Philodendron: Varieties, Benefits, and Maintenance Guide
You might have come across a Philodendron plant in your search for an ideal houseplant. However, you are not sure about choosing the plant. You want a houseplant that brightens up your dull home and lifts your spirits when you feel low. We also understand that allergies can be crippling and adding a Philodendron plant might just be the solution. We will tell you what you need to know about the Philodendron plant in this article. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Philodendron?
The Philodendron plant is a popular houseplant available in many varieties. This unique plant is native to Central America. Some Philodendron plants grow upright while others are vines. You can grow your climbing Philodendron in a hanging basket or let it climb on a trellis.
If you opt for an upright-growing Philodendron, you can plant it in a regular pot. The foliage of the Philodendron plant depends on the type of plant you choose. Some are green while others are variegated.
Philodendron plants grow quickly and you will need to regularly prune your plant to preserve its appearance. There are numerous indoor Philodendron plant types you can select from depending on your preference.
A Philodendron plant blends in with almost any type of interior décor illuminating your home. This plant is also quite easy to take care of under ideal conditions.
Benefits of Philodendron plants
Growing a Philodendron plant indoors will benefit you in the following ways.
Improves indoor air quality
Sometimes your house can become stuffy and full of toxins that cause you constant allergies. Growing a Philodendron plant indoors helps purify the air. The plant gets rid of toxins and allergens providing you with pure oxygen.
A Philodendron is among the best air purifier plants for the bedroom. You can place your Philodendron plant in the bedroom to enjoy clean air at night.
Enhances aesthetic appeal
A Philodendron plant enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home with its lush foliage. The plant is decorative and adds to the splendor of your home. The plant also invokes good moods and feelings of calmness and well-being.
Philodendron varieties with names
The Philodendron genus comprises numerous varieties of plants from variegated Philodendron Varieties to solid-green Philodendron varieties. There are also vining Philodendron plant types and upright Philodendron plant types. We have covered some of the Philodendron plant types below.
Heart Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron Hederaceum)
The Heart Leaf Philodendron otherwise known as the Sweetheart Philodendron is a popular indoor houseplant with green attractive heart-shaped leaves. This plant is one of the climbing Philodendron varieties and would look great on a hanging basket.
Philodendron brasil (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’)
The Philodendron brasil is a popular vining Philodendron plant variety with beautiful variegated heart-shaped leaves. The plant’s leaves have green and yellow hues. The Philodendron brasil is a fast grower and you will need to regularly prune it to control its growth.
Philodendron Prince of Orange (Philodendron Erubescens)
If you want to add more color to your home, the Prince of Orange is a perfect choice. This colorful plant features medium to large orange leaves that turn lime-green as the plant matures. This plant has an upright growth habit and would be perfect when potted.
Philodendron Xanadu (Philodendron Xanadu)
If you are looking for a bold plant that adds a dramatic effect to your home, the Philodendron Xanadu would be the ideal choice. This large-leaf Philodendron variety features green, lobed leaves that add vibrancy to your home. This plant is an upright-growing Philodendron variety and would be ideal in an empty corner with adequate lighting.
Philodendron Birkin (Philodendron Birkin)
Also known as the Philodendron White Wave, this plant would be a perfect addition to your indoor plant collection. This plant is one of the most striking Philodendron variegated varieties of the Philodendron Rojo Congo. The Philodendron Birkin has medium-sized dark green leaves with white stripes. The plant is a slow grower and has an upright growth habit.
Philodendron Moonlight (Philodendron Moonlight)
This plant will add a pop of color to your home with its attractive lime and yellow-colored leaves. The plant produces yellow leaves that turn lime-green as it ages. This plant grows upright in clumps. The Philodendron Moonlight plant can grow up to 2 feet tall.
Philodendron Burle Marx
The Philodendron Burle Marx is a climbing Philodendron variety that adds a natural vibe to your home. This plant is a large-leaf Philodendron with broad glossy green leaves. If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant, the Philodendron Burle Marx would be a perfect choice.
