How to Care for Philodendrons
Philodendrons are one of the most rewarding houseplants you can grow.
With their lush tropical leaves, fast growth, and relatively easy care requirements, they are perfect for transforming any indoor space into a vibrant urban jungle.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first statement plant or a collector adding to your rare plant shelf, philodendrons offer something for everyone.
Their diversity is breathtaking: some have giant heart-shaped leaves, others have narrow spears, while many sport mesmerising variegation.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to care for philodendrons — from lighting and watering to soil, humidity, and pest prevention.
We’ll also spotlight three incredible varieties available in our shop:
- Philodendron Florida Beauty
- Philodendron Majestic Hybrid
- Philodendron Paraiso Verde
These three show-stopping plants will demonstrate how different philodendrons can be and why you’ll want them in your home.
Understanding Philodendrons
Philodendrons are part of the Araceae family and are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.
In nature, they often grow as epiphytes (climbing up trees) or hemiepiphytes (starting on the ground then climbing).
This means they naturally enjoy dappled sunlight, warm temperatures, high humidity, and loose, airy soil.
There are two main growth types:
- Climbing Philodendrons — These send out aerial roots and need support (like a moss pole) to climb. Examples include Florida Beauty and Majestic Hybrid.
- Self-Heading Philodendrons — These grow upright from a central point, like Philodendron selloum.
Philodendrons are known for:
- Rapid growth when happy
- Tolerance to lower light
- Striking leaf shapes and patterns
- Air-purifying properties
Over the years, many hybrids have been created for more dramatic foliage like the velvety Majestic Hybrid or the marbled Paraiso Verde.
Because they adapt so well to indoor environments, philodendrons are considered one of the best indoor tropical plants for beginners and collectors alike.
General Guide on How to Care for Philodendrons
Light Requirements
- Provide bright, indirect light.
- Avoid harsh direct sun, which can burn leaves.
- Variegated types (like Florida Beauty and Paraiso Verde) need more light to maintain their colour.
- If leaves grow smaller and stems elongate, it’s a sign of too little light.
Pro tip: East-facing windows are ideal. For darker spaces, use a grow light for 10–12 hours daily.
Watering
- Water when the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) of soil is dry.
- Overwatering causes root rot; underwatering causes leaf curling and crispy edges.
- Use pots with drainage holes.
- In winter, water less frequently as growth slows down.
Finger Test: Stick your finger in the soil — if it’s dry to your first knuckle, it’s time to water.
Humidity
- Native to humid rainforests, philodendrons love humidity.
- Ideal humidity: 60–80%, but most will tolerate 50%.
- Increase humidity by:
- Grouping plants together
- Using a pebble tray with water
- Running a humidifier nearby
- Misting occasionally (avoid soaking leaves)
Soil and Repotting
- Use a well-draining aroid mix such as:
- 40% peat or coco coir
- 30% perlite
- 20% orchid bark
- 10% activated charcoal
- Repot every 1–2 years or when roots circle the pot.
- Choose a pot only 2–3 cm larger than the previous one to prevent soggy soil.
Fertilising
- Feed monthly in spring and summer using a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength.
- Stop fertilising during winter dormancy.
- Pale or slow-growing leaves can indicate nutrient deficiency.
Pruning and Support
- Prune yellow or damaged leaves to promote new growth.
- For climbing types, add a moss pole or coco pole early to encourage large, mature leaves.
- Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
Pest & Disease Management
- Common pests: spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, scale.
- Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal root rot.
- Quarantine new plants before introducing them to your collection.
Featured Philodendrons From Our Collection
Philodendron Florida Beauty
The Florida Beauty is a collector’s dream.
Its uniquely lobed leaves look like stylised oak leaves, each patterned with creamy-white or yellow variegation splashed across rich green.
No two leaves are alike, making this plant endlessly fascinating.
Key Features:
- Climbing growth habit
- Highly variegated foliage
- Compact size indoors (~60–90 cm tall)
- Slow to moderate growth
- Needs bright indirect light to maintain variegation.
- Provide high humidity (70%+) for the cleanest variegation edges.
- Use a moss pole for climbing support.
- Be patient — variegated leaves may emerge unpredictably.
Placement Idea: Florida Beauty looks stunning as a statement piece on a plant shelf near an east-facing window.
🔗 Shop Philodendron Florida Beauty
Philodendron Majestic Hybrid
The Majestic Hybrid is a cross between Philodendron verrucosum (velvety leaves, red undersides) and Philodendron sodiroi (silvery speckles).
The result is a spectacular plant with dark velvety leaves, silver mottling, and burgundy undersides.
Key Features:
- Vigorous climber
- Velvet-textured foliage
- Silver-flecked dark green leaves
- Red leaf backs that glow in sunlight
Care Tips:
- Thrives in bright, filtered light.
- Likes consistent moisture — don’t let it dry completely.
- Provide high humidity (60–80%).
- Use a moss pole to encourage massive mature leaves.
Placement Idea: Display it where light hits the underside of the leaves to highlight the red glow.
Shop Philodendron Majestic Hybrid
Philodendron Paraiso Verde
The Paraiso Verde is known for its elongated leaves marbled with green and lime-yellow.
Its foliage often changes pattern leaf-to-leaf, making it exciting to watch grow.
Key Features:
- Long, narrow marbled leaves
- Climbing habit
- Moderate growth rate
Care Tips:
- Requires bright indirect light; a touch of light stress encourages stronger variegation.
- Keep soil evenly moist, but never soggy.
- Provide moderate to high humidity.
- Train it on a moss pole for larger leaf size.
Placement Idea: This variety looks stunning trailing from a high shelf or climbing a trellis near a sunny window.
Shop Philodendron Paraiso Verde
Common Problems & Solutions
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowing leaves | Overwatering, poor drainage | Let soil dry, check roots for rot |
| Brown tips | Low humidity or inconsistent watering | Increase humidity, water regularly |
| Curling leaves | Underwatering or low humidity | Water thoroughly, use a humidifier |
| Droopy leaves | Root issues, overwatering | Check root health, repot if needed |
| Small new leaves | Lack of nutrients or support | Fertilise and add a moss pole |
| Pests (mites, thrips) | Dry conditions | Increase humidity, spray neem oil |
FAQ — Philodendron Care
Q1: How often should I water my philodendron?
Water when the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) of soil is dry. Typically every 7–10 days in summer and less in winter.
Q2: What soil mix is best for philodendrons?
A chunky, airy aroid mix: peat/coco, perlite, orchid bark, and a bit of charcoal.
Q3: Can philodendrons survive in low light?
They tolerate it, but for vibrant growth (especially variegated types) provide bright, indirect light.
Q4: Are philodendrons safe for pets?
No, they are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep out of reach.
Q5: Why are my philodendron’s leaves turning yellow?
Most often overwatering or poor drainage. Let soil dry more between waterings.
Q6: How do I get my philodendron to grow bigger leaves?
Provide a moss pole, bright light, regular feeding, and high humidity to encourage mature growth.
Q7: Do philodendrons like being root bound?
They tolerate it, but growth slows. Repot every 1–2 years for best health.
Final Thoughts — Create Your Own Indoor Jungle
Philodendrons are truly the stars of the indoor plant world — resilient, rewarding, and endlessly beautiful.
By providing the right mix of light, moisture, humidity, and support, you can watch your philodendron flourish into a lush, tropical statement plant.
If you’re ready to start or expand your collection, our curated selection of philodendrons is the perfect place to begin.
Shop Our Philodendron Collection Now
Transform your home into a thriving green oasis — one leaf at a time.