How to Grow and Care Philodendron Houseplants

Philodendrons are some of the easiest plants to grow, making some amazing houseplants. They can grow inside, and many people use them to grow beautiful flowers in their homes.

Overview

However, if you’re new to growing philodendrons, you need to make sure that you know what you’re doing. And the best way to do this is to read through some articles that will help you. In this article, New York Garden will teach you the most efficient and effective method of growing philodendrons.

Mature Size	1–20 ft. tall, 1–6 ft. wide
Hardiness Zones	9–11 (USA)
Soil pH	Acidic
Family	Araceae
Native Area	Central America, South America
Soil Type	Loamy, well-drained
Sun Exposure	Partial
Plant Type	Perennial
Common Name	Philodendron
Botanical Name	Philodendron spp.

Types of Philodendrons

Dwarf Philodendron: They're small and compact, so you can grow them indoors. Dwarf philodendrons are beautiful houseplants and they give off a nice fragrance. You can find dwarf philodendrons at most garden centers. They are pretty popular and they are easy to grow.
Giant Philodendron: Plant them outdoors in the summer, then move them inside when it gets cold. So, if you live in a colder climate, take care of your philodendron. Be sure to water it regularly and feed it.
If you live in a warmer climate, you can place it outdoors when the temperature drops. You can also place it in a large container filled with potting soil and water it often.
If you keep your philodendron indoors all year round, make sure you keep it warm. It won't thrive unless it has a comfortable living space.
Tropical Philodendrons: They look cool indoors, and the blooms have beautiful colors and fragrances. This plant is easy to care for. All you have to do is to keep it in bright light and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. If you live in a humid area, you should place the plant in a container with drainage holes [1]. The plant is usually very quiet and easy to care for.

Philodendron Care

Philodendrons are popular houseplants that can add a touch of greenery to any indoor space. They are easy to grow and care for, as long as you provide them with the right conditions. Here are some tips on how to grow philodendron houseplants successfully.

Choose a suitable variety. There are many types of philodendrons, ranging from vining to upright, and from small to large. Some common varieties include heartleaf, selloum, split-leaf, and rojo congo. Pick one that suits your preference and available space.
Provide bright indirect light [2]. Philodendrons prefer bright but filtered light, such as near a window with a sheer curtain. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. If the light is too low, the plant may become leggy and lose its color.
Water moderately. Philodendrons like moist but not soggy soil. Check the soil with your finger before watering, and water only when the top inch feels dry. Water thoroughly until the excess drains out of the bottom of the pot. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot and yellow leaves.
Fertilize occasionally. Philodendrons do not need a lot of fertilizer, but they can benefit from a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) [3]. Use half the recommended strength and water well after feeding. Do not fertilize in winter, when the plant is dormant.

Pruning Philodendrons

Pruning philodendrons is a simple way to keep your plants healthy and beautiful. You can prune your philodendrons anytime of the year, but spring or fall are the best seasons for major trimming. To prune your philodendrons, you need to use sharp and sterile tools, such as scissors or shears. Cut off any dead, damaged, or discolored leaves and stems, as well as any stems that are too long or leggy. Always cut at the base of the stem or just above a leaf node. This will prevent leaving unsightly stubs and promote new growth. Water your philodendrons after pruning to help them recover.

How to Grow Philodendron From Seed

If you want to grow philodendron from seed, you need to be patient and follow these steps:

Get some philodendron seeds from an online supplier or collect them from a blooming plant.
Plant the seeds about 1/3 of an inch deep in a pot with well-drained and rich soil. Cover them lightly with soil and spray them with water to keep them moist.
Place the pot in a warm and bright spot, but avoid direct sunlight. The seeds should germinate in 2 to 8 weeks.
When the seedlings are strong enough, transplant them to individual pots and continue to water them regularly.

Potting and Repotting Philodendrons

Philodendrons are fast-growing plants that need regular repotting to thrive. To repot a philodendron, you should choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one and has drainage holes. You should also water the plant a day before repotting to reduce stress and make it easier to remove from the old pot. Gently slide the plant out of the old pot and inspect the roots for any damage or signs of root rot. Remove any excess soil and trim any dead or diseased roots. Fill the new pot with fresh, well-drained potting soil and place the plant in it, making sure the soil level is the same as before. Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a bright, indirect light spot.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Philodendrons are popular houseplants known for their attractive foliage and ease of care. Like any other plants, they can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and plant diseases that can affect philodendrons:

Common Pests

Spider Mites: These tiny pests suck the sap from plant leaves, causing yellowing, stippling, and webbing on the foliage. Spider mites thrive in dry conditions, so keeping the humidity level up can help deter them.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, cotton-like insects that cluster on the stems and undersides of leaves. They feed on plant sap and excrete honeydew, attracting ants and promoting the growth of sooty mold.
Aphids: Aphids are soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing distortion and curling of leaves. They reproduce rapidly, so it's essential to control their populations early.
Scale Insects: Scale insects appear as small, waxy bumps on stems and leaves. They suck the plant's juices, causing yellowing and weakening the philodendron.
Fungus Gnats: These tiny flying insects lay eggs in the soil, and their larvae feed on the plant's roots, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves.

Common Plant Diseases

Root Rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can lead to root rot, a fungal disease that causes roots to rot and eventually leads to wilting and yellowing of the plant.
Leaf Spot Diseases: Various fungal and bacterial pathogens can cause leaf spots on philodendrons. These spots appear as brown or black lesions on the leaves, and severe infections can lead to leaf drop.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, sunken lesions on stems and leaves, leading to wilting and dieback in severe cases.
Bacterial Blight: Characterized by water-soaked lesions on leaves and stems, bacterial blight can spread rapidly and cause significant damage to the plant.

Prevention and Treatment

To prevent pest infestations, regularly inspect your philodendron for signs of pests and isolate any infected plants.
Keep the plant's environment clean and avoid overwatering, as this can create favorable conditions for pests and diseases.
If you notice pests, consider using natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap to control their populations.
For fungal diseases, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and ensure good air circulation to reduce humidity.
Avoid using contaminated tools and equipment when caring for your philodendron.
Quarantine new plants before introducing them to your collection to prevent the spread of potential pests or diseases.

FAQs

What are some of the common problems that philodendrons have?

Philodendrons are known to have a variety of issues, which include excessive watering, too much light, too little light, and insufficient ventilation. All of these factors can contribute to the growth of fungal diseases, which are usually the root cause of philodendron die-offs.

How can I tell when my philodendron needs fertilizer?

You can tell if your philodendron needs fertilizer by looking for yellow leaves and a decline in the plant’s growth. If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to fertilize your plant to keep it healthy and vibrant.

What do I do if the roots rot?

First, you need to identify the root rot. There are two common types: crown rot, which usually occurs when the roots are dry, and black root rot, which is caused by wet conditions. To determine if your plant has crown rot or black root rot, you need to carefully cut the roots, and look for small, hard, brown, or black spots on the surface of the roots. If the roots look healthy but still don't grow normally, you should consult with a local nursery and ask them if you need to take preventive measures or move the plant to a warmer location. The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.