How to Care for a Red Ivy Philodendron Plant
If you know nothing about houseplants, the red ivy philodendron is a great plant for a beginner. Native to the jungles of South America, they do well in warm indoor environments. They are tolerant of beginner mistakes like over- and under-watering. They will grow anywhere in your home, but look best when their vines hang from a windowsill, table top or hanging basket. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Place the red ivy philodendron where it will receive indirect sunlight for six to eight hours per day.
-
2
Water your philodendron only when the top third of the soil dries out. Always water until water drips out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. A planting tray underneath the pot will keep the water from spilling onto the underlying table or sill. And as the water evaporates, it will help keep the air around the philodendron moist. In the winter, allow the soil to almost completely dry out when new growth slows down. Resume normal watering in the spring.
-
-
3
Mist the philodendron's foliage two to three times per week.
-
4
Wipe the red ivy philodendron's foliage down with a wet cloth once weekly. This will clear away any dust that may clog the leaves' pores.
-
5
Fertilize the philodendron once in early spring when new growth begins and again in midsummer. Use a commercial liquid houseplant fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions for a houseplant of your philodendron's size. Water after each fertilizer application.
-
6
Direct the red ivy philodendron's growth. If the plant is on a windowsill, table or in a hanging basket, the vines can be allowed to hang at will. For more upright growth, insert a plastic dowel or two into the soil. The philodendron's aerial roots will climb up the support.
-
7
Prune any brown or mushy leaves or vines with a pair of clean, dry pruning shears. If your red ivy philodendron looks too thin or spindly, prune the growing tips of the plant. Do not prune the aerial roots. If they get too long, redirect them so that they attach to a support or grow into the soil. If they are dead or dying, trim them back to healthy tissue.
-
8
Repot the philodendron when its roots compact into a tight ball. Do not transplant before then. Philodendrons like cramped roots. The next pot must be more than 2 to 3 inches larger in diameter than the first. The best time to move the plant is in late winter or early spring.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If the philodendron receives too much direct sunlight, the foliage will begin to brown and look burned. If the philodendron receives too little light, the plant will produce fewer and smaller leaves.
Too much water will cause the philodendron's leaves to yellow.
Underwatering will cause the philodendron's leaves to turn brown and drop prematurely.
