Caring for Philodendron plants is easier than you may think! With the right tips, you can keep your plant looking its best and thriving. We’ll provide all the best advice for providing adequate light, soil moisture, fertilizer and humidity for your Philodendron – so you can keep your plant in tip-top shape.
Light Requirements
For Philodendron plants to thrive, they will need plenty of bright, indirect light. A good spot to place the plant would be near a window but not directly in the sun. You could also opt to use a low-wattage grow light to provide the necessary light.
Just be sure to keep the light on for at least 10 hours each day.
When it comes to soil, make sure it is always moist. To avoid over-watering, check the soil moisture every couple of days. If the top of the soil is dry, it’s time for a drink.
When you do water, don’t drown the plant by pouring too much water. Make sure the soil is able to drain the excess. Fertilize your Philodendron plants every month or so and lastly, provide adequate humidity for your plants – mist them lightly with water every few days.
Bright, Indirect Light
When caring for Philodendron plants, the most important consideration is light. These plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. Place them in a spot near a window where they can get filtered sunlight, but not direct sun.
It may be helpful to use sheer curtains or blinds to keep the direct light from your windows from reaching the plant.
You should also turn the plant occasionally so that all sides of the plant are exposed to the same amount of light. When it comes to light, it’s important to be aware of how much is too much. Too much light can cause the leaves to burn and can damage the plant.
If you notice the leaves beginning to turn yellow or become pale, it may be a sign that the plant is getting too much light. Move it to a spot with a little less light and make sure it’s not in direct sunlight.
Soil
When it comes to soil for your Philodendron plants, it’s important to keep it moist but not soggy. Overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes people make when caring for these plants.
Aim to water your Philodendron once or twice a week and check the soil with your finger before doing so. If the top inch of soil is dry, you can go ahead and give it some water. Make sure the soil drains quickly, as this plant doesn’t like sitting in water, and it may lead to root rot.
If you’re unsure, you can always add some organic matter such as mulch or compost to help with drainage.
When it comes to potting soil, make sure to use a well-draining potting mix such as a peat-based soil with perlite or vermiculite. This will help ensure that your Philodendron gets the moisture it needs without becoming waterlogged.
You may want to consider adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil when you first plant it to provide the necessary nutrients for your Philodendron. Make sure the soil is not too compacted and has enough space for air to circulate. Compacted soil can lead to poor drainage and root rot.
Keeping It Moist But Not Soggy
When it comes to keeping your Philodendron plant in the best condition possible, it’s important to make sure the soil doesn’t get too soggy. Water your plant on a regular basis, and make sure the soil is damp but not waterlogged.
If the soil is too wet, the roots of your Philodendron will start to rot, and your plant may get sick. If the soil is too dry, the leaves will start to yellow and the plant won’t be able to absorb the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
It’s also important to make sure your Philodendron plant is getting enough air circulation. If your Philodendron is planted in an area with poor air circulation, the soil may stay too moist and can cause root rot.
Make sure it’s planted in a spot with good air flow and plenty of light. You can also use a fan to help circulate air while the Philodendron is in its growing stage. This will help to keep the soil healthy and your Philodendron happy!
Fertilizing
Fertilizing correctly is key to keeping your Philodendron healthy. If you want to keep your Philodendron thriving, you need to give it the right nutrients. Start off by feeding your plant every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer labeled for plants of the Araceae family.
Reduce that to once a month during winter, when plants slow down their growth. The best time to fertilize is when the plant is actively growing and you’ll know that because the leaves will be a deep, dark green.
Try not to overfertilize.
Too much fertilizer can cause salt buildup in your soil, which can cause the tips of your leaves to go brown. When you do fertilize, make sure you don’t get fertilizer on the leaves as this can cause burning.
To avoid this, always water before you fertilize and keep the fertilizer away from the leaves. When it comes to fertilizing your Philodendron, remember to be consistent and not overdo it. With proper fertilization and care, your Philodendron should stay healthy for years to come.
Humidity
Humidity is an important factor in keeping your Philodendron plants looking their best. If the environment is too dry, your plants may become stressed and can suffer from leaf drop or browning. A humidity level of around 40-60% is ideal.
To raise the humidity around your plants, you can mist them regularly or use a humidifier in the room. If you’re using a humidifier, make sure to keep it a few feet away from your plants.
Placing a few pebbles in a shallow water-filled tray near your plants is also effective.
Make sure the pebbles are above the water line and the pot is not sitting in the water. This will help create a humid micro-climate for your plants. Grouping your plants together can help increase humidity for all of them.