Philodendrons have been a fixture in indoor gardens for years. Philodendron maintenance is simple since the plant will tell you precisely what it requires if you pay attention to its signals. Because philodendron plants adapt well to indoor settings, even inexperienced houseplant owners will have no issue cultivating them. This makes understanding of how to care for a philodendron a breeze. Philodendron houseplants are happy to stay all year indoors, but they also love a brief visit to a shaded place when the weather permits. Taking the plant outside also lets you wipe the leaves and flush the soil with lots of freshwaters. Philodendrons, unlike other houseplants, don’t seem to mind being moved from indoor to outdoor settings.
What are philodendrons?
The philodendron is a blooming plant that belongs to the Araceae flowering plant family. The spadix, the stem wrapped by the white section known as the spathe, distinguishes them. The spadix is a stalk covered with small blooms from top to bottom (known as an inflorescence). The philodendron is frequently referred to as an aroid and is a member of the arum family of plants.
The philodendron belongs to the philodendron family of plants, comprising around 114 genera and 3,750 species. Originally a tropical plant, they have been transplanted to locations worldwide and have thrived. They’re classified as a New World tropical plant, and they’re one of the most diversified among them.
Philodendron varieties
Vining and non-climbing forms of philodendron houseplants are the two primary categories.
· Philodendrons that climb on a post or other supporting structure are known as vining philodendrons. Blushing philodendrons and heartleaf philodendrons are two examples.
· Lacy tree philodendrons and bird’s nest philodendrons are non-climbing philodendrons with an upright, spreading growth habit. Give non-climbers lots of elbow room because their width can be double their height.
What is the Best Way to Care for a Philodendron?
Plant care, in our opinion, is a two-way street. You look after your plants by providing them with nutrition, light, and water; they look after you by lowering stress, improving your mood, and creating a peaceful home atmosphere.
Philodendrons are a wonderful plant family to learn about! There is a lot of variation within the genus, but they all have rich foliage in an arrow or spear form with noticeable cuts (or veins).
Philodendrons have three essential requirements: sunshine, water, and fertilizer.
· Sunlight – Place the plant in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Choose a spot near a window where the sun’s rays will never reach the plants. While it’s natural for older leaves to turn yellow, the plant may be exposed to too much light if multiple leaves turn yellow at once. On the other hand, the plant is probably not getting enough light if the stems are long and lanky, with several inches between leaves.
· Water – Allow the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry out between waterings for cultivating philodendron plants. Inserting your index finger into the soil is an excellent approach to monitoring the moisture level because the length of your index finger to the first knuckle is around an inch (2.5 cm). Droopy leaves indicate that the plant is receiving too much or too little water. When the watering schedule is corrected, however, the leaves immediately recover.
· Fertilizer – Use a balanced liquid foliage houseplant fertiliser with macro-nutrients to feed philodendron houseplants. Fertilize the plant once a month in the spring and summer and once every six to eight weeks in the fall and winter. The plant’s slow growth and tiny leaf size are signs of not getting enough fertilizer. Pale new leaves are generally an indication that the plant lacks calcium and magnesium, both of which are important micronutrients for philodendrons.
How Do Philodendrons Look After You?
Indoor plants, active plant care, and cultivating a link with nature have all been demonstrated to improve human health. All plants can accomplish this, however, depending on their formal or chemical properties; some are more capable than others.
Philodendrons make you feel awake by enhancing the quality of the air you breathe, producing feelings of calm, trapping dust, and improving your air quality.
Green has been connected to emotions of lightness and is highly associated with health in its natural forms. Thus, the Green Wonder and Green Sweetheart Plants are wonderful options if you seek plants that will make your house feel fresh and vibrant.
How Does This Work?
Nature has long been known to be good to our mental health. Though there is a significant link between nature and happiness, the reasons for this are largely theoretical: it’s widely known that humans respond favorably to certain shapes because of how we’ve grown.
When we connect with our plants, the overarching advantages of developing a relationship with plants, such as increased stress capacity and compassion for oneself, are amplified. Because Philodendrons like being misted frequently, you’ll be more likely to develop a loving connection with them and get the advantages listed above.
Philodendrons are also recognized for their ability to grow quickly. It doesn’t take long for these plants to sprout new leaves or extend their tendrils. Seeing the results of our nurturing efforts makes us feel good about ourselves and gives us confidence in our ability to face life’s tougher difficulties!
These lovely decorative plants would look great in any area or workstation. They may be used in the entryway, living room, dining room, bedroom, home office, or reading corner, among other places. Your philodendron’s vivid foliage will quickly brighten any boring corner of your home while also providing texture to your interior decor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, philodendrons are simple to care for and grow inside. They can adapt to practically any habitat and are generally tolerant of neglect. These plants are also available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes at your local nursery. Just make sure they’re sunny and that the soil is completely dry between waterings. To keep your plant healthy, remember to feed it and trim it.
