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Philodendrons are among the most popular choices for houseplants due to their attractive foliation and easy precaution . The plant come in more than 100 multifariousness that vary in size of it , color , and emergence habit .
The vining variety makes splendid indoor hanging plants , while upright philodendron are well suited for tabletop or floor decor . Even newbie houseplant growers can cultivate a leafy backdrop with these low - luminosity houseplants . Ahead , find out everything you postulate to get laid about philodendron care , and discover how simple it is to grow this lush , tropical plant .
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Philodendron Care at a Glance
coarse name : PhilodendronScientific name : PhilodendronSoil : Light , loamy , well drainingLight : metier to undimmed , indirectWater : Moderate , avoid overwatering and under wateringFood : 3 - 2 - 1 houseplant leaf fertilizerTemperature and humidity : Medium - high humidness , temps above 55 degrees FahrenheitPropagation : Easily propagated by cuttings in waterSafety : Toxic if consumed
PhilodendronCharacteristics
aboriginal to tropic regions of the Americas , philodendron ( Philodendron ) gas glossy foliage that ’s usually dark-green but might have other colors , admit purples and coppery chromaticity .
Most mixture of philodendron flower , but this plant coinage might not bring on flush until it ’s a few years old .
Vining philodendron is classify as a hemiepiphyte , a social climber that does not produce toward the sun as most vine do . Instead , it spring up toward a reinforcement , such as a nearby Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or trellis .
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The climbing motley of this plant ( Philodendron hederaceum var . oxycardium ) will twist its way around stakes and rod to make upright entreaty .
philodendron that feature an upright growth habit ( Philodendron bipinnatifidum)come in various sizes with different leaf contour , including solid leaves and split leave of absence .
These non - climbing variety show can be small or declamatory , depending on the type , roll in mature altitude from about 1 substructure up to 6 feet , and they grow well as container works .
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Selecting Soil for Philodendron
These lush houseplant prefer slenderly acid soil ( 5.0 to 6.0 on the pH scale ) , like to that found in their native tropic surround .
Select a lightweight indoor houseplant potting soil that hold constitutional matter , perhaps a portmanteau word with sphagnum peat moss or coconut coir , such asMiracle - Gro Indoor Mix .
The grow mixing should drain well to keep philodendron roots from sitting in mucky land , which can lead to theme rot and fungus problems .
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Over time , salts can construct up in potting soil due to tearing and can cause philodendron leave to turn yellow or wilt . To foreclose this from come about , consider repotting with novel territory every 2 to 3 eld .
Choosing the Right Light
In its natural home ground , philodendron spring up under a hobo camp canopy that provides average - to - bright filter luminance but no unmediated light .
Position this plant in a north - facing window or in a elbow room where it will receive indirect light . Philodendrons will grow in recondite shade , but they grow more slowly . Avoid south - face windows if the works would be in the way of bright Lord’s Day rays during even a belittled amount of time during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. .
During warm summer months , philodendrons can be taken alfresco and placed on a covered patio or under a tree diagram . They will benefit from plentiful air circulation but do n’t put them where they will receive verbatim Sunday rays .
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Watering Philodendron
Philodendrons want regular lachrymation — about once per hebdomad — but they do n’t wish overwatering . The top inch of soil in the stack should be allowed to dry out before the next watering .
The size of the plant and the sizing of the commode both play a part in how often it will require watering .
The roots of a gravid plant in a relatively small pot will absorb water from the soil more quickly than a little plant in a larger pot . To specify an optimum watering docket :
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Fertilizing Philodendron
Like most houseplant , philodendron need fertilizer to develop plushy , productive foliage color and to bloom . Consider utilise a balanced fertiliser for the best results , such as plant - specificPhilodendron Fertilizer 3 - 1 - 2 .
Fertilize monthly during the plant ’s active - growing season ( spring through summer ) , and increase the time between feedings to once every 6 weeks during nightfall and winter .
Setting the Temperature and Humidity
tropic plant like affectionate , humid growing term , and philodendrons are no different in that regard . It will , however , tolerate occasional temperatures in the mid - to - upper LX .
However , if the temp drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit , the nerveless breeze could damage the industrial plant and stunt its growth . Average indoor home temperatures suit the healthy maturation of this indoor plant .
Philodendron enjoys growing in humid conditions as well , but most plant owners do n’t want high humidness level in their domicile .
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If the aviation is very dry , which incline to happen most during winter month when using a furnace dry out the air , consider putting a humidifier in the room or fog the flora with water once a workweek .
Pruning Your Philodendron
It ’s best to prune your philodendron in the give or fall . Cut any overgrown or leggy stems with fresh , sharp pruning shears or pair of scissors just above the leaf ’s client .
Propagating Philodendron
For those who want extra philodendron plant without cause to buy them , it ’s a snap to distribute new plant that are identical to the exist one . Philodendron grows easy from stem thinning come in in water . Here ’s how to do it :
raw roots should appear in a week or two , and when they ’re 3 inches long , transplant the cutting into a new green goddess .
Types of Philodendron
Of the manytypes of philodendronthat grow naturally in tropical regions , only a few types are widely propagated for houseplant usance . These types thrive in most indoor grow conditions . The in effect philodendron plant care for one type will generally hold to all types in this species .
Potential Pests and Diseases
fortuitously , philodendron is an easy custodian and not susceptible to developing many disease . However , if the plant life is overlook or insalubrious , it ’s more potential to fall target to a fungal or insect plague — mutual pests , such as spider tinge or aphids , might take up hall in the soil .
Overwatering philodendron can lead to soggy soil , which also increases the risk of fungus and gnat infestation .
Most pest infestations are well treated by spray the plant withinsecticidal soapor handle it with horticultural oil color designed for consumption on houseplants , such asneem fossil oil .
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Safety Considerations
Philodendron plants contain calcium oxalate , a known toxin , so take care to keep the plant out of the reach of pets and small children . According to theChildren ’s Hospital of Philadelphia , it ’s rarified for baby to be poison from eating the leaves because the oxalate make intense mouth annoyance on tangency .
When the substance come into contact with the skin on other body character , it causes inflammation , burning , and swelling . If you suspect a nipper has eaten a philodendron folio , call Poison Control Centers at 800 - 222 - 1222 .
Pets can also develop symptom from jaw or swallowing the foliage , including a ruddy and swollen mouth and tongue , paw at the mouth , and drool . Contact your vet directly if you suspect your pet take philodendron .
FAQs
No . verbatim sunshine can damage the works . Instead , situate a philodendron where it receives medium - to - bright collateral illumination , such as in a north - facing windowpane .
It ’s one of the most popular houseplant because it comes in many types and requires very piffling care .
InUSDA imbed hardiness zones11a and 11b , some type of philodendron can be grown outdoors . In regions farther northwards , however , it ’s considered an indoor houseplant .
A healthy philodendron can outlive for 20 years or more as a houseplant . In their instinctive tropical habitat , some have hold up upward of 100 long time .
No . water supply only when the top column inch of soil in the pot becomes dry , approximately once a calendar week .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll help you lay out up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your patio , a raised bed , or an in - ground plot out back — and select the right plants for your soil and region .
