Philodendron: Cultivation, Care and Advice

Botany

The Philodendron belongs to the large Araceae family, known for its tropical plants with lush foliage. The Philodendron genus includes approximately 500 to 600 recognised species. This diversity makes Philodendron one of the most extensive genera in the Araceae family. Commonly called Philodendron or sometimes Monstera due to confusion, the Philodendron stands out for its great diversity of forms and habits, reflecting its incredible adaptability. Depending on the species, it can adopt a climbing habit, clinging to tree trunks with its aerial roots, or a more bushy, self-supporting habit, forming dense clumps. This flexibility allows it to thrive equally well on the ground, hanging or leaning on a support.

The plant derives its name from the Greek “philo” meaning love and “dendron” for tree, perfectly illustrating its climbing or epiphytic nature, as a “tree-loving” plant that appears to embrace tree trunks in its natural habitat. In the wild, Philodendrons thrive under the humid tropical forests of Central and South America, where they climb along trunks or cover the ground in search of light. This warm and humid environment provides them with ideal conditions, particularly in shaded areas rich in organic matter.

Its root system is particularly well-developed and plays a key role in its adaptation. It has underground roots that ensure anchorage and nutrient absorption, but above all aerial roots that allow it to cling to supports and capture ambient moisture. These secondary roots are essential for its growth, especially in the humid tropical environments where it naturally evolves.

Among the most popular species, we find varieties prized for their decorative foliage, such as the trailing Philodendron scandens or the majestic Philodendron selloum with its large divided leaves. The species Philodendron erubescens is one of the most popular and widespread among Philodendrons, particularly due to the great variety of its colourful cultivars such as Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’, ‘Pink Marble’, ‘Black Cardinal’, ‘Royal Queen’, ‘Red Congo’ and ‘Imperial Red’, remarkable for their foliage in shades of pink, dark or deep red. The ‘Malay Gold’ and ‘Moonlight’ varieties offer golden and lemon hues. The Philodendron hederaceum, particularly in its scandens form (often called Heartleaf Philodendron), is also very widespread and appreciated for its trailing habit and easy care. The latter is particularly popular in our homes and offices due to its great adaptability.

The different Philodendron varieties offer great diversity in foliage colours: Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’, ‘Royal Queen’, ‘Ring of Fire’, ‘Moonlight’, ‘White Princess’ and ‘White Measure’

The foliage is the Philodendron’s main attraction. It is extremely varied, offering very distinct shapes and textures. Its leaves are generally broad, glossy and leathery, but they vary enormously from one species to another. Its leaves can be entire, heart-shaped (as in Philodendron hederaceum), deeply divided (in Philodendron bipinnatifidum or selloum) and almost serrated (in Philodendron elegans) but they mostly do not have natural perforations like the Monstera with which it is frequently confused.

The colour palette is equally rich, ranging from deep green to golden green, with shades of red, pink and even black. Some hybrid and rare species, such as Philodendron Billietiae x Atabapoense or Philodendron Jungle Selloum x Goeldii, testify to the botanical richness of the genus, combining original shapes and striking colours. The spectacular Philodendron ‘Ring of Fire’ captivates with its serrated leaves variegated in green, orange and cream, while the Philodendron ‘White Princess’ and Philodendron ‘White Measure’ bring subtle elegance with their white veins.

The Philodendron’s inflorescence, although discreet compared to its foliage, is typical of plants in the Araceae family. It consists of a fleshy spadix, enveloped by a spathe, a sort of bract that can be white, cream or greenish. This flowering remains quite rare in indoor cultivation, as it requires very specific conditions of heat and humidity. In its natural environment, this inflorescence plays an important role in reproduction, attracting certain pollinating insects.

