11 saves
Philodendron
We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 6 most-saved Philodendron varieties
3 species of Philodendron
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Philodendron in Sow
Save the Philodendron you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Philodendron
Whats common across all Philodendron varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them.
The Philodendron year
- FertilizeApril–August100% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid foliage fertilizer diluted to half-strength monthly.
- Check for PestsJanuary–December100% of varieties
Inspect leaf undersides and stem joints for spider mites and mealybugs.
- PruneMarch–May83% of varieties
Remove dead or yellowing leaves at the base to maintain appearance.
- Winter PrepJanuary, February, November and December50% of varieties
Cease feeding, reduce watering frequency, and shield from cold air currents below 55°F.
- PropagateMay33% of varieties
Take stem cuttings with at least one node to root in water or moist perlite.
Do
- Maintain high humidity levels around the foliage to mimic its native tropical rainforest habitat.
- Apply a balanced liquid foliage fertilizer diluted to half-strength monthly during the active spring and summer growing seasons.
- Wipe the glossy leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve light absorption.
- Do allow the upper layer of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Do maintain interior humidity around 50% to 60% using a room humidifier if indoor air is dry.
Avoid
- Do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged, as poor drainage leads to fatal root rot.
- Never fertilize the plant during the dormant winter months when growth slows.
- Do not expose the plant to cold drafts or temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Don't expose foliage to direct, unshaded sunlight, which bleaches and burns the leaf blades.
What goes wrong with Philodendron
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and stippled, pale leaves | Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and increase ambient humidity. |
| Mealybugs | White, cottony masses resting in leaf axils and along the undersides of leaf blades. | Dab insects directly with cotton swabs dipped in isopropyl alcohol or apply horticultural oil. |
| Scale insects | Immobile bumps on stems and leaf axils | Dab the pests with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or apply horticultural oil. |
| Aphids | Distorted new growth and sticky honeydew deposits | Wash the foliage with a strong water spray or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Root rot | Mushy, blackened roots and yellowing, collapsing foliage | Improve soil drainage, reduce watering frequency, and repot into fresh sterile mix. |
| Bacterial leaf spot | Water-soaked or brown spots with yellow halos on foliage | Avoid overhead watering, remove affected leaves, and apply a copper-based fungicide. |
| Leaf spot | Water-soaked spots on foliage from bacterial or fungal infections. | Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead misting. |
Making more Philodendron
Stem Cuttings
- Select a healthy stem section containing at least one node and one leaf during spring.
- Cut just below the node using sterilized pruning shears.
- Place the cutting in water or a moist perlite and peat medium.
- Maintain high humidity and warm temperatures until roots develop before potting.
Basal offset division
- Remove the mature parent plant from its pot during warm spring weather.
- Identify well-rooted basal side shoots emerging from the primary crown.
- Sever the offset cleanly at the stem connection using a sterile knife.
- Pot the division separately into a moist, bark-based aroid mix and place in bright indirect light.
Philodendron questions
How many types of Philodendron are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Philodendron varieties. The most popular — ranked by 11 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Philodendron grow in?
Across its varieties, Philodendron covers USDA Zones 9–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Philodendron bloom?
Most Philodendron varieties bloom in late spring, summer, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Philodendron should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.