Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendron Plant Features
Philodendron is a classic, and practically no-fail houseplant because it's so easy to grow. Happily, this makes it a pretty common indoor plant to find at your local garden center. The philodendron family is a pretty big one, too -- so you can find a variety of plants that grow in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Many of the traditional philodendron varieties are vines perfect for growing on a totem, up a trellis, or in a hanging basket and some offer pleasing variegated foliage. These are counted as some of the most easy to grow houseplants of all time. Upright-growing philodendrons are just as easy, but typically have larger leaves.
Note: Scientists are always looking at plant relationships and sometimes they reclassify plants. That's why you'll sometimes see some species of Philodendron also called Thaumatophyllum.
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Philodendron Growing Instructions
Grow philodendrons just about anywhere. As houseplants they're that easy to keep! The plants grow best in medium or bright-light spots, but tolerate low light exceedingly well.Water philodendrons enough when the soil surface dries. They're tough enough plants they don't mind if you forget to water them now and again. Just take care not to overwater your philodendrons. They will rot if they're kept too wet.
You typically don't need to fertilize philodendrons much, if at all, but they appreciate a feeding once or twice a year in spring and summer. Use any houseplant fertilizer (available from your local garden center) and follow the packaging directions carefully.
Vining philodendrons are relatively slow growers, but can be cut back at any time to keep them compact and bushy.
Note: Philodendrons are not meant for human or animal consumption.
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Water
Medium water needs
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Light
Indoors: High light
Indoors: Low light
Indoors: Medium light
Outside: Part sun
Outside: Shade
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Colors
Green
Variegated
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Special Features
Purifies the air
Super-easy to grow
Complement your Philodendron
PothosPothos is a close relative of philodendron; they grow well together.
Norfolk Island Pine
Norfolk Island pine is a no-fuss houseplant with a soft texture that makes a lovely accent to philodendron's larger leaves.
Colorful Aglaonema
Both red aglaonema and philodendron are among the easiest houseplants to grow -- plus, red aglaonema's colorful foliage is a fun accent.
Q&A
Do philodendrons like to be root bound?While philodendrons tolerate being root bound a little better than most houseplants, they don't actually like being root bound. Your plant will be happiest and healthiest if you do
