Philodendrons are some of the most popular houseplants because there are dozens of types in the genus that offer aesthetic appeals that come in a variety of sizes and shapes with varying differences in color. Some trail, like the heartleaf philodendron, look great cascading down from higher spots in the home and across shelves, while others are more upright and grow into thick, bushy plants. They are fast growing so they can quickly fill out a space (they tend to require repotting a little more than other plants), but they will give you a stunning, colorful plant in no time, or offer large, unique leaves like the Monstera.
Philodendrons are quite low maintenance; they don’t require pruning, they can thrive in a variety of light levels, and are forgiving if you forget to water them once in a while. They are tough plants that can handle a little accidental neglect from a new plant owner or someone with a busy lifestyle, as well as being resistant to pests.
Light Requirements
Philodendrons are one of the most adaptable houseplants when it comes to its light requirements. They don’t enjoy bright and direct afternoon sun as this can scorch their leaves and dry out their soil, causing pale leaves, and they cannot survive with no light at all, but just about anything in between will do just fine. Most philodendron varieties are happiest with bright, indirect sunlight, and can even handle LED growth lights if they are located in a basement or office with no natural light.
If your philodendron isn’t getting enough light, you may notice that the trailing varieties may become leggy, meaning they don’t produce as many leaves as they grow their stems in search of more light. If this happens, consider moving your plant to a better lit area or getting a grow light for it.
Tip: Rotate your plant every week to get even growth on all sides
Watering Requirements
Philodendrons are fairly forgiving when it comes to watering, and you will have to adjust your specific watering schedules based on your plants environment, but there are a few key guidelines to ensure they stay healthy:
Water When the Top Inch of Soil Is Dry: One of the easiest ways to know when to water is by checking the top inch of the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it still feels moist, wait a few more days before checking again.
Water Thoroughly: When you water your philodendron, make sure to water it thoroughly so that the water reaches the roots. Let the excess water drain out of the bottom of the pot to avoid waterlogging. Make sure the pot has good drainage holes.
Avoid Overwatering: Philodendrons are more susceptible to root rot from overwatering than underwatering. Be sure to let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to underwater than overwater.
Water Less in Winter: During the cooler months when the plant is growing more slowly, you should reduce the frequency of watering. The plant’s water needs decrease as the temperature and light levels drop. Always ensure the soil is almost completely dry before watering during this time.
Use Room Temperature Water: Cold water can shock the roots, so it’s best to use water that’s at room temperature. If the water is too cold or too hot, it may harm the plant.
By keeping an eye on the moisture levels and adjusting based on the season and environment, your philodendron will thrive with consistent watering practices.
Tip: Philodendrons love rainwater! It provides nutrients needed for the health and growth of the plant, and doesn’t include the chemicals that tap water can.
Humidity
Philodendrons thrive in moderate to high humidity levels, but they are fairly adaptable. Philodendrons generally prefer humidity levels between 50% and 60%. However, they can tolerate somewhat lower humidity, especially in indoor environments. If you’d like to increase the humidity for your plant, there are a couple easy ways to do so.
Use a Humidifier: You can purchase a miniature sized humidifier designed for plant use at many specialty plant stores, or you can use a regular one and place it in the plants vicinity
Misting: You can mist your plant several times a day, which gives it ambient humidity
Humidity Trays: Place a shallow tray filled with water and pebbles underneath the plant’s pot. As the water evaporates, it raises the humidity around the plant
Common Problems
Philodendrons are known to be incredibly resilient plants, and along with other houseplants aren’t known to suffer too much from pests, but they do have some common problems to look out for, even if you may never encounter them. It is also best practice to know the signs of pests before choosing a plant to bring home, because if a new plant is infected with pests, it can very easily infect others in your care.
Yellowing Leaves
Cause: This is often a sign of overwatering, poor drainage, or insufficient light. Yellowing can also occur if the plant is stressed due to changes in temperature or humidity.
Solution: Ensure that the soil has good drainage and allow the top inch to dry out between waterings. Adjust lighting if necessary and avoid placing your plant in drafty areas.
Brown Leaf Tips
Cause: This is typically a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Over-fertilizing or exposure to direct sunlight can also lead to brown tips.
Solution: Increase humidity around your plant and adjust your watering routine. Make sure the plant isn't exposed to direct sun for long periods and reduce fertilizer use during the growing season.
Leggy Growth (Long Stems with Few Leaves)
Cause: Insufficient light can cause the plant to become leggy as it stretches toward the light source.
Solution: Move the plant to a spot with more indirect light. Prune back leggy stems to encourage more bushy growth.
Drooping or Wilting Leaves
Cause: This can happen when the plant is either overwatered or underwatered. If the soil is too wet, roots can rot; if it’s too dry, the plant can lose turgidity.
Solution: Check the soil moisture regularly. If the plant is underwatered, give it a good drink. If overwatered, let the soil dry out and consider repotting to ensure the roots are healthy.
Root Rot
Cause: Overwatering is the leading cause of root rot, especially in poorly-draining soil. If you notice a musty smell or soft, blackened roots when repotting, this is a sign of rot.
Solution: If root rot occurs, trim away the affected roots and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Common Pests
Spider Mites
Appearance: Tiny, reddish-brown or yellowish spots on leaves, with fine webbing visible on the undersides of leaves.
Solution: Increase humidity (as spider mites thrive in dry conditions), and regularly wipe down leaves with a damp cloth. If the infestation is heavy, consider using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs
Appearance: White, cotton-like clumps on the plant, usually near leaf joints or stems.
Solution: Remove mealybugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them.
Fungus Gnats
Appearance: Tiny, flying insects that are often seen around the soil of the plant. The larvae can damage the roots of the plant.
Solution: Let the soil dry out between waterings to discourage the larvae. You can also place yellow sticky traps near the plant to catch adult gnats.
Thrips
Appearance: Tiny, elongated insects that feed on plant tissue. They leave silver or bronze streaks on leaves and can cause leaf damage.
Solution: Remove thrips by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and neem oil, or use insecticidal soap.