Philodendron Care Guide: Easy Tropical Plants for Any Home

If you're looking for a plant that combines stunning good looks with basically zero drama, let me introduce you to philodendrons. These gorgeous tropical plants have been houseplant favorites for decades, and for good reason—they're ridiculously easy to care for.

I have a soft spot for philodendrons because they were some of my first "real" houseplants (beyond the sad grocery store succulents I killed in college). My heartleaf philodendron has survived moves, neglect, overwatering, underwatering, and every beginner mistake in the book. It's still thriving ten years later.

Not sure which plants are best for your bathroom conditions? Use our Plant Finder tool to discover plants perfect for your humidity and light levels.

Here's what makes philodendrons special: there are over 450 species ranging from compact trailing plants perfect for hanging baskets to massive climbing varieties with leaves the size of dinner plates. Whatever your style and space, there's a philodendron for you.

This guide will teach you everything you need to know about philodendron care, including the differences between climbing and trailing types, how to propagate them easily, and which varieties are best for beginners.

What Is a Philodendron?

Scientific Name: Philodendron (genus with 450+ species) Common Name: Philodendron (from Greek "philo" = love, "dendron" = tree) Origin: Tropical Americas (Central and South America) Growth Habit: Climbing vines or self-heading (non-climbing) varieties

Philodendrons are members of the Araceae family (aroids), which also includes Monstera, Pothos, and Anthurium. In their native tropical rainforests, most philodendrons grow as climbing vines (hemiepiphytes) that start life on the forest floor and climb up trees toward the canopy.

Two Main Growth Types:

Vining/Climbing Philodendrons:

• Start on the ground, climb trees in nature
• Need support (moss pole, trellis) for best growth
• Develop larger leaves when climbing
• Examples: Heartleaf Philodendron, Brasil, Micans

Self-Heading/Non-Climbing Philodendrons:

• Grow from a central point (like a rosette)
• Don't need support structures
• Generally larger, statement plants
• Examples: Philodendron Birkin, Prince of Orange, Congo

Philodendron Care: The Complete Guide

Light Requirements

Ideal: Bright, indirect light Tolerated: Low to medium light (very adaptable!) Avoid: Direct hot sun (scorches leaves), complete darkness

Here's why philodendrons are so popular: they tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions better than most plants.

In Bright Indirect Light:

• Fast growth (several new leaves per month)
• Larger leaves
• Vibrant colors (especially variegated varieties)
• Fuller, bushier appearance
• Optimal health

In Medium Light:

• Moderate growth (1-2 leaves per month)
• Still looks healthy and beautiful
• Good for most homes

In Low Light:

• Slow growth (1 leaf every 1-2 months)
• Smaller leaves
• May become leggy (long spaces between leaves)
• Variegated varieties may lose variegation and turn green
• Plant survives reasonably well

Direct Sun:

• Scorched leaves (brown patches)
• Faded colors
• Plant stress
• Avoid!

Pro Tip: Variegated philodendrons (like Brasil or Birkin) need more light than solid green varieties to maintain their patterns. If variegation fades to green, move to brighter light.

Watering Your Philodendron

Philodendrons like consistently moist soil but not soggy conditions. They're forgiving with both underwatering and occasional overwatering.

When to Water:

• When top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry
• When leaves start to look slightly droopy
• Approximately every 7-10 days in summer
• Every 10-14 days in winter

How to Water:

1. Check soil moisture with your finger
2. Water thoroughly until water drains from bottom
3. Let all excess water drain completely
4. Don't water again until soil partially dries
5. Never let plant sit in standing water

The Droop Test: Philodendron leaves will droop slightly when thirsty. This is actually helpful! Water when you notice this, and leaves will perk back up within hours. Some people use this method instead of checking soil.

Signs of Overwatering:

• Yellow leaves (especially if soft and mushy)
• Brown spots with yellow halos
• Soft, black stems at base
• Root rot (roots turn black/brown and mushy)
• Leaves falling off
• Soil stays wet for days

Signs of Underwatering:

• Leaves drooping dramatically
• Dry, crispy brown edges
• Leaves curling inward
• Soil pulling away from pot edges
• Brown, crispy leaf tips

Pro Tip: Philodendrons are pretty forgiving with underwatering. I've forgotten mine for 2-3 weeks and they bounced back after a good drink. Overwatering is the bigger risk.

Soil and Potting Mix

Philodendrons need well-draining soil that retains some moisture. They're epiphytic in nature, so roots need air circulation.

