Plant Profile: Philodendron
Why are Philodendrons so popular? These wonderful plants are lush, produce shiny new growth, and are incredibly easy to care for. Not to mention, there is a large variety for you to choose from!
Whether you prefer bushy, viney, trailing, climbing, tiny, or large, there is a Philodendron species to fit your criteria.They are easily one of my favourite families of plants, and by the end of this blog, they might just become yours too!
Where Do Philodendron Plants Originate?
Most varieties of philodendron come from the tropical areas of the Americas and West Indies. At the same time, they can now be found in suitable regions of Australia, Africa, Asia and some Pacific islands.
Commonly found in humid tropical forests but can be found in swamps and rocky outcrops. (FYI – If you get one, they prefer warmth and humidity.) That said, they are incredibly forgiving if neglected. While most varieties prefer to be kept evenly moist, if you forget and they dry out from time to time, they do just fine.
Lighting Requirements
Accustomed to the canopy of rainforests, they do well in bright but indirect light and will burn if in direct sun. A north or east-facing window is best. If you have dry air, try misting them a few times a week. Larger varieties include the Monstera (which we like to get in as a cut to use in floral arrangements), the Xanadu and Selloum.
They have a bushy tendency at first, spreading large leaves from a central stalk. With time, the stalk will grow up into a climber. Most Philodendrons are hemiepiphytic. Meaning they start as epiphytes (living in tree branches instead of the ground, like orchids) and eventually send out aerial roots that grow to the ground to create a trunk.
Room To Grow
Because of this, they can be pretty unruly in a small space; the best home for the larger varieties is an open space, so they have lots of room to fill. If you don’t have a lot of space, there are plenty of medium-sized options. We recommend Moonlight or Prince of Orange varieties that are upright. Both are man-made cultivars that produce long spade-shaped leaves in bright limey green and robust orange, respectively. They tend to stay in the shorter bush form and won’t roam out of their pots too easily.
Watering Schedule
Did you know that we carry Mystery Easy Care Plant Bundles? Perfect for new plant parents or anyone with a busy schedule. Say goodbye to artificial greenery and embrace the real thing!
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