The philodendron is a tropical plant, which also has an exotic appearance thanks to its beautiful leaves. It is very interesting, because this is precisely what makes it so widely used for interior decoration; now let me tell you that having it on the patio or balcony during the summer months can be an option if there needs to be shade all day.
However, when we talk about species native to the tropics, we must bear in mind that they are (much) more delicate than those that can be found in any garden in our neighborhood. That’s why we want to explain what is the care of the philodendronsince in this way you will have the possibility of keeping it healthy, green and beautiful.
Contents
Where to place a philodendron?
Image – Flickr/Mauricio Mercadante
The philodendron is a plant that, really, can be both inside and outside the house if the conditions allow it. For instance, what i do is keep mine indoors during the winter and take them out into the garden when the temperatures rise. This way I give them the opportunity to smell the rain – in case it does fall, of course – and I save myself from having to clean up the dust during these months.
But be careful, whether you are going to cultivate it at home or outside, it is very, very important that you place it in a place where there is a lot of light and away from the sun or direct light. Likewise, if it must be indoors, it must be placed in an area far from air conditioning and fans, since the drafts they generate cause the tips of the leaves to dry out.
Watch out for humidity
Another thing that High air humidity, which exceeds 50%, cannot be missed. It is found on islands, in tropical rainforests, and anywhere near the sea, rivers, or swamps. But the further we go, the lower it will be and our philodendron will have a hard time: its leaves will turn brown, they will eventually fall and its health will weaken.
To avoid this, the first thing to do is know what percentage of air humidity is where we live for example the purchase of a home weather station. There are very cheap ones, even for less than 20 euros, and they are also a useful tool for taking care of the philodendron, since in this way we can see how it reacts to the variations in temperature and humidity that exist.
Next, once we know that the humidity is below 50%, what should we do? Well, nothing is easier than spraying its leaves with water, once a day, although in summer it can be twice. In this way, we will ensure that it remains green and in good condition.
Related article:
How Lack of Moisture Affects Plants
But if it is higher than 50%, do nothing. If we sprayed it, what we would get is the leaves would get fungus and die. If you are on or near an island, for example, the sea or a swamp, or in a place where it rains frequently, and you find that the humidity drops below 50%, you should not no more watering your philodendron with water, because it is normal for this humidity to drop a little at certain times of the day.
Should it be kept in a pot or on the ground?
This is a question that does not have an easy answer, as much will depend on the climate of the region. For it, if we live in a place where the climate is tropical and it rains frequently, we can certainly have it in the garden if we put it in the shade. But if this is not the case, then there will be no choice but to keep it in a pot so that it can be protected indoors as soon as the temperatures drop below 15°C.
Likewise, It must be taken into account that the philodendron needs fertile and well-drained soils to grow, so it will be potted, we will put a specific quality substrate for green plants like this or a universal mixed with 30% perlite that you can buy here; and if it is going to be in the garden, you must avoid planting it in these compact and heavy soils.
How often should it be planted in a larger pot?
Considering that it is a medium to tall plant once it reaches adulthood, it will have to be planted in a larger pot each time the roots come out of the holes, or every 3-4 years. We will do this in the spring, when the temperatures exceed 18°C.
When to water the philodendron?
The philodendron is not drought tolerant, but if there is anything it fears more than being a little thirsty, it is excess water in its roots. In effect: it’s much better to let the soil dry out for a day or two longer than to keep it waterlogged. In fact, if we are going to have it in a pot, it is very important that it has holes in its base so that the water can escape, and if it is going to be in the garden, the ground must be lightweight, with good capacity to absorb and filter said water.
For him, if we have doubts about when to water it, we can take a stick or a wooden stake and insert it at the bottom. If, when removing it, we find that a large amount of soil has adhered to it, we will not water it because this means that it is still damp; but if it comes out practically clean, we water it.
You should use rainwater or clean drinking water, and you should pour in the amount needed to ensure the soil is thoroughly moist.
Do you have to pay?
It is highly recommended to pay our philodendron from early spring until late summer with liquid fertilizers such as East, because these have a faster efficiency because they are absorbed earlier by the roots. But yes, you have to follow the instructions, because if you put more than what is indicated, the plant will burn.
I hope you find these tips on philodendron care helpful.