Collection: Philodendron

Philodendron Characteristics

The Philodendron is one of the most beloved families of houseplants, and for good reason. Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, this plant is characterized by its enormous diversity. The name derives from the Greek words “philo” (love) and “dendron” (tree). They come in two main forms: climbers, which are often sold with a moss-covered stake, and self-supporting, non-climbing varieties. Leaf shapes range from heart-shaped to deeply lobed, and colors vary from deep green and neon yellow to deep red. It is a hardy plant that easily adapts to the conditions in your living room.

Is the Philodendron toxic?

It’s important to know that the Philodendron is toxic if ingested. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract in both humans and pets. If your cat or dog likes to nibble on leaves, it’s wise to place the plant in an out-of-reach spot, such as on a tall cabinet or in a hanging pot. The sap can also cause skin irritation when pruning. To be on the safe side, wear gloves when you handle the plant and always wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Does the Philodendron purify the air?

Absolutely! The Philodendron is a true champion at purifying the air! Scientific research has shown that this plant is exceptionally effective at filtering harmful substances such as formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene from the air. These substances are often found in everyday items like furniture and carpets. Thanks to its large leaf surface area, the plant also produces plenty of extra oxygen and helps regulate humidity levels in your home. So, by placing a Philodendron in your room, you not only create a beautiful green corner but also a noticeably healthier and fresher living environment.

Philodendron Placement

Indoors, the Philodendron thrives best in a spot with plenty of indirect light. Although it originates from the tropics, it does not like bright, direct midday sun; this can cause the leaves to burn or turn yellow. A spot near an east- or west-facing window is often ideal. Do you have a darker corner? No problem—many varieties (such as the Scandens) also tolerate partial shade, though growth will be slightly slower and the leaves will remain smaller. Just make sure the plant isn’t placed directly next to a hot radiator, as the dry air can dry out the leaf edges.

Can the Philodendron be kept outdoors in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, the Philodendron is truly a houseplant that cannot overwinter outdoors. Because it is accustomed to tropical temperatures, it cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below $15^\circ C$ at all. In the summer, when the nights are really warm, you could place it outside in a sheltered, shaded spot, but there’s a high risk of damage from wind or unexpected drops in temperature. It’s therefore recommended to keep your Philodendron indoors year-round, where the temperature is stable and humidity is easier to control for optimal growth.

Philodendron Care

Caring for the Philodendron is simple, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced plant lovers. It’s important to note that the plant thrives in high humidity, in keeping with its tropical origins.

• Misting: Use a plant sprayer regularly to keep the leaves moist.
• Cleaning: Wipe the large leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, so the plant can continue to breathe properly.
• Temperature: Keep the room temperature between $18^\circ C$ and $24^\circ C$. As long as you avoid drafts and don’t place the plant in direct sunlight, it will quickly produce new leaves.

Watering a Philodendron

Watering a Philodendron requires some care, but it’s not complicated. The plant likes slightly moist soil, but absolutely hates having its “feet” wet. Let the top layer of potting soil (about 2 to 3 centimeters) dry out before you water it again. In the summer, the plant usually needs a light watering twice a week, while once a week is often sufficient in the winter. Regularly stick your finger in the soil to check if it’s time to water. If overwatered, the leaves will turn yellow and the roots may start to rot.

Feeding the Philodendron

During the growing season, from spring through the end of summer, the Philodendron can use some extra nourishment. Feed the plant with liquid houseplant fertilizer once every two weeks. This promotes the growth of new, large leaves and keeps the color vibrant. During the winter, when the plant is dormant, you should stop fertilizing it completely. Too much fertilizer in the winter can burn the roots because the plant cannot absorb it at that time. Always use the dosage indicated on the package; over-fertilizing is more harmful than forgetting to fertilize once.

How should you prune a Philodendron?

