How to Care for Indoor Philodendrons
Philodendrons are common, easy-to-grow houseplants with a high tolerance for low-light levels and low humidity. These non-native plants climb up any vertical supports available. They grow well in containers and hanging baskets. There are over 200 varieties of philodendrons that offer different leaf shapes and color variations. The lush, dark green plants last for years with proper care. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plant pot
- Soap
- Bleach
- Potting soil
- Bamboo pole
- Hammer
- Soft cloth
- Drip tray
- Fertilizer
Instructions
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1
Wash a large, deep plant pot with soapy water and rinse it in a solution of 1 part bleach mixed with 9 parts water. Air dry the container and fill it with potting soil. Remove the philodendron from its container and plant it in the center of the plant pot. Firm the soil around the plant to hold it in place.
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2
Drive a thick, tall bamboo pole into the soil with a hammer 6 inches from the base of the plant. Loosely tie the philodendron to the pole with a soft cloth. As the plant grows, train it to grow around the pole.
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3
Place the plant pot on a drip tray and move it to an area with bright, indirect sunlight. A window covered with a lightweight curtain is suitable for a philodendron. Exposure to direct sunlight causes leaf burn.
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4
Keep the room temperature warm. Ideal temperatures for philodendrons are 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and around 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. This tropical plant can survive exposure to short bouts of 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
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5
Pour water into the top of the plant pot and let it run out the bottom whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. Remove excess water from the drip tray. Wipe the leaves off with a soft damp cloth to remove settled dust.
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6
Feed the philodendron every four to six weeks with water-soluble 10-10-10 fertilizer. Fertilizing too frequently with too strong a solution causes the tips of the leaves to curl and turn brown. Flush the plant pot with water whenever white salt buildup appears on the edges of the plant pot.
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Tips & Warnings
Vining philodendron varieties are only limited in height by the tallness of their vertical supports. These plants are sometimes trained to climb up the wall and across the ceiling of rooms.
Do not keep the soil constantly wet since it promotes root rot. This is not a plant that tolerates standing in water for very long.