Philodendron gloriosum, and on the right, Philodendron selloum” width=”1172″ height=”780″ /> Philodendron leaves can be entire or divided. On the left, Philodendron gloriosum, and on the right, Philodendron selloum

Main species and varieties

Philodendron Red Congo
Philodendron 69686
Philodendron applanatum
Philodendron billietiae x atabapoense
Philodendron Birkin Ribbon
Philodendron Black Cardinal
Philodendron burle-marxii
Philodendron Caramel Marble
Philodendron Caramel Pluto
Philodendron Cherry Red
Philodendron sp Colombia
Philodendron elegans
Philodendron Fat Boy
Philodendron Florida Ghost
Philodendron grazielae
Philodendron gloriosum
Philodendron Holtonianum Trilobed
Philodendron Imperial Green
Philodendron Imperial Red
Philodendron Incensi
Philodendron Ivory Vein
Philodendron joepii
Philodendron Jose Bueno
Philodendron Jose Buono
Philodendron Jungle selloum x goeldii
Philodendron longilobatum
Philodendron Malay Gold
Philodendron mexicanum
Philodendron minima
Philodendron Moonlight
Philodendron Painted Lady
Philodendron Paraiso Verde
Philodendron Pink Marble
Philodendron Pink Princess
Philodendron pittieri red
Philodendron Prince of Orange
Philodendron radiatum
Philodendron Red Heart
Philodendron Ring of Fire
Philodendron Royal Queen
Philodendron rugosum Abberant
Philodendron Sun Red
Philodendron Sunlight
Philodendron tortum
Philodendron Violin Gold
Philodendron White Measure
Philodendron White Princess
Philodendron Xanadu

(Note: “Trilobe” has been translated to “Trilobed” as per the glossary, while all other names remain unchanged as they are proper botanical names.)

Planting the Philodendron

Where to place the philodendron in a house?

The Philodendron thrives when placed in an environment that mimics the tropical conditions of its natural habitat. It appreciates bright spots, but without direct sunlight, which could scorch its foliage. The ideal location is near a large window facing north or south-east or south-west. A temperate room, protected from cold or hot draughts, with sufficient ambient humidity, provides an ideal setting. A filtered light helps preserve the beauty of the foliage. Be careful, insufficient light will slow its growth. Once settled, the Philodendron enjoys a gentle atmosphere to develop its lush foliage.

When to plant it?

Planting can be done at any time of the year indoors.

How to plant a Philodendron step by step:

The substrate should be light, rich and well-drained to avoid water accumulation around the roots. A potting mix for houseplants mixed with a bit of perlite promotes good rooting.

• Choose a pot slightly larger than the root ball, with drainage holes at the bottom. Philodendron roots dislike excess water.
• Mix potting soil for houseplants with perlite, coconut fibre, sphagnum moss or pine bark to facilitate good drainage.
• Place clay pebbles or gravel at the bottom of the pot to prevent water from stagnating.
• Gently remove the Philodendron from its original pot and loosen the roots slightly if they are too compacted.
• Place the root ball in the centre of the pot without burying the collar (the base of the stem) and fill the space around it with the prepared soil mix.
• Press the soil gently around the root ball to stabilise the plant properly, without compacting it too much.
• Moisten the substrate right after planting, but without soaking the soil. Ensure that water drains well through the drainage holes.
• Place your Philodendron in a bright spot, without direct sunlight, with a stable temperature and good ambient humidity.

Discover Leila’s tips for Growing philodendrons indoors

Planting a Philodendron ‘Santa Leopoldina’

How to care for a philodendron?

To properly care for your Philodendron and encourage its growth, a few simple steps are enough. Water moderately, allowing the surface of the compost to dry out between waterings. In summer, watering once a week is often sufficient, while in winter, space out the water applications.

Remember to water your Philodendron regularly

The Philodendron enjoys a humid atmosphere. You can mist its foliage regularly with non-calcareous water (rainwater is perfect), especially during the heating season, or place the pot on a bed of damp clay pebbles to increase ambient humidity. However, ensure that water does not stagnate in the saucer to prevent root rot.