Pruning a Philodendron is very easy and helps keep the plant in check or make it fuller. If the vines of a climbing variety get too long, you can simply cut them off with clean, sharp scissors. It’s best to do this just above a “node” (the spot where a leaf attaches to the stem). The plant will branch out again from there. Also, regularly remove old or damaged leaves at the base to direct energy toward new growth. Pruning encourages the plant to grow more compactly and healthily.

What should you do if a Philodendron has limp or brown leaves?

Limp or brown leaves on a Philodendron are often a sign of an imbalance.

• Brown leaf edges or tips: This usually indicates low humidity or dehydration. Mist the plant more often with a plant sprayer.
• Wilted leaves: This can indicate either too much or too little water. Check the roots; if they are brown and soft, this is a sign of root rot caused by overwatering.
• Yellow leaves: Often a sign of too much direct sunlight or, conversely, a lack of nutrients. Move the plant to a slightly shadier spot and see if that helps.

My Philodendron is getting too big; what should I do?

When your Philodendron outgrows its space, there are a few options. For climbing varieties, you can prune back the longest vines drastically; the plant will simply sprout new growth afterward. If the plant becomes too wide, you can see if you can tie it to a larger moss pole or bamboo sticks to direct its growth upward. Is pruning no longer an option because the plant is simply too massive? Then it might be time to divide the plant (for non-climbing varieties) or to take cuttings and give the mother plant to a friend.

Philodendron Diseases

Although the Philodendron is a hardy plant, it can sometimes be affected by pests such as spider mites, scale, or mealybugs. This often happens when the air indoors is very dry, for example, in the winter when the heat is on. You can recognize this by sticky leaves or small webs. Treat the plant immediately with an organic pesticide or a mixture of soap and rubbing alcohol. To prevent diseases, it’s advisable to mist the plant regularly; most pests don’t like a humid environment. A healthy plant is also much more resistant to infections.

Propagating Philodendrons

Propagating a Philodendron is a lot of fun and is usually very easy using stem cuttings. Cut off a piece of stem with at least one or two aerial roots (small brown bumps). Place this cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the aerial roots are submerged but the leaves remain dry. After a few weeks, white roots will begin to form. Once they’re a few centimeters long, you can plant the cutting in potting soil. This is a great way to expand your own urban jungle or to create a unique green gift.

Repotting a Philodendron

Repot the Philodendron about once every two years, or whenever you notice roots growing out of the bottom of the pot. The best time to do this is in early spring. Choose a new pot that’s about 20% larger than the old one and use a light, well-draining potting mix. A mix with some bark or perlite is ideal, since the roots of a Philodendron need plenty of oxygen. By repotting, you give the plant fresh nutrients and the space to produce larger leaves, which boosts its overall vitality.

Buying a Philodendron

Are you ready to buy a Philodendron? At Plants24, we have a carefully selected assortment, ranging from the popular ‘Pink Princess’ to the classic ‘Monstera lookalikes’. A Philodendron is an investment in a healthier and more stylish home. When purchasing, look for a healthy sheen on the leaves and check that the plant is firmly rooted in its pot. We pack our plants with the utmost care so they arrive in top condition at your home in the Netherlands. Bring your favorite variety home today and enjoy the tropical atmosphere!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Philodendron

Why are my Philodendron’s leaves getting small?

This is often a sign of insufficient light. The plant is trying to conserve energy. Move it to a brighter spot (no direct sunlight) to encourage larger leaves.

How often should I mist my Philodendron?

In a typical living room, watering two to three times a week is ideal, especially during the winter months when humidity is low due to heating.

Can a Philodendron be kept in the bathroom?

Yes, it’s perfect there! The bathroom is often warm and humid—exactly what the Philodendron loves. Just make sure there’s a window for sufficient (indirect) light.

What are those brown tendrils on the stems?

Those are aerial roots. In nature, the plant uses them to cling to trees. You can leave them as they are, guide them toward the ground, or carefully trim them off if you don’t like their appearance.