How To Plant, Grow And Care For Philodendron Plants

Philodendron plant care starts with knowing when and where to grow them.

Light

Philodendrons need sun, but how much depends on the species. Most varieties of these plants grow under a canopy in the wild, meaning they have adapted to dappled sunlight. When growing philodendrons indoors, place them in areas that receive bright, indirect light. Prevent direct sunlight from reaching philodendrons, especially during summer, and keep them from radiators and drafts.

If the stems are leggy with small, fewer leaves, the plant probably may not be getting enough light, so change their location and wipe the leaves occasionally to remove any dust to ensure they absorb sufficient light. On the other hand, yellow leaves indicate the plant may be getting too much light.

Soil

Philodendrons can be planted directly in soil or pots with a loose, acidic potting medium and organic matter. You should provide evenly moist soil, but don't let it be waterlogged, and ensure drains well. Otherwise, it may lead to root rot.

The soil may accumulate salt from watering, which philodendrons are sensitive to. The salt may turn the leaves yellow or brown. To avoid that, flush the salt out occasionally by watering your pot until water runs out of its drainage holes.

Planting Time

Philodendrons can be grown in three main ways: seed planting, stem cuttings, and division. Seed planting is less common but suitable for cultivating rare varieties. Either way, all these methods would be most effective if conducted in spring or summer, as the plant requires consistently warm temperatures and high humidity to grow healthy. 

Stem-cutting is the simplest and most effective method. It relies on a healthy and actively growing source, guaranteeing success. This method benefits from the plants' vigorous growth during the growing season, ensuring faster rooting. Division, best for non-climbing philodendrons, separates the root ball into sections. It can be done as part of repotting since plants are actively growing and experience less stress and a faster recovery.

Temperature and Humidity

Philodendrons vary in temperature tolerances based on species. However, temperatures below 55 degrees F are not suitable for them. A good temperature range for keeping philodendrons indoors is 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit; hence, protect them from cool drafts, for example, those coming from an air-conditioning vent.

Philodendrons are tropical plants that require and love humidity. You have to mimic these humid conditions for these plants to thrive. A desirable humidity level would be at 50 percent, so mist the plant using a spray bottle every few days. Otherwise, the pot could be placed on a tray of pebbles with water without allowing the bottom of the pot to touch the water. Remember, the plant lacks moisture if the leaves turn brown with yellow halos.

Step 1: Gather the Seeds

Growing a philodendron from a seed takes a lot of time because they hardly flower. However, you can get them from different online gardening suppliers. When the plant is fully grown, it starts producing flowers, which, after pollination, form seed pods. Each pod has seeds that should planted within a few weeks. If not, they will lose their capability to germinate. 

If you buy them, obtain them from a reputable source to ensure they are viable and fresh. Fresh seeds typically have a consistent, rich color and a firm texture. Shrunken, dull, discolored seeds are signs of aging and poor storage. Also, ensure that the seeds they carry are of the variety you want to grow.

Step 2: Choosing Ideal Potting Mix

The stem cuttings must be planted in the proper soil. The best potting mixture for growing philodendron cuttings must be moistened and well-drained, with a mixture of perlite or vermiculite promotes seed germination and root development and can retain moisture. 

These will make a light propagation medium for the young roots. Put the propagation medium into a small container, but do not pack it too tightly.

Step 3: Select Ideal Pot 

Another factor to consider is the pot size. The philodendron seeds require adequate 
space for their roots to expand and grow. An undersized pot will limit root growth and the overall potential of the plant. On the contrary, an oversized pot traps excess moisture and hinders root development.

Good potting containers facilitate root growth and development in the future. Remember: a well-chosen pot with good drainage is the basis for a philodendron plant's success.

Pick a planter 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) larger than the root ball. The philodendron plants prefer being potted snugly. If you already have a mature philodendron plant, you can tell how big the planter needs to be. Also, use a pot with drainage holes for draining your potting medium.

Step 4: Plant the Seeds

Fill the chosen pot with the selected potting mix. Then, make small holes around half an inch deep within the soil. Place the seeds in these holes and cover them lightly with soil. Mist the soil with water to ensure it's evenly moist.

Remember to maintain the correct depth and spacing while planting. Too deep and germination will be stunted while overcrowding results in competition between the seedlings for resources. Each seed should be spaced about one to two inches apart.

