philodendron grow and care tips

Philodendron genus contains some of the most beautiful foliage plants in the plant kingdom. Native to the tropical. As of September 2015, the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families accepted 489 species. of philodendron.

Regardless of number of species, the genus is the second-largest member of the Araceae familycal Americas, there are several hundred species of philodendrons, with more being added all the time.

Philodendron species can be found in many diverse habitats in the tropical Americas and the West Indies. Most occur in humid tropical forests, but also can be found in swamps,river banks, and roadsides.

They are also found throughout the diverse range of elevations from sea level to over 2000 m above sea level. Species of this genus are often found clambering over other plants, or climbing the trunks of trees with the aid of aerial roots.

This plant usually distinguish themselves in their environment by their large numbers compared to other plants, making them a highly noticeable component of the ecosystems.

Philodendrons can also be found in Australia, some Pacific islands, Africa and Asia, although they are not indigenous and were introduced or accidentally escaped

how to grow philodendron

POTTING MIX Philodendrons do best in loose, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. They will grow in 100% sphagnum peat moss. Soilless mixtures such as peat-vermiculite or peat-perlite are also satisfactory.

WATER When growing philodendron plants, allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. The length of your index finger to the first knuckle is about an inch, so inserting your finger into the soil is a good way to check the moisture level. Droopy leaves can mean that the plant is getting too much or not enough water. But the leaves recover quickly when you correct the watering schedule.

SUNLIGHT Set the Philodendron in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Find a position near a window where the sun’s rays never actually touch the foliage. While it’s normal for older leaves to yellow, if this happens to several leaves at the same time, the plant may be getting too much light. On the other hand, if the stems are long and leggy with several inches between leaves, the plant probably isn’t getting enough light

FERTILIZER Feed philodendron houseplants with a balanced liquid foliage houseplant fertilizer that contains macro-nutrients. Water the plant with the fertilizer monthly in spring and summer and every six to eight weeks in fall and winter. Slow growth and small leaf size is the plant’s way of telling you that it isn’t getting enough fertilizer. Pale new leaves usually indicate that the plant isn’t getting enough calcium and magnesium, which are essential micro-nutrients for philodendrons.

TEMPERATURE The ideal temperature for a philodendron is between 65 – 78°F during the day, and around 60°F at night.

TOXICITY Philodendron should not be consumed by animals or humans. Lacy tree philodendrons are toxic to cats and dogs. Being educated on poisonous plants can help you avoid any accidents all the while enjoying your greenery.

PEST PROBLEMS Philodendron are not prone to insects, but you may encounter aphids and mealybugs. You can wipe off mealybugs with cotton balls dipped in rubbing alcohol. Periodically showering the plant with water and applying insecticidal soap will help keep pests at bay.

additional tips to grow philo plant

Philodendron are tropical plants, so higher humidity will promote lush growth and shiny foliage. It will tolerate lower humidity levels, but misting the plant regularly will help it thrive. Brown leaf tips usually indicate that the humidity level is too low.

You’ll also want to keep dust off the leaves by washing them regularly with a soft, damp cloth. Otherwise, the pores will become clogged.

Rotate your lacy tree philo regularly to maintain an even shape, and consider carefully repotting your plant every few years to prevent it from bursting a pot that is too small.

If you aren’t sure you have a green thumb or if you know you have a brown one, the readily adaptable philodendron might be right up your alley. Warmth, light, and moisture are the keys to success with philodendron. In return for their care, they will help improve your indoor air quality and grace your home or office with a jungle-like beauty.

how to propagate philodendron plant?

Rooting a philodendron is easy. All you need is a pair of scissors and a small container of potting soil .New philo plants can be grown by taking stem cutting about 3-6 inches long. It’s best to make your cut just above another leaf on the same stem.Remove all of the leaves from the cutting except the top two or three.

The Cuttings then can be rooted in pots of sand and peat moss mixtures. None of the leaves should be buried in the rooting medium .These pots are placed in greenhouses with bottom heat of 21–24 °C. During the rooting, the cuttings should be kept out of direct sunlight..

In two or three weeks, roots will sprout, followed by new leaves. Gently tug on the cutting. If you feel resistance you’ll know that roots have formed. Insert the cutting in good-quality potting soil in a pot that’s 3-4 inches wide.

If your mother plant is large enough, take three to five cuttings at one time and let all of them root in the same jar. Then when you plant them, you’ll have a pot that’s full and lush

Stem cuttings, particularly from trailing varieties, can be rooted in water. In four to five weeks, the plant should develop roots and can be transferred to pots

how to repot philo plant?

Some of the philo varieties are extremely fast-growers, especially the climbers. Pinch off the new growth to keep the plant manageable and repot them annually as they outgrow their pots.

Repot larger self-heading varieties as needed,especially. P. selloumand P. bipinnatifidum) can sometimes grow into very large specimens (8 feet tall, with 2- to 3-foot leaves), so be aware you’ll need room for them to grow

hence,needs more information about repotting phillo plant? read here

how to prune philo plant?

It isn’t necessary to prune philo plant .

Even more  Aerial roots are very important for this plant. It is recommended not to touch them.

If your philodendron is the vining type, use pruning shears or simply pinch the tips of vines. This quickie type of pruning will neaten up the plant and encourage bushier, healthier growth. above all always cut or pinch growth just above a leaf node, which is the point on a stem where a new leaf or stem grows

furthermore needs  tips about pruning philodendron plant?read here

varieties of philodenron plant

Philodendron Xanandu

Philo Xanadu is a hybrid that grows 3 feet tall and wide.This larger philo plant  has dark green leaves and ruffled edges. It’s often used as a perennial in frost-free climates like South Florida and is also called ‘Winterbourn’.

more info about Xanadu read here

Heartleaf Philodendron

Heartleaf Philo is easy-to-grow houseplant has dark green, heart-shaped leaves. It’s excellent for hanging baskets

more information about this philo plant.read here

split leaf philodendron

split leaf philo, or Swiss cheese plant is a tropical plant native to rainforests of Central America..

need more information about split leaf philo ?. read here

philodendron brasil

Philo brasil is a great first-time houseplant or gift plant. If you want to enjoy the natural beauty of plants without a lot of maintenance, hence Philodendron hederaceum is perfect for you.

philodendron pink princess

Pink princess has amazing colour. From black to deep burgundy and its foliage is splashed and flecked with white and pink.Philodendron Pink Princess is easily grown indoor and it is sure to make a statement in yours house.

philodendron hastatum

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Hastatum has smooth and semi-gloss leaves. Rather than having dark green as it’s primary blade color, Hastatum is often a mixture of gray/green and blue gray with elongated leaf blades

philodendron moonlight

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Moonlight is a hybrid variety of philodendron.Philo Moonlight is very popular and easy to care house plants. Moonlight is low growing and shrub-like tropical plant. However, over time, it can grow quite large around 20-24-inch-high and 20-26 inch wide.

philo rojo congo

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philo rojo congo is quite a large leafed philodendron. The new emerging leaves tend to be bright red then maturing to a deep burgundy. Finally, the leaves turn to a very dark green. Hence rojo congo will makes great indoor plant displays

philo prince of orange

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Philo Prince of Orange is good in landscaping and interior designs. in addition It is widely grown for foliage where the elliptic to ovate leaves could show off their striking colors.

philo gloriosum

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Philo gloriosum leaves are reported to reach a size of 90cm (36 inches) in it’s native growing areas. The plant has a velutinous (velvet) appearance. For your information as the leaves reach maturity the white veins become more pronounced