How to care for philodendron

Bear in mind that all philodendrons are toxic to humans and pets, so keep them out of reach of inquisitive cats, dogs or children. Philodendron plant sap can cause skin irritation, so wear gloves when handling if you have sensitive skin.

How to care for philodendrons

Watering

Although philodendrons are tropical plants, they do best in compost that's allowed to dry out between watering. With this in mind, water only once the top third of the compost has dried out, using your finger to check for dryness. Remember that light levels will govern the frequency in which you'll need to water your philodendron – those grown on a windowsill may need to be watered once a week, while those placed in darker areas (more than 1m from a window) will need only a fortnightly watering. Likewise, low temperatures will mean the compost takes longer to dry out, so you will need to water less often.

Light

Philodendrons grow best in indirect light, such as on or near a north-, north-east or north-west facing windowsill. Darker locations will lead to slower growth rates. If your windows face south or west, place your philodendron around 1m from the windowsill, so it doesn't receive direct sunlight.

Compost

Transparent orchid pots are best for philodendrons as they help to promote better air circulation around the roots than traditional terracotta or brown plastic pots. The ideal potting mix to use is one designed specifically for monsteras and philodendrons, which can be bought from garden centres and online. They typically contain a higher count of perlite and bark than regular house plant composts, which helps with nutrient retention and drainage. Alternatively, use a peat-free house plant compost, to which you can mix in some orchid compost to aid drainage.

Fertilisers

Although philodendron rarely produce flowers indoors, regular feeding is important to encourage healthy looking foliage. Feed once every third watering, throughout the year, even during autumn and winter.

Temperature and humidity

Typical household humidity and temperature levels of 15ºC- 30℃ will be perfect for philodendrons.

Pruning

Allow the yellowing leaves to become brown before pruning them off as the plant can recycle the nutrients from the dying leaves to aid growth elsewhere.

Staking

Philodendrons need staking for the first two years. Push a plank of wood or coconut coir moss pole into the soil to provide a surface for the stem to lean on. Don't remove any roots that may grow and fuse onto this surface as this can lead to a check in growth.

How to repot a philodendron

Repot philodendrons every three to four years, ideally using compost designed for monsteras and philodendrons, or a peat-free house plant compost with added orchid compost, to aid drainage. Choose a pot the next size up from the original.

1. Water your philodendron around 12 hours before repotting, to help reduce any risk of transplant shock.
2. Remove the philodendron from its pot and have a quick scan around the outer edge of the rootball for signs of root rot (brown, deflated/flat roots that can easily be pulled from the soil/plant with little resistance). Healthy roots will be plump and cream-coloured. Prune off any brown or softened roots using clean scissors and remove the compost that surrounds the dead roots.
3. Add a few centimetres of compost to the base of the new pot before resting the philodendron rootball on top. Then, fill the remaining gaps between the roots and inner side of the pot with more compost, before then tapping the pot at its side to consolidate the compost around the roots. Add more compost if necessary.

How to propagate a philodendron

Many philodendrons develop offshoots around the base of the main plant, which can be removed and transplanted into individual pots. Water the plant thoroughly the day before division, to make the separation easier. When you remove the offset, make sure it comes with a good supply of roots, as this will help it to establish more easily. Replant it immediately into fresh compost and water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain from the pot. Keep the division moist for a couple of weeks until you see signs of new growth – after this, resume your usual care routine.

Vining philodendrons are best propagated by taking stem cuttings. This is relatively straight forward to do, with cuttings developing roots within around two months. The best time of year to do this is in spring or summer, when the philodendron is in active growth.

1. Choose a healthy green stem with at least two leaves and prune the stem around 10cm down from the top.
2. Fill the bottom quarter of a 7cm pot with potting compost.
3. Sit the cutting's base vertically on top of the compost, before pouring the rest of the compost into the pot to fill it by around three-quarters. Gently pat the side of the pot to consolidate the compost into place.
4. Water the cutting thoroughly and allow to drain, then place in a bright spot with plenty of indirect light. Keep the compost moist while its roots are developing.
5. Start feeding your philodendron cutting after around four weeks, once the roots have developed. You can start treating it as a mature specimen once it has started growing new leaves.

Common issues

Browning or yellowing leaves are normal. If, however, leaves are yellowing rapidly, check the foliage for spider mites or thrips and remove accordingly.

Spindly, leggy growth could be a sign of nutrient deficiency or low light. Feed your philodendron every third watering, using a feed specially designed for house plants, and move it closer to a window if possible.

A wobbly philodendron that's not secure in the compost is a sign of root rot. Take the plant out of its pot and scan the roots for any signs of rot, which will be brown and come away easily from the rootball. Remove all the affected roots and nearby compost before repotting into fresh compost. You can also take stem cuttings from a root-rotted philodendron.

Small yellow marks on the leaves could be mosaic virus. Remove affected leaves and apply a dilute dose of liquid fertiliser. You may want to isolate it from other house plants, to prevent the virus spreading.

Brown leaves suggest the plant is too cold. Move it to a warmer spot to solve this problem.

Brown leaf tips with yellow margins suggest more humidity is needed. If you can't move your philodendron to a more humid environment such as a bathroom, mist regularly or place the pot on a tray of pebbles half-filled with water, to raise the humidity around the plant.

