If you want a houseplant that will thrive inside and out, consider both climbing and non-climbing Philodendron plants.
When the weather is warmer, you can place a philodendron outside in the shade to thrive and climb- yet, during the rest of the year, you have a lush, oxygen-producing plant for indoors.
Watering your philodendron is key to have a happy plant. Watering too much or too little results in wilt and droop. It is therefore key to get watering right.
Want lush, green philodendron throughout the home? Keep reading to find out how!
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How often to water a philodendron
Generally, water your philodendron once to twice a week, depending on how hot your climate happens to be. Philodendrons like moist, but not soaking wet, soil. Water this plant when the soil’s top feels dry. The non-climbing philodendron varieties are more drought tolerant than the climbing vine philodendron plants.
Watering a Philodendron
Philodendron care is easy and does not require constant maintenance- these are hardy, resilient plants that do well widely.
The most important aspect of care is how you water your plants- too much water will rot the roots, and too little will turn the plant yellow.
A good rule of thumb is to try and replicate the native environment of the philodendron by creating a warm, humid space that is near a window, but not in direct sun.
Too much direct sunlight burns the philodendron’s leaves. The warmer the environment is, the more water you need to provide to your plant.
Generally, you should water your philodendron once to twice a week- depending on how hot your climate happens to be. These plants don’t like overly wet soil.
You should dry out the top couple inches of soil between watering. Too little and too much water are the most common issues with these plants.
Philodendron does like humidity, so consider spritzing with water occasionally to replicate the humid moist air of the tropics.
Do not forget to wipe as this helps it to absorb nutrients, retain moisture, and produce oxygen- one of the philodendron’s many talents!
When it comes to the philodendron, it makes sense to water and wait. That is, water the plant deep until the water runs through the drainage holes or loam- and wait.
Don’t water the soil unless it’s completely dry first.
A Watering Warning
Watering your plants with regular tap water? Over time, this water can create and accumulate salt in the soil.
It is recommended that you replace the soil in your philodendron containers or pots every couple of years. The salt can cause issues over time so refresh your plant by transferring it to a pot of fresh soil.
Caring for a Philodendron
So, besides proper watering, how else do you take care of a philodendron plant? Philodendron plants thrive in shady locations but often do best in partly sunny conditions.
That is, they prefer indirect sun such as near but not in a sunny window. When they are not getting enough sun, they will become long and ‘leggy’ without much foliage.
If the leaves turn yellow, it could be that they are chlorophyll deficient and need more sunlight.
Philodendrons like loose and aerated soil that is loamy, well-draining, and fertilized. Try an all-purpose liquid fertilizer in the spring and later in summer, and then again, every couple of months during winter months.
If your plant looks shrunken or smaller than usual, it could be time to fertilize.
As for the preferred climate for a philodendron, the temperature should not dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, ideally.
Make sure to protect your plants from drafts and breezes, that is, do not place them near an air conditioner or vent.
Pests are not a real problem for philodendron, however, if you have other houseplants, you may find aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs loitering around your philodendron.
Simply use insecticidal soap and wipe down the leaves to remove the pests.
Gardeners should be aware that these plants can be toxic to both humans and pets if consumed. Keep climbing vines out of reach of dogs, cats, and children.
Your Philodendron
The Philodendron is a family of plants containing hundreds of varied species of foliage plants, many commonly cultivated as houseplants.
These plants are desirable because they are easy to grow, low-maintenance, and they clean indoor air effectively.
The leaves on a philodendron are the real showstopper, lush and green, there are both climbing and non-climbing philodendron plants available.
These plants hail from Central and South America where they are widely cultivated outdoors in the tropical climate.
Philodendrons grow quickly and can be propagated at any time of the year. If cultivating philodendron plants outside, they will do best if planted in the spring.
Plus, this plant is resilient to being moved often, not experiencing the stress that other types of plants may suffer.
Frequently Asked Questions about How Often to Water a Philodendron
How best to water a philodendron plant?
Water your philodendron when the top couple inches of soil feels dry to the touch, usually once to twice a week, depending on the climate. It is not good for philodendron roots to sit in water, and it can cause rot.
Why is my philodendron turning yellow?
Philodendron leaves will turn from green to yellow when they are not getting enough sun and are chlorophyll deficient. The plant will also turn yellow if it is sitting in water and suffering from root rot.
Are pothos and philodendron the same kind of plant?
Pothos and philodendrons are not the same plants and they each belong to a different ‘family’ of species. Pothos is a member of the Epipremnum genus, while the philodendron plant belongs to the Philodendron genus. It should be noted, however, these two distinct plants have similar care and features.
Can you propagate a Philodendron in a cup of water?
While it’s quite unusual, you can propagate a philodendron in water. Prepare your cutting and place in a water-filled cup to grow new roots. Make sure the vessel is clean and fill with regular tap water up to an inch below the rim of the container. Once roots appear, you can transfer them to a pot or container of soil.
Conclusion
A philodendron is an easy-to-grow houseplant that can thrive outside in some settings. Consider filling your home or office with these lush, green vines that can sometimes grow as long as 20 feet!
Make sure to water your philodendron carefully, allowing it to dry out between watering. Refresh the soil every couple of years, and enjoy this hardy, climbing plant!
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.