During the growth period (from spring to autumn), apply a liquid fertiliser for green plants once a month. In winter, stop fertilising.

Prune overly long or unruly stems to encourage a more compact habit. Regularly remove yellowed or damaged leaves to stimulate new shoots and keep the plant healthy. Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and allow the plant to breathe better and absorb light.

Repot your Philodendron every two to three years, preferably in spring, when the roots begin to feel cramped.

Your Philodendron will appreciate it if you mist its foliage from time to time

Diseases and potential pests

The Philodendron, although robust, can sometimes be vulnerable to certain issues. Excess moisture or poor drainage encourages the development of fungal diseases such as root rot, which manifests as yellowing foliage and softened stems.

An environment that is too dry or stagnant air attracts parasitic pests such as mealybugs, which settle under the leaves and leave cottony deposits, or red spider mites, which cause foliage to dry out with fine webbing. Aphids may also attack young shoots by sucking the sap, slowing growth. To eliminate unwanted pests, spray with diluted black soap at 15 to 30 g per litre of water.

Finally, overly intense light can cause leaf scorching, while excessive fertiliser may yellow leaf edges. Careful maintenance and suitable growing conditions usually help prevent these issues.

→ Read our articles to learn more about appropriate treatments: aphids, mealybugs, red spider mites.

How to take a Philodendron cutting?

Taking Philodendron cuttings in water or compost is a simple and effective method to propagate this tropical plant. Here are the steps to successfully propagate your plant by cuttings:

1. Select a vigorous stem with at least one node (the point where leaves and roots emerge) and a few leaves. Choose a stem showing no signs of disease or weakness.
2. Using clean, sharp secateurs, make a cut just below the node. The cutting should measure around 10 to 15 cm. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Choose your propagation method:

• In water: Submerge the node in a glass of clean water, ensuring the leaves do not touch the water. Change the water every 3 to 4 days to prevent the growth of bacteria.
• In compost: Plant the cutting in a light, well-draining mix (houseplant compost, perlite, and coconut fibre). Keep the substrate slightly moist and place the cutting under a cloche or plastic bag to maintain humidity.

4. Position the cutting in a bright spot, avoiding direct sunlight. An ambient temperature of 20 to 25 °C will encourage root growth.

5. After 2 to 4 weeks, small roots will begin to develop. Once the roots reach a few centimetres in length, you can repot the cutting if it was in water or continue with regular care if it was in soil.

6. Very carefully transplant the rooted cutting into a pot with a rich, well-draining substrate.

7. Water lightly and place the plant in a bright location.

You can easily multiply your Philodendron by propagating it in water or directly in soil

How to best showcase a Philodendron?

It blends beautifully into a bohemian décor with wicker baskets and natural textiles, but also suits a more modern style with minimalist pots and metal or wood shelves. Its lovely greenery brings softness to a minimalist living room or freshness to a cosy office. Rather easy-going, it enjoys warm and slightly humid atmospheres, making it a perfect guest in a bright bathroom. Placed high on a shelf or suspended in macramé, it lets its long stems cascade elegantly, adding movement and softness to the space.

The Philodendron loves natural materials like raw wood, ceramic, or rattan, which highlight its glossy foliage. Undemanding, it therefore finds its place equally well in a contemporary space or a vintage décor.

What is the difference between a Philodendron and a Monstera?

The Philodendron and the Monstera are two distinct genera belonging to the same Araceae family, but they show notable differences in terms of morphology, growth and origin. Both genera are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, but the Monstera is more specifically adapted to humid undergrowth where it climbs up tree trunks, while the Philodendron is more diverse and occupies different levels of the tropical forest. The Monstera is famous for its large, split and perforated leaves, while the Philodendron offers a greater diversity of foliage shapes, without natural perforations. Although they share tropical origins and similar needs, they remain two distinct genera with their own botanical characteristics.

The foliage of Monstera deliciosa