Step 5: Create the Right Growing Environment

Once the seeds are sown, set that tray in bright, indirect light with a temperature ranging from 70°F to 80°F (21-27°C), as higher temperatures and direct sun may scorch the seeds or seedlings. A grow light may be used to ensure proper lighting.

Cover the seed tray with a clear plastic cover or wrap to lock in the moisture created by misting the seeds. Maintain a nice airflow to prevent mold or fungus. In order for philodendron seeds to germinate well, they need continuous warmth and moisture with the ideal humidity level.

Step 6: Transplant

Philodendron seeds usually germinate after 2 to 6 weeks, depending on heat and humidity. Be patient and keep the environment consistent.

Once seedlings have grown large enough to handle and a few sets of leaves have formed, you can transplant them into individual pots with a well-draining mix. Keep them in bright, indirect light as they acclimate.

Philodendrons propagate quickly and easily from stem pieces. This propagation method can increase your stock or enable you to share it with friends; it's well-suited for growing philodendron birkin.

You need sterilized pruning shears or heavy-duty scissors, a potting mix, and a pot. Rooting hormone is optional.

Find a Healthy Stem with Nodes

You may be familiar with plant nodes from pruning bushes and shrubs or general houseplant care, but if not, nodes are where the leaves are attached to the stem. They have a nub-like form and are crucial as this is where new life will sprout. 

Experts recommend locating at least two healthy nodes before propagating. Aim higher if you can for a better chance of success. Be sure you have a long enough cutting available, between four and six inches. To take a cutting, find a stem that has at least 3 to 5 leaves.

Cut the Stems

Use a sharp, sterile pair of fine-tip pruners and cut at an internode (the stem between two leaves) about a quarter of an inch above the nearest node. The cutting should have at least one node for propagation.

This allows the rest of your plant to produce more shoots and leaves neatly from that point, and your cut stem will also have plenty of room for forming new roots.

Remove Leaves from Stem Cuttings

Before inserting the cutting into soil or water, allow the bottom of the stem cuttings to dry over two to three days and remove any lower leaves on the stem that would be buried or submerged to prevent rot.

This will also help the cutting focus its energy on forming roots faster rather than keeping the leaves alive. Dip the cutting in a rooting hormone increases your chance of success with rooting, but it's usually optional.

Choose Your Growing Agent

You can grow the cutting in soil or water. If you choose soil, fill a pot with fresh potting soil mix and moisten it slightly. Plant the stem cutting in the soil and gently pat the soil around it to stabilize it.

If you are putting your philodendron cutting into water, submerge at least one node. Also, add and change the water frequently, as not doing so is one of the most common water propagation mistakes. Once several roots have developed (usually within two weeks), pot the cutting in moist soil. 

When to Cut Stems

Philodendrons can be propagated at any time except winter when root growth is slow. You should also select cuttings from well-established, at least 1-year-old mother plants.

Most philodendrons can be grown from stem cutting, but some varieties, like philodendron split leaf, may need to be divided. 

Water the Parent Plant 

Water the plant one week before dividing the root mass. Also, ensure the root ball is well hydrated by soaking the philodendron fully until the water seeps out of the holes in the bottom of the pot. 

Philodendrons planted in the ground should be watered according to your schedule a week before division and then watered only after replanting.

Dig Out the Root Ball

After a week, run a knife between the soil and the pot’s wall to loosen the soil. Then, tip the pot and slide the plant out. Do this step slowly, or you might accidentally cause irreversible damage to the roots and stems. 

Remove philodendrons planted in the ground by digging at least 10 inches deep, around the rootball, and  8 to 10 inches around the plant. You may have to keep digging until the plant is loose and can be pulled out.

Divide the Roots

When examining the crown and root ball, place the philodendron on newspaper or cardboard in the shade for better visibility.

Check for natural divisions along the crown and roots so that every plant has ample roots and stems to begin rapid growth after division. Cut the root ball with a sharp, clean knife into two or more plants.

Replant the Philodendron

Repotting the newly divided philodendrons in soil with good drainage using fresh pots or previously sterilized (boiled in water) pots to avoid spreading fungus or bacteria across plants.

The new pots should be smaller than the original but 2 to 4 inches wider than the divided plants’ roots so that they fit nicely. Water them and place them under bright, indirect light. Do not feed the plants for a month.