Best Soil Mix:

• 50% high-quality potting soil
• 20% orchid bark (adds drainage, mimics natural environment)
• 20% perlite or pumice (improves drainage)
• 10% coco coir or peat moss (moisture retention)

Store-Bought Alternative:

• Standard houseplant potting mix works fine
• "Aroid mix" formulated for philodendrons/monsteras is ideal

Soil Requirements:

• Well-draining but moisture-retentive
• pH 5.5-6.5 (slightly acidic)
• Chunky, airy texture
• Rich in organic matter

Avoid:

• Heavy, dense soil (stays too wet)
• Pure peat (too moisture-retentive)
• Garden soil
• Soil without drainage amendments

Container Requirements:

• Must have drainage holes (non-negotiable!)
• Plastic, terracotta, or ceramic all work
• Size: 1-2 inches larger than root ball

Temperature and Humidity

Ideal Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C) Tolerated Range: 55-85°F (13-29°C) Cold Damage: Below 50°F (10°C)

Philodendrons are tropical plants that appreciate warmth but adapt to typical household temperatures.

Humidity Recommendations:

Minimum: 40% (typical household) Ideal: 50-70% Maximum Benefit: 70-80%

Higher humidity = happier philodendrons! But they're pretty forgiving.

How to Increase Humidity:

1. Humidifier (most effective) - Run near plant
2. Grouping - Group plants together for humid microclimate
3. Pebble Tray - Place pot on tray of pebbles with water
4. Bathroom - Many philodendrons love bathrooms
5. Misting (least effective) - Mist 2-3 times per week

Signs Your Philodendron Wants More Humidity:

• Brown, crispy leaf edges
• Brown tips
• Smaller new growth
• Curling leaves

Pro Tip: Philodendron Micans, Brasil, and other velvety-leaved varieties especially appreciate higher humidity for their best appearance.

Fertilizing Your Philodendron

Philodendrons are moderate feeders and appreciate regular fertilization during the growing season.

Fertilizer Schedule:

• Spring/Summer: Every 3-4 weeks
• Fall/Winter: Every 6-8 weeks or skip entirely

Best Fertilizer:

• Balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20 or 10-10-10)
• Dilute to half strength
• Water-soluble houseplant fertilizer

Application:

1. Water plant before fertilizing (prevents root burn)
2. Apply diluted fertilizer with regular watering
3. Flush soil every 2-3 months (water thoroughly several times)
4. Don't fertilize newly purchased or repotted plants for 4-6 weeks

Signs of Over-Fertilization:

• Brown leaf tips and edges
• White crust on soil surface (salt buildup)
• Yellowing leaves
• Stunted growth

Signs of Under-Fertilization:

• Pale, light green leaves (should be deep green)
• Very slow growth during growing season
• Small new leaves
• Overall weak appearance

Supporting Climbing Philodendrons

Many philodendrons are natural climbers. Giving them support dramatically improves their growth!

Why Support Matters:

• Leaves grow 2-3x larger when climbing
• Mimics natural growth habit
• Creates more compact, upward growth vs. sprawling
• Healthier, more vigorous plant

Best Support Options:

1. Moss Pole (Most Popular)

• Coco coir or sphagnum moss pole
• Keep moss moist for best results
• Aerial roots attach naturally
• Can extend as plant grows

2. Wooden Trellis

• Provides sturdy support
• Good for large plants
• Aesthetic appeal

3. Bamboo Stakes

• Budget-friendly
• Simple solution
• Works for younger plants

How to Train Your Philodendron:

1. Insert support into pot (ideally during repotting)
2. Gently tie vines to support with soft plant ties
3. Train new growth upward as it emerges
4. Don't force aerial roots—they'll attach naturally
5. Keep moss moist if using moss pole

Pro Tip: Start training when plant is young. It's much easier than trying to train a mature, sprawling philodendron later!

Common Philodendron Problems and Solutions

Yellow Leaves

Most Common Cause: Overwatering

Other Causes:

• Poor drainage
• Natural aging (lower leaves)
• Lack of nutrients
• Root rot

Solution: Check soil moisture, ensure good drainage, adjust watering schedule, fertilize if needed.

Brown Leaf Tips and Edges

Causes:

• Low humidity
• Inconsistent watering
• Over-fertilization
• Fluoride in tap water
• Underwatering

Solution: Increase humidity, maintain consistent watering, reduce fertilizer, use filtered water.

Leggy Growth (Long Spaces Between Leaves)

Causes:

• Insufficient light
• Natural trailing habit without support
• Age

Solution: Move to brighter location, provide support for climbing varieties, prune and propagate.

Small Leaves

Causes:

• Insufficient light
• Lack of support (for climbing varieties)
• Underwatering
• Nutrient deficiency

Solution: Increase light, add moss pole, ensure adequate water, fertilize regularly.

Leaves Not Unfurling

Causes:

• Low humidity
• Underwatering
• Physical damage to new leaf

Solution: Increase humidity dramatically, ensure adequate water, be patient (can take 1-2 weeks).

Pests

Philodendrons occasionally get:

• Spider Mites - Increase humidity, spray with neem oil
• Mealybugs - Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab
• Aphids - Spray with water or insecticidal soap
• Scale - Remove manually, treat with neem oil

Prevention: Keep leaves clean, maintain good air circulation, inspect regularly.

