Philodendron is a member of the Araceae family and has about 400 different species. There are two main types of philodendrons, vining and non-trailing. Hanging baskets or trellises are ideal places for vines, while tall varieties like lacy tree philodendrons can add dramatic flair to any area.
Philodendron is a tropical plant that purifies the air we breathe. Place one philodendron plant per 100 square feet of home to benefit from its air-purifying properties and create a healthy home environment. They are stunning, exotic plants that can reach incredible heights in their natural habitats.
There are Numerous philodendron plant species which have attractive variegated leaves and are vines ideal for growing on trellises or in hanging baskets. These are regarded as some of the all-time easiest houseplants to cultivate. Philodendrons that grow upright are equally as simple, but often have bigger leaves.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are a diverse genus of the Araceae family, native to tropical America, of which about 450 species are stemmed climbing herbs. Many species begin life as vines and later transform into epiphytes. Because many philodendrons adapt to the low light levels of rainforests, they are popular potted plants for offices and homes.
Philodendron foliage is usually green, large, and shiny but can be copper, red, or purple. Leaf shape and size vary considerably depending on plant species and maturity. The fruit is a white or orange berry.
These popular houseplants are known for their easy growing habits, but philodendrons require some support structure for climbing, such as a trellis or basket. This plant is an excellent container plant. In general, philodendrons can be grown at any time of the year and are fast-growing.
Philodendron Plant overview
- Common Name: Philodendron
- Botanical name: Philodendron spp.
- Family: Araceae
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Mature Size: 1–20 ft. tall, 1–6 ft. wide
- Sun Exposure: Partial
- Soil Type: Loamy, well-drained
- Soil pH: acidic
- Hardiness Zones: 9–11
- Native Area: Central America, South America
- Toxicity: toxic to pets and people
Philodendron Plant Species
There are many varieties of Philodendron plants, which have different leaf shapes and colors. Every kind of this plant looks great both inside and outside. Learn a little about our top favorite philodendron varieties.
- Black Cardinal Philodendron
Dramatic foliage is not far behind when it comes to black cardinal philodendron. This gorgeous plant has burgundy-colored leaves that are practically black in color. The stem is very beautiful. Self-heading black cardinals have stems that are a deep burgundy crimson instead of the usual green.
- Philodendron arubescens
This vigorous creeper has scarlet stems and leaves. The Philodendron “Pink Princess” cultivar of this species has heart-shaped leaves with pink variegated segments.
- Heartleaf Philodendron
This plant is also called Sweetheart Philodendron or Heartleaf Philodendron, and it grows heart-shaped leaves. The main leaves are dark green in color, but the smaller heartleaf philodendrons have beautiful bronze-colored foliage and gray stems. When grown indoors, Philodendron heartleaf can reach a full height of between 1.2 and 1.8 meters.
- Philodendron hederaceum
This species, a cultivar of the heartleaf philodendron, has distinctive heart-shaped leaves with lime green variegation. A comparable cultivar with deep green leaves is Philodendron micans.
- Philodendron gloriosum
Unlike popular trailing forms, Philodendron gloriosum grows erect and has enormous green leaves with prominent white veins.
- Philodendron ‘Bkirin’
This species has tiny white stripes on its green leaves and is also known as the white wave philodendron.
How To Grow Philodendron Plant
Make philodendrons houseplant because they prefer to live in normal indoor conditions away from direct sunlight. So choose a place in the house that gets enough light. If you want to add philodendrons, you don’t need to buy them from a garden center, as you can grow them from cuttings from mature plants, and they’re relatively easy to grow from cuttings. This plant Can be planted outdoors in low light conditions in zones 9 to 11 under trees or allowed to climb trees.
Pruning
Although philodendrons don’t require pruning, they don’t mind it, allowing you to shape plants to suit your space. If you want to encourage branches and create a more complete look, Pruning can also be done if plant is starting to look leggy or the lower leaves are falling off.
Cut using sterilized pruning shears or shears for pruning. It is best to cut above the leaf node. The pieces you cut off can be used to grow new plants. As described below in the propaganda section.
Propagation
Philodendron plants are known as powerhouses when it comes to ease of propagation. To grow philodendron from cuttings, all you have to do is follow these steps:
- Cut the stem of the mature part of the plant.
- Lace the cutting in a pot filled with water and gives the roots time to germinate.
- When well rooted, transfer the cutting to potting mix.
- Water the plant daily until it puts out new leaves.
Also Read: Philodendron – The Large Genus Of Flowering Plants
Philodendron Plant care
Philodendron makes popular houseplants because of their low-maintenance nature, but it’s still important to maintain proper growing conditions to keep plants healthy. Care for philodendron by aiming to get enough light in its natural tropical environment.
During hot weather, place philodendron houseplants outside in an open area to get some fresh air and natural light. Do not place them in direct sunlight, as this can damage (burn) their delicate leaves.
Soil and fertilizer
Philodendrons prefer potting soil rich in loose organic matter. The soil should be well drained. Replenish the soil in philodendron pot every two years. The plant is sensitive to salts that accumulate in the soil as a result of watering, which can turn leaves brown and yellow. You can flush out some of the salts by watering the container vigorously until water comes out of the drainage holes daily.
In the spring and summer, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer to plant once a month. In the fall and winter, feed every six to eight weeks. If your plant isn’t getting enough nourishment, it may develop slowly, and its leaves may seem smaller than usual.
Light and water
Place the plant where it receives indirect sunlight. Find a spot near a window where the sun’s rays never fall directly on the plant. While it is natural for older leaves to turn yellow, if several leaves turn yellow at the same time, the plant is getting too much light. If the stems are long and thin, with several inches between leaves, the plant is likely not getting enough light.
This plant prefers moderate soil moisture. Check philodendron’s soil to determine how often you should water it. Use index finger to check the moisture level; when the top 1 inch of soil is dry, then water the plant. Overwatering and underwatering can also promote leaf loss, so base watering schedules on soil dryness. During the winter, reduce or change the watering pattern of indoor plants.
Temperature and humidity
Temperature tolerance of philodendrons varies by species. They should not be exposed to temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit in general. Indoors, they are protected from chilly drafts, such as those produced by an air-conditioning vent.
These plants need humidity, therefore if you live in a dry region you may need to increase the humidity surrounding philodendron. To do so, sprinkle the plant with water from a spray bottle every few days. You may also lay the container on a tray of pebbles filled with water, ensure that the bottom of the container does not come into contact with the water, which might cause root rot.
Pests and disease
Philodendrons are more susceptible to bug infestations when they are weak or stressed. Spider mites and other sap-sucking insects can dehydrate plants. Leaflets and fronds soon turn yellow as a result of this problem. In indoor environments, scale, mealybugs, and spider mites are commonly present.
These tiny insects multiply and move into the nooks and crannies along the front if not eradicated at an early stage. The insect’s piercing jaws tire plant and hasten yellowing, especially if your philodendron is already suffering from insufficient lighting, nutrient deficiencies, or insufficient soil moisture.
Toxicity: Animals and people should not ingest philodendron. Philodendrons with lacy leaves are harmful to both cats and dogs. Knowing which plants are hazardous might help you stay safe while still enjoying greenery.
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