How to Care for a Philodendron? A Complete Guide for Optimal Growth
🌿 How to Care for a Philodendron? A Complete Guide to Lush Growth
Philodendron is one of the most popular rare tropical indoor plants . With its spectacular foliage and easy care , it brings an exotic and verdant touch to any space.
Want to ensure optimal growth for your Philodendron? Follow this detailed guide that covers all the essential steps : light, watering, substrate, fertilization, and cuttings !
1️⃣ What Exposure for a Philodendron?
Philodendron prefers moderate indirect light . Good exposure is crucial to ensure rapid growth and vibrant leaves .
🌞 Ideal light:
✔️ Place your plant near an east or west facing window .
✔️ If natural light is insufficient, use an LED horticultural lamp .
🚨 To avoid:
❌ Direct sun : risk of leaf burn .
❌ Too little light : slows down growth.
💡 Tip : Turn your Philodendron regularly to ensure even growth .
2️⃣ How to Water a Philodendron?
Watering is a key step to avoid problems with root rot or excessive dryness .
💧 Balance Substrate Humidity
✔️ Check the soil moisture by inserting a finger 2-3 cm deep.
✔️ If the soil is dry , water with room temperature water .
✔️ If it is still wet , wait a few days before watering.
🚨 Attention:
❌ Never leave stagnant water in the saucer!
💡 Tip : Use a pot with holes and a well-draining substrate to avoid moisture buildup .
3️⃣ Temperature and Humidity: An Optimal Environment
Philodendron likes warmth and humidity , conditions typical of tropical forests .
🌡 Ideal temperature:
✔️ Between 18°C and 26°C .
✔️ Avoids cold drafts and sudden temperature changes .
💦 Recommended humidity:
✔️ Minimum 50% , ideally 70% to 90% for lush foliage on certain species.
🔹 How to Increase Humidity?
✔️ Use a humidifier .
✔️ Place a tray of pebbles with water under the pot.
✔️ Regularly mist the foliage (avoid excess to avoid attracting disease).
💡 Tip : Group several tropical plants together to create a humid microclimate .
4️⃣ Fertilization: How to Feed Your Philodendron?
A good fertilizer ensures vigorous growth and brightly colored leaves .
🌱 Recommended Fertilizer:
✔️ Balanced liquid fertilizer , rich in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) .
✔️ Apply 1 to 2 times per month in spring and summer.
🚫 In autumn and winter:
❌ Reduce the frequency of intake to avoid excess nutrients .
💡 Tip : Green and White Plants offers a special fertilizer for green plants , ideal for healthy and rapid growth .
5️⃣ When and How to Repot a Philodendron?
📆 Frequency:
✔️ Every 2 to 3 years , or as soon as the roots protrude from the pot .
🪴 Which Pot to Choose?
✔️ Pot with holes to prevent excess water .
✔️ Transparent pot to monitor the condition of the roots .
🌿 Which Substrate to Use?
✔ Special Araceae soil : for optimal drainage .
✔ Coconut flakes : promote aeration .
✔ Perlite : prevents soil compaction .
💡 Tip : Green and White Plants Araceae Substrate is perfect for Philodendrons !
6️⃣ Should You Stake a Philodendron?
Philodendron is a climbing plant that needs support to grow vertically.
🪴 Why Install a Tutor?
✔️ Stimulates vertical growth .
✔️ Prevents stems from sagging .
✔️ Allows you to develop larger leaves .
💡 Tip : A moss or sphagnum stake mimics natural conditions and encourages aerial roots to adhere .
7️⃣ How to take cuttings from a Philodendron?
Cuttings are an excellent method for propagating your Philodendron .
🌱 Steps to Succeed in Your Cuttings:
1️⃣ Choose a healthy stem with at least 2 nodes .
2️⃣ Cut below a node using clean pruning shears.
3️⃣ Place the cutting in water or damp sphagnum moss .
4️⃣ Wait for the roots to appear (2 to 4 weeks).
5️⃣ Replant in a suitable pot with a well-draining substrate .
💡 Tip : Sphagnum moss maintains optimal humidity and accelerates rooting .
8️⃣ Common Problems and Solutions
🔍 Yellowing Leaves?
💦 Possible cause : Too much water or too little light.
✔ Solution : Reduce watering and move the plant to a brighter location .
🔍 Brown Leaves?
💦 Possible cause : Air too dry or insufficient watering.
✔ Solution : Increase humidity with a humidifier or mist .
🐛 Frequent Parasites:
✔ Mealybugs, aphids, red spiders : Inspect the leaves regularly and use diluted black soap in case of an attack.
💡 Tip : Green and White Plants offers yellow sticky traps to control flying pests.
📌 Conclusion: The Keys to a Healthy Philodendron
✔ Indirect light : Avoid direct sunlight .
✔ Moderate watering : Only when the soil is dry .
✔ Stable temperature : Between 18°C and 26°C .
✔ High humidity : Use a humidifier .
✔ Well-draining substrate : Use special Araceae soil .
✔ Add a stake to stimulate vertical growth .
✔ Easy cutting to propagate your Philodendron.
📌 Need the best substrates and fertilizers? Discover the Green and White Plants selection and give your Philodendron the best growing conditions ! 🚀
📣 Share this article with other enthusiasts and leave us your advice in the comments! 🌿