How to care for philodendron
Discover the many varieties in the philodendron genus, and how to grow them.
Philodendron is a huge genus of several hundred species native to tropical America, including the Caribbean, Colombia and Venezuela. Many of them are popular house plants in the UK.
Easy to grow and usually fast-growing, philodendrons typically have large, green and glossy leaves, which may be heart-shaped or lobed. Vining varieties can be grown in a hanging pot or positioned on a shelf where their foliage can cascade over the edge, or trained to climb up a moss pole or other support, such as an obelisk, as they would in their natural habitat. Upright philodendron types make excellent foliage plants.
Some philodendrons require a humid environment and are therefore better suited to growing in bathrooms and kitchens, while others are prone to root rot and should be watered sparingly. Overall, however, most philodendrons are easy to grow and tolerate a range of different growing conditions. They make excellent house plants.
Bear in mind that all philodendrons are toxic to humans and pets, so keep them out of reach of inquisitive cats, dogs or children.
How to grow philodendrons
There's a huge variety of philodendrons to grow but most thrive in moist but well-drained, peat-free house plant compost, in warm, humid conditions and bright but indirect light. Most need watering only when the top few centimetres of compost have dried out and benefit from a monthly application of fertiliser during the growing season.
Where to grow philodendrons
Many philodendrons are unfussy and will grow in a variety of situations, including cool shade. However some thrive in warm, humid conditions in bright but indirect light, so a bright bathroom or kitchen is more suited to them. Always check the growing conditions of the philodendron you want to grow, before buying.
How to plant philodendrons
Plant philodendrons into moist but well-drained, peat-free house plant compost, ensuring the rootball sits at the same level it was previously. Water well but allow excess water to completely drain from the pot as some species are prone to root rot if left to sit in water.
How to care for philodendrons
Most philodendrons benefit from regular watering, ideally when the top few centimetres of soil have dried out. Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser.
Wipe dusty leaves with a damp cloth to keep them looking and functioning their best.
There's no need to prune philodendrons but sometimes trailing varieties can become leggy, so benefit from being cut back, while dead and dying leaves can be removed to improve the plant's overall look.
How to propagate philodendrons
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 from stem cuttings. Use sharp scissors to cut several lengths of stem around 15cm long, cutting just above a leaf. Remove some of the lower leaves, so two or three remain at the top, and place the cuttings in a jar of water. Place the jar in a bright spot out of direct sunlight, and top up the water regularly. Your cuttings should start to produce roots after a couple of weeks. When the roots are 3-4cm long, remove the cuttings and pot them into new compost, and water well. Again, keep the compost moist until you see signs of new growth and then resume your usual care routine.
Pests and diseases
Philodendrons don’t have any serious issues with pests or diseases. However, they can be susceptible to common house plant pests, including aphids, mealybugs, scale, thrips, and red spider mite. Most of these can be removed by hand, while red spider mite thrives in dry conditions, so increasing humidity around the plant will stop them in their tracks.
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.
Yellow leaves may be caused by not enough sunlight or too much light, under-watering or over-watering. Make small changes to its location and/or care routine to work out what your plant needs.
Yellowing and mushy leaves suggest root rot has taken hold. Take the plant out of its pot immediately and allow it to dry out. Cut away any rotting roots and repot the rest of the plant into fresh compost, taking care to water sparingly.
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.
Types 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
- Buy Philodendron erubescens from Thompson & Morgan, Crocus and Suttons
- Buy Philodendron erubescens 'Pink Princess' from Thompson & Morgan
- Buy Philodendron erubescens 'White Princess' from Patch Plants
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
- Buy Philodendron melanochrysum from Crocus
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
- Buy Philodendron 'White Measure' from Thompson & Morgan, Dobies and Suttons
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
- Buy Philodendron gloriosum from House of Kojo
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.
- Buy Philodendron 'Little Hope' from Thompson & Morgan and Suttons
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
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
- Buy Philodendron verrucosum from Crocus
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
- Buy Philodendron rugosum from House of Kojo
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
- Buy Philodendron 'Prince of Orange' from Crocus
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
- Buy Philodendron billietiae from Happy Houseplants
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
- Buy Philodendron brandtianum from Thompson & Morgan, Suttons
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
- Buy Philodendron mamei from House of Kojo
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
- Buy Philodendron 'Ring of Fire' from Crocus
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
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
- Buy Philodendron 'Xanadu' from Crocus, Suttons, Thompson & Morgan
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