Philodendron

Philodendrons are a household name for a reason! These plants are the laid-back amigos you love having around - always green, always vibrant, and effortlessly cool. With their glossy leaves and chill vibes, it's no wonder they're so popular. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting your plant parenthood journey, Philodendrons are a must-have in your indoor jungle!

  • Toxic to pets and children
  • Repot once every 2 years
  • Fertilize every every other week
  • Bright, indirect light
  • Average water

Philodendrons for Everyone!

Philodendron Cordatum (S) | Green Heartleaf
Philodendron Cordatum (S) | Green Heartleaf

Kate

1900
14 cm tall
10 cm pot
Philodendron Birkin (S)
Philodendron Birkin (S)

Xiao

1900
22 cm tall
10 cm pot
Philodendron Brazil (S)
Philodendron Brazil (S)

Miguel

2200
13 cm tall
10 cm pot
Philodendron Micans (S)
Philodendron Micans (S)

Mike P

2400
17 cm tall
10 cm pot
Philodendron White Wizard (S)
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Philodendron White Wizard (S)

Joe

2900 2200
14 cm tall
10 cm pot
Philodendron Cordatum (M)
Philodendron Cordatum (M)

Kate

3400
25 cm tall
15 cm pot

About the Philodendron

Origin

The name Philodendron comes from the Greek language and we love the meaning of it! 'Philo' means love, or passion, and 'Dendron' is the Greek word for tree. A free translation, then, would be "Tree of love". This plant may have a Greek name, his roots lay in the rain forests of South America. Many Philodendron species are considered 'climbing plants', so you see them climbing their larger brothers and sisters all over the rainforest.

Air Purification

With big leaves like the ones found on a Philodendron you almost have to be an excellent air purifier! There are stomata on the leaves of all plants that absorb CO2 and release oxygen as a residual product. So technically it's simple; the larger the leaf, the more stomata and therefore the more oxygen production. Easy right?

Toxicity

Unfortunately this plant is toxic, so keep pets and small children at a distance. Cats especially have the habit of taking a bite from the leaves, which they will regret. The sap or juice in the leaves will cause a swollen throat, stomach cramps and a few other unpleasant side effects. If your four-legged friend still thinks 'hey! a snack!' whenever she's near a Philodendron, take her to the vet. And maybe find a new home for your Philo!

Caring for a Philodendron

Watering

While Philodendrons require minimal watering, it's crucial to maintain slightly moist soil to keep your green friend thriving. Overwatering is a common culprit behind Philodendron demise, leading to stubborn root rot. To prevent this, periodically check soil moisture at the pot's bottom using a stick or finger before watering.

Lighting and Placement

The Philodendron is not too demanding when it comes to how much light it is getting. As long as you don't put it directly in bright sunlight. You can even place this houseplant in a shady spot in the house. As with most houseplants, it's recommended to turn the plant every now and then so that it doesn't grow towards the light on just one side.

Nutrition

The Philodendron has a seasonal appetite like a bear: it's ravenous in summer and hibernates in winter. Feed it with fertilizer every two weeks during the summer months. In fall, fertilizer isn't super necessary, and it's best to avoid it altogether in winter when the plant doesn't need additional nutrients. Overfeeding can lead to acidic soil, which isn't ideal for plant roots.

Repotting

The Philodendron doesn't grow particularly fast, but as with all indoor plants, it is wise to give the plant a larger pot once every few years. This allows the roots to grow further, and also some fresh potting soil gives the plant new nutrients. Repotting it about once every two years is usually sufficient. It is best to repot at the end of the winter or the beginning of spring so that your green amigo can recover quickly from the move during its growing period.

Pruning and Flowering

Pruning your Philodendron helps maintain its desired shape and promotes healthier growth. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves regularly to encourage new growth. While Philodendrons are not known for their flowers indoors, occasional pruning can stimulate blooming in certain species.

Philodendron SOS

Illness

While they aren't super sensitive to disease or pests, the Philodendron is very sensitive to excess water. If you notice brown leaves on your plant, it is probably receiving too much water. Yellowish, limp leaves are often a sign that the plant finds it a little too bright in its current location.

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