How to Grow and Care for Philodendrons

Place plants in indirect light or grow outside in shady areas of zones 10b to 11.
Pot indoor philodendrons in Miracle-Gro® Tropical Potting Mix.
Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Begin feeding with Miracle-Gro® Tropical Houseplant Food a month after planting.
Stake philodendrons for more height.
Prune when the plant is too long and root the cuttings.

Philodendrons are a favorite houseplant for many reasons. Many species, such as Philodendron hederaceum, have big, heart-shaped leaves that give this plant the nickname heart-leaf philodendron. Some philodendrons can grow quite large, and they are gorgeous showstoppers in any room! Take care if you have children or pets, though, as all philodendrons are toxic if eaten.

There are two forms of philodendrons: climbing and non-climbing. Climbing types, including the heart-leaf philodendron, make popular hanging basket plants. They produce rootlets along the length of their stems that help them climb, but they're also happy trailing out of a container. Non-climbing, or upright, types sprout leaves from a growing point at the base of the plant. They usually have large leaves and are not always great for the home environment, due to size. If you have the space, though, they are beautiful specimens! While you may still see Philodendron bipinnatifidum, also known as the tree (or split leaf) philodendron, this plant was recently reclassified as Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum because its DNA was found to be significantly different from other philodendrons.

Where to Grow Philodendrons

In the wild, philodendrons grow under a tropical canopy where they enjoy dappled—not direct—sunlight. You can replicate philodendron's natural habitat by finding a spot where your plant can get bright, indirect light. In a sunny room with a south-facing window, find a spot that’s away from the window, or set it on the sill of a window that faces east or west. If your philodendron doesn’t seem to be getting enough light, you can add a fluorescent lamp or even a grow light to its environment to help.

How to Repot Philodendrons

Climbing philodendrons look lovely with their vines trailing down from a hanging basket. You can also opt for a more traditional glazed or ceramic pot. When you repot philodendrons, use Miracle-Gro® Tropical Potting Mix, which contains no compost or bark, both of which are known to shelter fungus gnats. It also contains lava rock, which provides the drainage that tropicals need.

Choose a glazed ceramic pot, plastic pot, or hanging basket that is 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the root ball of your plant.
Fill about ⅓ of the container with Miracle-Gro® Tropical Potting Mix.
Position the plant so that the top of the root ball is about ¾ to 1 inch below the top of the container. This gives you enough space to water the plant without causing the water to run over.
Fill in around the root ball with more mix, then place the plant in the sink and thoroughly soak the soil.
Let it drain enough that it stops dripping before hanging it up or putting it in place.

How to Water Philodendrons

Philodendrons grow best in soil that is consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of the soil is dry, keeping in mind that soil in unglazed clay or ceramic containers tends to dry out faster than soil in plastic or glazed containers. Plant growth will often slow during the winter, so you will notice that you need to water philodendrons less frequently.

How to Feed Philodendrons

Plant food is an important part of fostering healthy growth and new leaves as your plant settles into its new digs. Use Miracle-Gro® Tropical Houseplant Food weekly to promote lush foliage. Be sure to follow label directions. Even indoors, your plant will grow more slowly in fall and winter, so you don’t need to feed it as often during these seasons.

How to Stake Philodendrons

If you want to add a little height to your planting, you can add a little trellis or post for climbing philodendrons to climb up. The key is to provide a rough surface for the plant to grab onto. Buy or make a moss pole (you'll find them online), or use a 2-inch square dowel wrapped in rope.

How to Prune and Propagate Philodendrons

You'll want to snip off any dead or damaged leaves as you see them, but otherwise philodendrons don't require much pruning. If the stems of your climbing philodendron are getting too long, simply snip off 6 inches of each of the longest stems. If desired, you can grow more philodendrons by removing all but the top 2 or 3 leaves on each stem and placing the stems in a cup of lukewarm water. Once they begin to grow roots, plant each in a small container using the instructions in the "How to Repot" section above.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Philodendrons

Philodendrons aren't dramatic, but they do like their indirect light and moisture. Too much or too little of these can cause problems, but these are usually easy to fix with either moving the plant or adjusting your waterings.

Yellow leaves: If normally green leaves turn yellow on top, your philodendron may be overwatered. If this happens, stop watering and make sure you put it in a sunny spot where it can dry quickly.
Burns: Too much direct sunlight will create burns on your plant, so move it to a spot with milder light.
Brown leaves: If leaves turn brown and crispy, your philodendron may need more humidity.

Philodendrons are beloved by indoor growers for a reason! Treat these tropical plants right, and you'll be rewarded with beautiful foliage to brighten up your space.