Care of Philodendron Plants
Philodendron, as it is commonly spelled, is a native evergreen shrub of the South American and West Indies rain forests. There are more than 200 species of philodendron. In the wild, some varieties, including the popular houseplant, p. scandens, can grow long vines, but in a home setting growth can be controlled by pinching back or pruning the vines. Does this Spark an idea?
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Planting Location
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Plant phylodendrons in shade or partial shade. In the United States, most philodendrons are grown indoors because of the tropical quality of the foliage. But some varieties of the humidity-loving shrub, such as p.selluom, are grown outdoors in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 9 or higher. Plant philodendrons in shade or partial shade or place indoor pots in indirect sunlight. The philodendron does not grow well in bright, direct sunlight.
Soil
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Philodendrons need rich soil that drains well but retains moisture. Add compost to your garden bed or buy prepared soil for pots in which you plant philodendrons. Keep soil moist and do not allow it to dry out. Re-pot philodendrons—or top-dress them with fresh soil—every spring.
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Feeding
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Foliage plants such as the philodendron grow better given a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen count. You can also use an all-purposed balanced fertilizer, such as 10-8-7. During the spring and summer growing months, fertilize once a month. Follow fertilizer package instructions and measurements for the size of your plant. Brown leaves or roots indicate over-fertilization.
Watering
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Keep soil moist around philodendrons to ensure growth. Philodendrons love humidity and moisture. Keep soil moist and water the plants at least every other day during growing months. Water once a week in winter.
General Care
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Pinch off dead and brown leaves from your philodendron. Dust leaves regularly. You can purchase a specially made cleaner that leaves a shine, but this is not necessary. A simple moist cloth works well to remove dust and other particles from leaves.
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References
- "Houseplants: The Green Thumb Guide to Easy Indoor Gardening"; Reader's Digest; 2008.
- "The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual"; Barbara Pleasant; 2005.
- Clemson Extension: Philodendron
Resources
- Photo Credit leaf of cyclamen flower with drops water image by motorlka from Fotolia.com rainforest butterfly image by michael luckett from Fotolia.com elephant ears image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
