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Philodendron – cultivation, watering, fertilization and pests
Philodendron - cultivation, watering, fertilization and pests
Houseplants add charm to any interior, bringing a piece of nature into our homes. One of the most popular and impressive houseplants is the philodendron. This exotic plant species has won the hearts of many garden lovers thanks to its beauty and ease of care. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the fascinating world of philodendrons, uncovering their secrets and unique characteristics.
Philodendrons are plants that have been known for centuries. The first information about them dates back to the time when European travelers and explorers explored new territories in Central and South America. However, formal scientific descriptions of philodendrons appeared much later. In the 19th century, botanists began to conduct more systematic research on plants, including philodendrons. In 1829, French botanist Charles Antoine Lemaire described and named the genus Philodendron, to which these plants belong. Later, with the development of botany and field research, additional philodendron species were discovered and scientifically described. The name philodendron comes from Greek and means “love of a tree.” This name perfectly describes the characteristic features of these plants, which often root on trees, using them as supports. Philodendrons belong to the Araceae family. A characteristic feature of plants in the Araceae family is their distinctive flower structure. These flowers consist of a cylindrical structure called a spadix, which bears small, unisexual flowers. The spadix is surrounded by a sheath-like leaf called a sheath, which can come in a variety of colors and shapes..
Philodendrons are known for their incredible diversity. There are over 700 different species of philodendrons, each with its own unique appearance – varying in leaf shape, size, and color. Some have heart-shaped leaves, while others have lanceolate or palmate leaves. They come in various shades of green, from light lime green to deep, dark green leaves, and there are also varieties with leaves that are pink, orange, red, or have white variegation. To learn more about leaf variegation, check out our post on the topic..
Interestingly, philodendrons not only decorate a space but also contribute to improving air quality. Studies have shown that these plants have the ability to remove harmful chemicals from the air, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. They act as natural air purifiers, contributing to a healthier living environment.
Philodendron care can be relatively simple, but there are a few important tips to consider to ensure these plants thrive.. Here are some basic recommendations for philodendron care:
LIGHTING
Philodendrons are plants that prefer bright, indirect light. Their lighting needs can vary depending on the specific philodendron species, but there are general guidelines for supplemental lighting that can be followed. For philodendrons, it’s recommended to place them in a location where they can receive moderate light, avoiding direct sunlight. Too much sunlight can cause leaf burn, especially in velvety varieties. Philodendrons do well in rooms with east or west exposure, where they receive gentle sunlight for part of the day. To ensure the best possible lighting conditions for philodendrons year-round, consider purchasing LED grow lights from our store..
By using an artificial light source on days when the natural sunlight significantly reduces its exposure time outdoors, we can compensate for these deficiencies, preventing the plant from experiencing negative effects such as dimly colored leaves, smaller leaves, leaf shedding, more elongated, hollow stems, overall slower plant growth, and many others. An additional advantage of using such lamps is the ability to position the plant according to your preferences and taste, not just where the window is. Every corner of your home can become a welcoming environment for philodendrons when illuminated by our LED grow lights.
CHECK OUT OUR GROW LED LAMPS
SUBSOIL
Philodendrons grow well in soil that is well-drained, loose and rich in nutrients.
The right soil will promote healthy root development and ensure adequate moisture retention. A particularly effective solution is a potting mix (bigos), which consists of perlite, expanded clay, coconut chips, pine bark, a small amount of peat, and soil. The mixture should be loose enough to flow easily in your hands. After purchasing new philodendrons, it’s essential to replace the universal potting mix with bigos, and you’ll quickly see results in the form of beautifully growing seedlings.
Philodendrons prefer slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH conditions. The optimal pH for most philodendron species is between 5.7 and 6.8. Too low a pH (very acidic) can lead to acidification of the soil, which can negatively impact the health and development of the philodendron. Too high a pH (very alkaline) can also be problematic, as it can limit the availability of certain nutrients to the plants.
