How to care for: Philodendron

The Philodendron is an evergreen perennial vine with large green heart-shaped glossy leaves. These beautiful foliage plants thrive well indoors, possessing air-cleaning properties, clearing the environment of toxins produced by other chemical products. Their different varieties have different physical characteristics, adding style and color to your indoor space. 

Medium light

Water once a week

Toxic

Air-purifying

Location

It is best to place the Philodendron on a location with medium bright light to partial shade. Too much light will cause the leaves to turn yellow. The Philodendron prefers a spot that's spacious. Don’t forget to turn the Philodendron! The plant grows towards the sun. If you do not rotate the plant will only get full on one side and that is what you want to prevent.

Watering

Philodendron plants prefer a balanced level of moisture, not too wet nor too dry. Therefore, the best way to check if your plant needs water is to check the top centimetres of the soil. If it's dry, then you can water the plant. Watering once a week during the year is fine. It's better to skip a watering than to water too much. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot.

Plant nutrition

The Philodendron uses a lot of energy from spring onwards to make new leaves. As a result, the plant needs extra nutrients. You can provide these nutrients by plant nutrition. We recommend giving plant nutrition once weeks from April to September. After september and in winter it is better not to give extra nutrients. Especially in winter, plant nutrition can actually be harmful for the Philodendron!

Repotting

Repotting of the Philodendron is necessary every year. The plant is a fast grower, so its roots soon become too tight in the pot. Repotting the plant every year gives it new nutrients and more room for root growth. The airier soil is also very good for the water flowing through. The best period to repot is spring.

Air-purifying

The Philodendron is very air-purifying plant. This is mainly due to the long leaves of Philodendron. The long leaf surface gives the plant extra stomata. The Philodendron uses these stomata to convert CO2 into oxygen during the day. And that is always good. For you and your home.

Is the Philodendron toxic?

A Philodendron is toxic for pets. Its leaves contain a high level of calcium oxalate, making it extremely toxic for humans and animals alike if ingested. They can cause drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite, along with swelling, pain, blistering around the mouth and throat.

Can a Philodendron grow in bright sunlight?

No, it is not advisable to place the Philodendron in the full sun. In nature, a Philodendron grows under large trees and plants. This is why the plant is not used to direct sunlight. Indirect sunlight or semi-shade are therefore perfect for a Philodendron.

Can a Philodendron be placed outside?

This is certainly possible. Just make sure that the Philodendron is placed somewhere sheltered. Let the plant slowly get used to its new environment.

How large can a Philodendron get?

Philodendrons consist of various species. This makes it very difficult to indicate a maximum size. Some Philodendrons grow only 40 cm in length as an indoor plant, while others can even have leaves that are 1 m long.

How fast do Philodendrons grow?

Although not all Philodendron species can grow very large, Philodendrons are fast growers. The aerial roots and vines can even grow 10 cm per week!

Can you propagate a Philodendron?

Yes, you certainly can. See our tips on how to propagate the Philodendron.