Philodendron Care

The plant name philodendron may invoke images of heart-shaped foliage and trailing stems or vibrantly hued leaves, and while that’s correct, it isn’t the entire picture. Philodendrons are a genus of plants that contain hundreds of species. There are plenty of trailing or vining varieties of philodendron, but many have a compact, upright growth habit. While the structure of the plants may differ, all types of philodendrons are easy to maintain.

Philodendrons are from Central and South America. Plants grown in nature typically bloom, although it is extremely rare for houseplant philodendrons to bloom. These plants are members of the Araceae family, which includes other notable houseplants like Syngonium, Pothos, and Monstera. Members of the philodendron genus can look very different from one another, but they are all easy to grow and have similar care needs. Learn more about philodendron care and why these plants are well worth the (minimal) effort.

Types of Philodendron

Philodendrons are typically broken down into two types: vining and self-heading. While this is a significant distinction, all philodendrons have some things in common. Vining philodendrons sort of daisy chain off the previous leaf, creating a long trailing vine. The vines can be allowed to cascade or trained to climb a trellis or support. Self-heading philodendron cultivars generate new growth from the center of the plant, with new leaves emerging from the stem of the previous leaf. These plants grow taller and bushier with time.

Leaf Shape

Philodendrons can have drastically different leaves. The foliage of most philodendron cultivars bears a strong resemblance to a heart. The rounded top dips where the stem is attached, and the bottom comes to a point, creating a heart shape. Vining cultivars and many self-heading varieties have heart-shaped foliage. Other types of philodendrons have elongated foliage that almost looks prehistoric.

Some self-heading philodendrons have split leaves. The leaves of mature plants develop deep splits, creating pronounced lobes. The edges of the leaves may have a gentle ruffle, creating even more visual interest. Philodendron selloum is an excellent example of this leaf shape, with the splits extending almost to the midrib.

Vining varieties of philodendron include:

Self-heading varieties of philodendron include:

How to Tell Vining Philodendrons Apart From Pothos

Vining philodendrons and pothos look similar, and it can be tricky to tell these plants apart. A few subtle differences make it easy to distinguish these plants. Philodendron leaves have a more pronounced heart shape. The top of the leaf has a more noticeable indentation.

Philodendrons have cataphylls, which are leaves that protect new leaves that have yet to emerge. The cataphylls will die and shrivel after the new leaf opens, but they often remain in place. So if you see a tiny, wrinkled, shriveled leaf-like thing on the vine, you’re likely looking at a philodendron. Pothos do not have cataphylls.

Philodendrons have more pronounced aerial roots. In nature, these plants are epiphytic and use these roots to latch onto trees and other plants to hold themselves up and try to beat out nearby plants for sunlight. The aerial roots of philodendrons grow and can easily reach ¼ inch long. Pothos’ aerial roots are nubs on the stem that typically only grow during propagation.

Philodendron Light Requirements

Bright indirect sunlight is best for philodendron care. These are tropical plants that live under the tree canopy in nature. Philodendrons like lots of sunlight, but direct light will burn the foliage. Plants in low light may become leggy or have extended stems with large spaces between the foliage. The ideal spot for a philodendron is directly in an east- or west-facing window. Philodendrons can comfortably live in a south-facing window but locate the plant at least a few feet from the window to avoid the risk of direct light.

How Often to Water Philodendrons

Watering is a big part of proper philodendron care. Feel the soil and give the plant water when the top couple inches of soil are dry. This plant has medium water needs, so it likes a routine drink but also prefers to dry out somewhat between watering.

Best Soil for Philodendrons

Rich, well-drained soil is ideal for philodendrons. Root rot is a real problem, so any excess water must be able to drain through the soil and pot. Take your philodendron care to the next level and plant in acidic soil.

Temperature for Philodendrons

While philodendrons are topical plants, average room temperature is perfectly acceptable. A temperature that is comfortable for you is suitable for philodendrons. Keep the plant clear of drafts from exterior doors, windows, or HVAC systems. Philodendrons accept various conditions but draw the line at air temperatures below 55° F. You can move your plant to a covered deck or screen porch in the summer, but wait until the temperature is above 55° F.

Philodendron Humidity

Average humidity is good for philodendrons. These plants can easily handle increased humidity, although plants that experience high humidity may not need water as often. Low humidity is not ideal for philodendrons. Inspect the leaves for signs of dryness, like browning along the edges, and increase the humidity if necessary.

Philodendron Fertilizer

Fertilizing is an essential part of philodendron care and a great way to keep plants healthy and actively growing. Feed philodendrons using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Apply fertilizer monthly during the spring and summer when the plant is growing. Stop fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant is dormant.

Pruning Philodendrons

Philodendrons do not need much pruning, but dead growth can be removed anytime. Yellowing is a normal part of the philodendron life cycle. Leaves will turn yellow with age, at which time they can be removed. One leaf occasionally turning yellow is normal, but multiple leaves turning yellow indicate a problem, such as overwatering or direct sunlight.

You can trim overgrown or leggy philodendron plants to create a more desirable shape and size. Hold onto the pieces removed during pruning because you may be able to use them for propagation.

When to Repot Philodendrons

Plants will eventually outgrow their pot, so repotting is in order. A new, larger pot will give the plant room to grow, and repotting is also an opportunity to freshen up the soil, supporting further growth. It is time to repot your philodendron when the roots appear through the drainage holes in the container. Even if you don’t see the roots, try to repot at least every other year to keep the plant happy and healthy and ensure you provide optimal philodendron care.

Repotting can be stressful on the plant, so try to minimize handling the roots as much as possible. Give the plant water and leave it alone for a while after repotting so it can acclimate into its new space.

Philodendron Propagation

Propagate philodendrons through cuttings. Use clean shears to snip the end of a vining philodendron. Trim a large section that can be cut down into multiple cuttings or just remove the ends of the vines. Each section to be propagated should have at least one or two leaves and growth nodes or aerial roots.

Taking cuttings from a self-heading philodendron is a bit more involved. It’s easiest to take a cutting when repotting, and the plant is out of the soil, and the roots and aerial roots are exposed. It may be easier to use a knife, but you want to remove sections with aerial roots and at least one or two leaves from the main stem.

Each cutting can be placed in water or soil, and roots will form in a few weeks. Water-propagated cuttings can be transferred to soil when the roots are a couple of inches long. Soil-propagated cuttings can sit tight in their container for at least a year.

Large philodendron plants can be propagated through division. It’s best to divide plants during repotting, and you may need to trim some of the roots to separate the sections of the plant.

Are Philodendrons Pet Friendly?

The one drawback of philodendrons is that these plants are not pet-friendly. Eating any part of a philodendron can cause a cat or dog to have an upset stomach. The trailing stems may be too enticing for a curious feline. You know your pets, so consider your options before bringing a philodendron into your home.

Philodendron Styling Tips

Philodendron plants have some unique looks, so allow this plant to do what it does best. Place a trailing variety on a high shelf so the vines can hang down, or give the plant a support or trellis to put the foliage on display. Self-heading philodendrons typically have uniquely shaped or colorful foliage, so place these plants in a highly visible area where the foliage can be enjoyed.