Propagating Philodendrons (Super Easy!)

Philodendrons are ridiculously easy to propagate! It's one of their best features.

Water Propagation (Easiest Method)

What You Need:

• Healthy stem cutting with at least one node and one leaf
• Clean glass or jar
• Filtered or tap water

Steps:

1. Cut below a node using clean, sharp scissors
2. Remove lower leaves (only top 1-2 leaves remain)
3. Place cutting in water (node must be submerged)
4. Put in bright, indirect light
5. Change water every 5-7 days
6. Wait for roots to grow 2-3 inches (2-4 weeks)
7. Plant in soil or leave in water permanently

Pro Tip: Philodendrons root SO easily. I've had cuttings root in just a week!

Soil Propagation

Steps:

1. Take cutting with node and 1-2 leaves
2. Let cut end air dry for 30 minutes
3. Plant node 1-2 inches deep in moist potting mix
4. Keep soil lightly moist
5. Cover with plastic bag to increase humidity (optional)
6. Place in bright, indirect light
7. Wait for roots (2-4 weeks)
8. New growth indicates successful rooting

Air Layering (Advanced)

Best For: Large, mature plants

Steps:

1. Choose healthy stem section
2. Wrap damp sphagnum moss around node
3. Cover with plastic wrap, secure with ties
4. Keep moss moist
5. Wait for roots to grow into moss (4-8 weeks)
6. Cut below roots and pot

Pro Tip: One plant can give you dozens of cuttings! Philodendrons propagate so easily that you'll have plenty to share with friends.

Popular Philodendron Varieties

With 450+ species, here are the most popular for houseplants:

Vining/Trailing Varieties

1. Heartleaf Philodendron (P. hederaceum) The most common philodendron. Heart-shaped green leaves, extremely easy care, fast-growing. Perfect beginner plant!

2. Philodendron Brasil Heart-shaped leaves with stunning yellow/lime variegation. Slightly more light-hungry than solid green varieties.

3. Philodendron Micans Velvety, iridescent leaves with bronze/purple undersides. Absolutely gorgeous! Appreciates higher humidity.

4. Philodendron Lemon Lime Bright yellow-green foliage that lights up any room. Fast-growing and cheerful.

5. Philodendron Silver Stripe Silvery variegation on green leaves. Unique and beautiful.

Self-Heading/Non-Climbing Varieties

6. Philodendron Birkin Stunning white pinstripes on dark green leaves. Compact, well-behaved, trendy!

7. Philodendron Prince of Orange New leaves emerge brilliant orange, mature to green. Color-changing beauty!

8. Philodendron Congo (Rojo) Large, glossy leaves with red stems. Bold statement plant.

9. Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) Huge, deeply lobed leaves. Can grow 6+ feet wide. Dramatic!

10. Philodendron Xanadu Compact with deeply lobed leaves. Great for smaller spaces.

All varieties have similar care requirements!

Philodendron Care Card (Quick Reference)

Shopping List: Philodendron Essentials

• Moss Pole Support - For climbing varieties
• Orchid Bark Mix - For well-draining soil
• Balanced Fertilizer - For healthy growth
• Moisture Meter - Removes watering guesswork
• Small Humidifier - For optimal humidity

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Why Philodendrons Are Perfect Houseplants

Let me count the ways I love philodendrons:

1. Incredibly forgiving - Tolerate various light levels and occasional neglect
2. Fast-growing - You see results quickly
3. Easy to propagate - Free plants to share!
4. Huge variety - 450+ species means endless options
5. Beautiful foliage - Heart-shaped, velvety, variegated—all gorgeous
6. Air-purifying - Clean your indoor air
7. Affordable - Usually $10-20 for common varieties
8. Adaptable - Work in most homes
9. Long-lived - Can last decades with proper care

Whether you want a trailing plant for a hanging basket, a climber for a moss pole, or a statement plant for the floor, there's a philodendron that fits perfectly.

Ready to find more plants for your home? Explore our Plant Finder for personalized recommendations.

Related Guides

Looking for more plant inspiration? Check out these guides:

• Low Light Houseplants Guide - Philodendrons tolerate low to medium light
• Best Bathroom Plants - Perfect for humid bathroom environments
• Pet-Safe Houseplants - Note: Philodendrons are toxic to pets, see safe alternatives

Final Thoughts

Philodendrons are the houseplants that keep on giving. They're easy to care for, gorgeous to look at, and practically propagate themselves. These are the plants that grow with you—literally and figuratively—as you develop your plant parent skills.

I still have cuttings from my original heartleaf philodendron all over my house (and at friends' houses). There's something special about a plant that's so generous with its growth that you can share it endlessly.

If you're new to houseplants, start with a heartleaf philodendron. If you're experienced, challenge yourself with a variegated variety or self-heading type. Either way, you really can't go wrong with philodendrons.

Happy growing! 🌿