Philodendron painted lady (Philodendron Erubescens ‘Painted Lady’)
The Philodendron Painted lady is a unique Philodendron variety with a semi-vining growth habit. The plant’s name comes from its variegated leaves with shades of yellow and green. This plant would be an excellent addition to your indoor plant collection due to its unique foliage.
Blushing philodendron (Philodendron Erubescens)
The Blushing Philodendron is a distinctive Philodendron variety with large, green, elongated heart-shaped leaves. If you prefer adding more greenery to your home, this plant would be the perfect option. The Blushing Philodendron is a climbing variety and would look attractive in a hanging basket.
Philodendron Red Emerald (Philodendron Red Emerald)
The Philodendron Red Emerald is an eye-catching Philodendron variety that resembles the Imperial Red Philodendron. This plant has wine-colored leaves that eventually turn dark green as the plant matures. The wine-colored stems remain the same. This plant is a climbing variety that adds color to your home.
Silver Sword philodendron (Philodendron hastatum)
The Silver Sword Philodendron is a unique Philodendron variety that features attractive foliage. This plant has medium sword-shaped leaves with a silvery tinge hence its name. The Silver Sword Philodendron plant has a climbing growth habit and would look exceptionally attractive in hanging baskets.
Caring for Philodendron plants
Philodendron plants are low-maintenance plants that are beginner friendly. However, you need to take care of your plant to keep it healthy and glowing. Below is how you should care for your Philodendron plant.
Philodendron water
Like other plants, your philodendron plant needs water to survive. The plant will flourish with moderate watering preferably once a week. Check the soil before watering your plant. If the top inch of the soil is dry, you need to water your plant.
Be careful not to overwater your plant as too much water will cause root rot. Keep the soil mildly moist but not soggy. When you overwater or underwater your plant, its leaves will begin to droop. Make sure you water your plant just enough to sustain it.
Philodendron sunlight
The Philodendron plant is a low-light plant that can survive in dappled shade. Your plant will thrive in indirect bright to medium sunlight. You can place your plant near a window with adequate light exposure. Low light levels might make your plant stretchy. Direct light will scorch your plant’s foliage making the leaves turn yellow. Therefore, ensure your plant gets just enough lighting to thrive.
Philodendron soil type
Your Philodendron plant will flourish in well-draining acidic soil. if you can find organic matter, add it to the soil to promote healthy growth. You can regularly change your soil to get rid of salts that accumulate in the soil through watering. Alternatively, you can use distilled water to water your Philodendron.
Philodendron humidity and temperature
Different Philodendron plants will require varying temperatures and humidity levels to thrive. Most Philodendron plants require moderate temperatures and humidity levels to flourish. To maintain humidity levels, you can mist your plant regularly in the morning or use a humidifier. Don’t expose your plant to temperatures below 50 degrees as it will become frosted.
Philodendron fertilizer
The Philodendron plant requires regular feeding to remain healthy. A balanced liquid fertilizer would be ideal for your Philodendron plant. Feed your plant every 2 to 4 weeks during the summer and reduce feeding to 6 or 8 weeks during the winter.
Philodendron repotting
Most Philodendron varieties are fast growers hence they require regular repotting. You can re-pot your Philodendron annually with fresh soil. when re-potting, use a slightly larger pot with drainage holes. You can support climbing Philodendron plants using a trellis or moss pole.
Philodendron toxicity
Philodendrons are toxic to cats, dogs, and even humans when ingested. The plant causes gastrointestinal irritation when ingested. If you have pets or children around, it would be best to place the plant out of their reach.
Philodendron plants are ideal indoor plants you can enjoy tending to. They are also available in numerous varieties that you can choose from depending on your style and taste. If you admire vining plants, you can find just the right Philodendron climbing variety. On the other hand, if your space is limited, an upright-growing Philodendron would be the most suitable choice. If you require more assistance, contact us today.