To monitor the soil’s pH, it’s a good idea to use a pH tester, available at garden centers. If necessary, you can adjust the pH by using appropriate acidifying or deacidifying agents, available in formulations specifically designed to adjust soil pH.
Additionally, hydroponics will also work well for growing philodendrons, but due to the extensive topic and the large amount of information, we will soon create a separate article dedicated to hydroponics.
WATERING
Philodendrons require regular watering, but be careful not to overwater them. Typically, when the top layer of soil dries out, you can water the plant. Soil moisture can be checked by inserting your finger 2-3 cm into the pot (if the soil is dry, you can water the plant) or by using a moisture meter. Measuring soil moisture can be helpful in determining when to water your plants and monitoring soil conditions.
A soil moisture meter typically consists of two probes that are inserted into the soil. These probes detect the moisture content of the soil and transmit the information on a display. The display can indicate moisture content as a percentage or using indicators such as dry, damp, or wet. To measure soil moisture with a meter, insert the probes to the appropriate depth into the soil at various points around the plant. Then, read the readings on the display. Based on the readings, you can determine whether the soil is dry and needs watering, or whether it is sufficiently moist.
Remember, however, that different species of philodendrons may have slightly different watering requirements, so it’s worth paying attention to the specific needs of your plant.
TEMPERATURE
The optimal temperature for most philodendron species is between 16°C and 25°C. It’s also worth noting that some philodendron species can tolerate slightly lower temperatures, provided they aren’t exposed to prolonged cold, which would negatively impact the plant’s growth and development. Therefore, avoid placing your philodendron in drafty areas or near sources of cold air, such as air conditioners or open windows in winter.
HUMIDITY
Philodendrons are tropical plants that naturally grow in humid environments, so high humidity is most beneficial for them. Proper humidity promotes healthy growth and development of philodendrons and helps prevent leaf problems such as wilting or browning of the leaf tips. The recommended humidity for philodendrons is around 60-70% or higher. If your home is dry, especially in winter, consider using a humidifier or placing the plant on a saucer of water to raise the humidity around it. Planting plants in groups is also a good idea, as this can slightly raise the humidity within the adjacent pots. This often creates a very interesting visual effect. You can create various floral arrangements that will look beautiful in your interior and enhance its character.
MULTIPLICATION
Philodendrons can be propagated in several ways:
1. By cutting the top cutting – With a mature plant, cut the top of the plant with a sharp tool (ideally with at least two leaves and when a new, young leaf is not developing). Choose a spot about 6 cm below the bud where a new shoot will emerge. Having such a long piece of stem from the bottom gives the plant more time in case rooting takes longer. Often, if the rooting process is prolonged, the cutting can be attacked by rot, but the lower stem can always be cut back to living, healthy tissue, which increases the chance that the cutting will not die entirely.
Cuttings can be successfully rooted in moist moss or perlite, as well as in water.
2. By cutting the shoot cutting – Proceed as when cutting a top cutting. The difference is that we make an additional cut about 2-3 cm above the bud to separate the top of the plant from the shoots below.
3. By dividing a plant that had more than one seedling in the pot before purchase – We remove all the contents from the pot, then carefully separate the individual seedlings by untangling their roots. After dividing, we place each seedling in a separate pot.
EXAGGERATION
Young philodendrons can be repotted every year or two to provide them with enough space to grow. Older plants can be repotted every few years. When repotting, make sure the new pot is slightly larger than the previous one to give the plant room to develop its roots.
CLEANING LEAVES
Regularly cleaning philodendron leaves is important to maintain their health and optimal growth. Dust that settles on the leaves slows down light absorption, making photosynthesis difficult for the plant. Photosynthesis is a crucial process because it provides the plant with the energy it needs to survive, so it’s important to keep philodendrons dust-free. Debris can be removed from the plant with a damp sponge or soft cloth by gently wiping the leaves. If you choose the wet method, add a few drops of neem oil to the water. Washing plant leaves with neem oil is a popular practice among gardeners to protect plants from pests and diseases. Neem oil is a natural product derived from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), which is found primarily in tropical countries. Neem oil contains active ingredients such as azadirachtin, which have insecticidal, repellent, and antibacterial properties.
