant a bushy type in a colorful decorative pot that coordinates with the foliage color. Place on a dining room table as a centerpiece. Use a plant hanger or hanging basket to display a trailing philodendron in a kitchen or bathroom to take advantage of the higher room humidity. Select a variety that matches your room decor.
Philodendron Houseplant Care Tips & Tricks | My Philodendron Collection!
Video can illustrate proper repotting steps and lighting considerations to help beginners apply the care guide in real spaces.
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Light | Medium to bright indirect; some tolerate low light |
| Water | Keep evenly moist; reduce in winter |
| Temperature | 60-85°F; avoid <55°F |
| Humidity | 60-80%; mist or humidifier as needed |
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