Everything You Need to Know About Philodendron Houseplants

Philodendron plants are an excellent choice for houseplant lovers looking for a bit of greenery in their homes. These popular houseplants offer lush foliage, low maintenance care, and beautiful color variations. Let’s explore the origin and distribution of philodendron plants, as well as how to best care for them so that your philodendron will continue to thrive for years to come.

Introduction to Philodendron

Philodendron is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. As of September 2015, the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families accepted 489 species; other sources accept different numbers. Philodendrons are beloved for their beautiful foliage and easy-to-care nature. Their wide range of shapes, sizes and colors make them an ideal choice for any home or office space. Plus, they are fairly low-maintenance and can easily be incorporated into a variety of design schemes.  

Origin and Distribution

Philodendrons are tropical plants native to Central and South America. They are part of the Araceae family which includes many other popular houseplant varieties like caladiums, spathiphyllum, dieffenbachia and peace lilies.

Types of Philodendron

Philodendrons come in a variety of shapes and colors. Since are over four hundred different species of Philodendron, so it should be easy to find one that fits your style. The most popular varieties include Philodendron cordatum, Philodendron scandens, and Philodendron bipinnatifidum. Each species has its own unique characteristics, including size, leaf shape and color. Some varieties even have variegated leaves! No matter what type of Philodendron you choose, you can be sure that it will add beauty and life to your home.

Philodendron Care Guide: How to Grow Philodendron Plants

The most important step in caring for philodendrons is providing them with plenty of indirect sunlight but can tolerate low light conditions as well. If you have a Philodendron in low light, it may grow slower and the leaves may be a bit smaller than those grown in brighter conditions. To ensure the best growth, you should place your Philodendron in bright, indirect light for at least 6 hours a day.

Water

Make sure you water your plant thoroughly whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry; during warmer months, this may mean watering once a week; during cooler months, twice a week should be sufficient. Be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot or fungal issues in your plant. Fertilize your philodendron monthly using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted at half strength and sprayed onto the leaves or applied directly on top of the soil.

Philodendron Height

Philodendrons can vary greatly in size depending on their variety; some are small enough to fit on a windowsill while others can reach heights up to 8 feet! It’s important to research what type of philodendron you have if you want it to stay within its ideal size range. If you’re growing a vining variety like the heartleaf or fiddle leaf philo, make sure you provide it with something sturdy (like a trellis) that it can climb on as it grows taller over time.

Temperature Tolerance

The ideal temperature range for philodendrons is between 65°F – 85°F (18°C – 29°C). Anything higher than 85°F (29°C) will cause stress on the plant and should be avoided; anything lower than 65°F (18°C) will cause stunted growth or even death in some cases so keep an eye on temperatures if they start dropping too low indoors during winter months!

Propagating Philodendron

Propagating Philodendron is a great way to expand your collection without spending a lot of money. There are several ways to propagate a Philodendron, including air layering, division, and stem cuttings. Air layering is the easiest and most reliable method. It involves taking a cutting from the stem that is partially rooted and then wrapping it in moist sphagnum moss before replanting it. Division is another reliable method and involves dividing a mature plant into two or more parts before replanting them. Stem cuttings can also be taken from the tips of established plants, which can then be rooted in soil or water before replanting them.

Pest & Diseases

Philo plants are relatively resistant when it comes to pests and diseases however there are still some common problems you’ll want to watch out for such as mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, root rot, leaf spot diseases etc.. The best way to prevent these issues from occurring is by regularly checking your plant for signs of infestation/disease and treating any affected areas immediately with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide if necessary!

Growth

Philo plants grow quickly when given proper care, warmth and light – expect new leaves every month or so! Pruning is also important – remove any dead or dying leaves/stems regularly in order to promote healthy growth and prevent disease from spreading throughout your entire plant population!

Toxicity

While generally safe around humans and animals alike – philo sap contains calcium oxalate crystals which can be toxic if eaten or chewede so make sure everyone knows not to eat any part of this beautiful houseplant.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key when caring for your beloved philo. Water frequently but allow soil surface area dry out partially before rewatering; fertilize monthly during active growth periods; prune away dead/dying leaves/stems; check periodically for pests & diseases; adjust location/lighting if needed etc.

Philodendron Varieties you’ll love

Design Ideas for Decorating with Philodendron

Now that you know how to care for it properly, it’s time to think about how to use it in your home decor. Here are some ideas for decorating with Philodendron to bring a tropical vibe that can add some warmth and personality to your space. Here are a few design ideas for decorating with Philodendron plants:

• Hang a Philodendron plant from a macrame hanger to add some bohemian flair to your space. This is a great way to bring some greenery into a small apartment or studio.
• Place a Philodendron plant on a shelf or in a corner of a room to add some vertical interest. You can also group several plants together to create a jungle-like vibe.
• Add a Philodendron plant to a bookshelf or coffee table to bring some life to a small space. This is a great way to add some greenery to a room without taking up too much floor space.
• Use a Philodendron plant as the centerpiece of a dining table or coffee table. The tropical leaves will add some drama and personality to the space.
• Tuck a Philodendron plant into a hanging basket and hang it from the ceiling to add some greenery to a high-ceilinged room. This is a great way to add some life to an otherwise empty space.

No matter how you choose to decorate with Philodendron plants, they are sure to bring some life and personality to your space.

Caring for a philo plant doesn’t take much effort but does require consistency and attention. With regular maintenance including proper lighting, waterings, fertilizing, pruning etc., you’ll have yourself an incredibly beautiful houseplant that will last you years down the road! So don’t wait – go pick up yourself one today!