PESTS
Philodendrons, like many other plants, can be susceptible to pest attacks. Below are the pests that most commonly attack philodendrons.
Thrips are insects measuring approximately 1-3 mm in length. They have a slender, long, cylindrical body and thin antennae. Thrips have two pairs of wings, which are slender and hairy. If you notice moving, silvery, thin insects on your philodendron leaves, it may indicate the presence of thrips.
Here are typical symptoms that may indicate the presence of thrips on a plant:
1. Leaf fading, yellowing, or leaf dropping: Thrips are sucking insects. They feed on plants by piercing their tissues and sucking plant juices. This causes damage to leaves, flower buds, stems, and fruit. As a result, plants may exhibit symptoms such as fading, dying, leaf deformation, curling, yellowing, and stunted growth.
2. Visible feeding marks: Thrips leave evidence of their feeding on leaves, such as small holes or commas on the leaf margins. They may also leave a sticky substance called honey, which attracts ants.
3. Altered Plant Condition: Thrips attack can weaken a plant, leading to an overall decline in plant health. The plant may appear less healthy, have limited growth, or even begin to die, especially if the pest infestation is severe.
Spider mites are small, around 0.5-1 mm, and have oval or egg-shaped bodies. Their bodies are typically yellow, green, or red, although this can vary depending on the species and developmental stage. Spider mites have four pairs of legs and characteristic thin, thread-like appendages on their backs, which they use to produce spider-like structures.
Here are typical symptoms that may indicate the presence of spider mites on your plant:
1. Leaf Yellowing: Spider mites feed on plant sap, which can lead to a loss of chlorophyll in leaves. This can result in yellowing or spots on plant leaves.
2. Leaf Damage: Spider mites feed by attaching themselves to leaves and secreting enzymes that break down plant cells. This can result in tiny yellowish or brown spots, splits, or deformations on philodendron leaves.
3. Spider Webs: Spider mites produce webs that cover the leaves and stems of plants. These webs may be particularly visible on the undersides of leaves and in areas where spider mites congregate.
4. Reduced Growth: In the case of a severe spider mite infestation, a philodendron may exhibit limited growth and overall weakness. The plant may appear less healthy, and its leaves may be smaller or less abundant than usual.
Sciatica flies are small insects up to 6 mm long. They have a black body with a light yellow underside and a single pair of transparent wings. Adult sciatica flies are not directly harmful to plants because they do not destroy them. Sometimes they even contribute to the consumption of dead organic matter, but their harmfulness comes from laying eggs in the growing medium of cultivated plants. Sciatica fly larvae, while feeding, attack the roots and lower parts of the stems, causing the plants to look progressively worse until they wither away completely. If you notice small flies flying around your philodendron pot, it may indicate a problem.and the presence of sciarids.
Here are typical symptoms that may indicate the presence of sciarid flies on a plant:
1. Visible marks on leaves: When groundhog larvae eat roots, they weaken the plant, affecting its overall appearance. Leaves turn yellow, may develop brown spots, and may even fall off.
2. Altered condition of the plant: If we allow the sciarid fly larvae to feed for a longer period of time and do not react quickly enough, the plant will gradually deteriorate, which may also lead to a condition from which it cannot be saved.
TOXICITY
Philodendrons are considered poisonous to humans and animals because they contain chemicals such as calcium oxalate crystals. If you have children or pets in your home, take special precautions, as the risk of accidental poisoning from the plants is high. It’s important to keep philodendrons out of reach of children and pets, and remember to wash your hands to avoid accidental ingestion of toxic substances.
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