When to Divide

The best times for dividing the philodendrons are late winter and early spring when the temperature is warm. During these seasons, the plants are in their prime growing season, giving their roots a chance to recover from the ordeal and establish themselves quickly.

Philodendron plant care is simple. However, it is important to keep in mind a few things to make your house plant happy and healthy.

Watering

Proper care for a philodendron starts with fixing a watering schedule. This plant does not get thirsty much. Its large, succulent leaves thrive with moderate moisture in the soil. Thus, the plant does not like water sitting in overly wet or dry soil. Water the plant once in 7 to 14 days, or use your judgment by checking how dry the soil is.

The plants require watering when the above-an-inch (2.5 cm) top soil feels dry. Water them using room-temperature water, and it is even better if you use rainwater or filtered water when you live in an area where hard water is a problem.

Droopy leaves might indicate excess water supply or under-watering of the plant. However, with early correction of watering schedules, leaves tend to recover. Excessive watering is indicated by the yellowing of leaves- a common condition for most indoor plants; thus, avoid having your potted plant on a saucer full of water.

Fertilizing

People who choose not to fertilize their philodendrons still have healthy, beautiful plants. That being said, reduced growth rate and small leaf size are indications that the plant may need supplemental feeding. Pale young leaves indicate that the plant is not getting essential micro-nutrients like calcium and magnesium.

Therefore, it would help to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer monthly in the spring and summer. Follow the product label instructions to use the correct amount, and reduce feeding to every six to eight weeks in the fall and winter. 

Trimming and Pruning

Pruning philodendrons removes dead or dying materials to prevent stems from becoming lanky while promoting new growth.

You can prune them anytime; however, removing dead leaves to promote new growth and cutting back stems around spring or summer discourage spindly growth. It's best to cut just above a leaf node to quicken recovery when cutting the plant. 

Philodendrons don’t have any serious issues with pests or diseases, but that does not mean these issues will never arise.

Diseases

Yellowing Leaves

Has your philodendron started developing yellow leaves? They have most probably turned yellow due to overwatering, making them soft. Correct this condition by reducing the watering frequency and allowing proper drainage.

Fungal Leaf Spots

Leaf spot diseases are the other symptoms of overwatering. Removing infected portions should help fix a fungal leaf spot. Alter the watering schedule accordingly and avoid watering overhead. You should aim the water on the soil, not the leaves or stems.

Root Rot

Your philodendrons could also suffer from root rot. The cause of this disease is overwatering or poor drainage. Their rot can spread to healthier roots even if the soggy conditions are rectified.

Cut off all soft and faded roots and repot the philodendron in a fresh container filled with new potting soil to treat the plant. Otherwise, take cuttings from a healthy section and propagate while discarding the diseased plant. However, the best treatment is prevention.

Pests

Philodendrons can attract pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs:

Aphids

Honeydew is a sugary liquid secreted by aphids, which brings forth sooty mold, a disease-causing fungus. This mold turns the leaves and branches black, and this is when the owners realize their plants are infested with aphids.

Squirting the plants with a spray bottle or rinsing the leaves in the sink can dislodge aphids and eggs on the leaf or bud. For severe infestation, follow up with neem oil treatment.

Spider Mites

Human eyes are not meant to spot spider mites because they are tiny, but you can tell if your plant is infested with mites by looking for silky webs along the leaf veins. 

Like aphids, they hide on the underside of the leaves, feeding on the plant sap. These pests are difficult to control in large numbers. Therefore, prevention and early detection by regularly checking the leaves is the best treatment.

There are over 480 recognized species of philodendrons. It can be overwhelming to choose from this large collection, so here are a few you can grow indoors to suit various settings.

• Blushing: With its signature pink variegated leaves, it’s easy to see how this variety got its name. It may also develop flowers enclosed in red bracts in its natural habitat.
• Heartleaf: This philodendron is forgiving if you neglect it and does best when left alone. It features fast-growing heart-shaped leaves that turn glossy green from bronze.
• Brasil: This philodendron is celebrated for its striking variegated foliage, featuring heart-shaped leaves with vibrant green and yellow patterns. It offers aesthetic and sir purifying properties.
• Hope/Selloum: The Hope Selloum has deeply lobed leaves on long, smooth petioles. The plant can grow almost 5 feet and makes a dramatic, tropical statement in any setting.