Toxicity

Philodendrons are mildly toxic to people when ingested, but can cause stomach upset, drooling and vomiting in cats and dogs. Bear in mind, also, that philodendron sap is a skin irritant, so wear gloves when handling if you have sensitive skin.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I put my philodendron in my house?
Most spots in the home are good areas for a philodendron to grow, for best results, place it near a north- or east-facing window.

Is philodendron a good indoor plant?
Philodendrons are fantastic for beginner growers who want to make their homes more green. As long as you allow the top third of the soil to dry in between waters, this will be an easy plant to grow.

Varieties of philodendron

Philodendron erubescens

With large, waxy leaves, this vigorous climber has reddish stems and leaves, although the pink philodendron 'Pink Princess' has heart-shaped leaves with pink variegated sections, while the leaves of Philodendron 'White Princess' has beautiful white variegation. It needs more warmth and humidity than other philodendrons, but is well worth the extra effort. Grow in a warm bathroom for best results. Height x Spread: 2m x 1.5m

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Philodendron melanochrysum

This striking philodendron has large, heart-shaped, velvety leaves with prominent cream-white veining. A vining plant, it works well in a hanging pot or positioned on a shelf, or it can be trained to climb up a moss pole. It's perfect for growing in a shady corner although can tolerate some indirect light. Philodendron melanochrysum thrives in humidity, so mist regularly if conditions are dry. H x S: 4m x 1m

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Philodendron 'Birkin'

Also known as Philodendron 'White Measure', this sought-after variety has small, green leaves with white stripes. Thriving in a warm and humid environment, it's ideal for growing in a bathroom or kitchen. Be careful not to overwater as it's prone to root rot. H x S: 50cm x 50cm

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Philodendron gloriosum

One of the trickier species to grow, Philodendron gloriosum has dramatic large green leaves with white veins, and is perfect for using as a statement piece in a living room. It thrives in bright but indirect light and more humidity than other philodendrons. Be careful not to over-water it as it's prone to root rot. H x S: 90cm x 90cm

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Philodendron selloum

Also known as horsehead philodendron, due to its leaf shape, Philodendron selloum (syn. Philodendron bipinnatifidum) has an upright habit and large, glossy, split leaves. It can be mistaken for the Swiss cheese plant, Monstera deliciosa, with which it is closely related. Relatively easy to grow, Philodendron selloum thrives in bright but indirect light and needs moderate amounts of moisture. H x S: 1.5m x 1.5m

The variety 'Little Hope' has a more compact growth habit. H x S: 60cm x 60cm.

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Philodendron scandens

Formerly Philodendron hederaceum and commonly known as heartleaf philodendron, this trailing variety can be trained to climb up a trellis, obelisk or moss pole, but is equally beautiful when allowed to trail from a hanging pot or shelf. It has glossy heart-shaped leaves and is fast growing. Popular varieties include Philodendron 'Brasil', which has variegated leaves in different shades of green, and Philodendron 'Micans' which has dark green, velvety leaves with a pink hue. H x S: 4m x 1m

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Philodendron verrucosum

The heart-shaped leaves of this climbing philodendron are deep green with attractive red undersides. A trickier philodendron to grow, Philodendron verrucosum requires cooler temperatures of 16-21ºC but high humidity, of around 70 per cent. It's therefore ideal for a cool bathroom, where it will receive bright but indirect light. H x S: 4m x 1m

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Philodendron rugosum

A climber, Philodendron rugosum has unusually textured leaves that are said to resemble stretched pigskin. It's relatively easy to grow, given the right conditions of bright but indirect light, regular watering and higher than average humidity. H x S: 1m x 3m

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Philodendron 'Prince of Orange'

This unusual variety bears bright orange leaves that mature to a deep green. Easy to care for, grow in bright but indirect light and water regularly. It's ideal for making a statement in a bathroom. H x S: 60cm x 60cm

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Philodendron billietiae

This rare philodendron plant has a climbing habit and large, waxy leaves with prominent cream-white veining. Like all philodendrons it benefits from warmth, humidity and bright but indirect light. H x S: 1.2m x 60cm

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Philodendron brandtianum

Often referred to as silver leaf philodendron or just Philodendron brandi, Philodendron brandtianum bears beautiful silver and green variegated leaves. It's the perfect philodendron plant for a shelf or hanging pot, where it thrives in bright but indirect light and around 60 per cent humidity. H x S: 40m x 30cm

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Philodendron mamei

A very rare species with large, heart-shaped leaves with unusual silvery markings. This species can tolerate lower humidity than some other philodendron plants, although still thrives in a humid environment. H x S: 1.2m x 1.2m

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Philodendron 'Ring of Fire'

Also known as 'tiger tooth' due to the ragged edges of its leaves, Philodendron 'Ring of Fire' is a striking variety that has deep green, glossy leaves with orange and yellow blotches, which are said to resemble flickering flames. A compact philodendron, 'Ring of Fire' is easy to care for. H x S: 1.2m x 60cm

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Philodendron 'Imperial Red'

With an upright habit, Philodendron 'Imperial Red' has gorgeous red stems from which large, leathery leaves emerge a dark red and mature to burgundy. Easy to care for, it thrives in a variety of habitats although does best in a humid environment, such as a bathroom. H x S: 1.2m x 1.2m

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Philodendron 'Xanadu'

This upright, shrubby philodendron is easy to grow and thrives in a variety of situations, making it the perfect choice for making a statement for very little effort. Philodendron 'Xanadu' has dark green, 'horsehead' leaves with reddish undersides and stems. H x S: 1m x 1m

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