Grown for its broad evergreen leaves rather than its insignificant flowers, philodendron sends out aerial roots that are best left untouched, and it counts among the plants that purify the air inside our homes. Give it a luminous spot out of direct sun and it asks for almost nothing else.
| Name | Philodendron |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Type | shrub, indoor plant |
| Height | 6 ½ feet (2 meters) |
| Exposure | part shade, full sun |
| Soil | well drained, rich enough |
| Foliage | evergreen |
| Flowering | insignificant |
Caring for it, whether upon repotting or watering, will enhance the growth of your philodendron.
It isn’t necessary to prune it.
Aerial roots are very important for this plant. It is recommended not to touch them.
Water the plant only when the surface of the soil is dry, and avoid excess water so as to not suffocate the roots.
Space your watering rounds as much as you can during the winter rest phase, because the plant only has very limited water needs.
Philodendron asks for very little, but the few jobs it does need fall at set moments of the year. This table gathers them in one place.
| Task | When | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Repotting | late winter to mid-autumn | Move into repotting soil mix, or better still indoor plant soil mix |
| Summer outdoors | late spring to early autumn | Bring the pot outside, then back in for the rest of the year |
| Watering | Whenever the soil surface is dry | Water sparingly, never to excess, or the roots suffocate |
| Winter rest | Cold months | Space the watering rounds out as much as possible |
| Pruning | Never needed | Leave the plant alone, and leave the aerial roots untouched |
| Feeding | Optional | Organic fertiliser to rekindle vigour, but it is not a requirement |
Keep the room between 65 and 75°F (18 to 25°C) and the rest looks after itself.
Philodendron is very easy to grow. It requires very little care and resists quite well to the various diseases.
Although organic fertilizer can rekindle the plant’s vigor, it isn’t a requirement, either.
This shrub grows indoor very well all year round, and can be brought outside from late spring to early autumn.
A temperature of 65 to 75°F (18 to 25°C) is recommended for proper growth.
→ Read also: Plants that purify the air inside our homes
Philodendron is among the indoor air-purifying plants!
