skip to main content

Philodendron Care

Philodendrons are fast-growing, easy plants. They range in growth pattern from graceful and vining to bold and bushy. Philodendrons are generally forgiving and will tolerate all kinds of neglect including low light, poor soil, and inconsistent watering.

How to care for your Philodendron

Use these instructions to care for a Philodendron. This guide will tell you how to water a Philodendron; its light, temperature, humidity preferences and any additional care it might need to help it grow.

Fuzzy Petiole

LIGHT

Your Philodendron prefers indirect bright light, but the Philodendrons can adapt to lower light. These plants can only tolerate some direct sun in the morning; extended periods of direct light can burn the foliage. 

WATER

Water your Philodendron when the soil volume is 50-75% dry. Water thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage holes, and be sure to empty the saucer of any excess water. These plants are sensitive to overwatering—if the soil remains constantly wet, the roots will rot. 

HUMIDITY

Average household humidity is fine for your Philodendron, but higher humidity encourages larger leaves. Your plants will benefit from a pebble tray or adding a humidifier.

TEMPERATURE

Your Philodendron will grow well in temperatures between 65-80°F. Keep away from drafts, especially during the winter months.

FOOD

Feed your Philodendron monthly in the spring and summer with a general-purpose fertilizer. No fertilizer is needed in the fall and winter months when the plants are dormant. Always fertilize on moist soil, never dry, as it can burn the roots. 

TOXICITY

Philodendrons are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

ADDITIONAL CARE

This plant is easily propagated through cuttings to make new plants or help fill out the mother plants. Since these are climbers, you can add plant stakes or a moss pole to encourage larger leaf growth. 

Philodendron Birkin

LIGHT

Your Philodendron Birkin prefers bright, indirect light. It can survive in medium light conditions, but growth may slow. The variegation on its leaves will be more pronounced in higher light. Do not put it in full, direct sunlight as it will burn the foliage.

WATER

Water your Philodendron when the top 50-75% of soil is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer.

HUMIDITY

Normal household humidity is fine for your Philodendron Birkin, but higher humidity encourages larger leaves. Your plant will benefit from regular misting.

TEMPERATURE

Your plant will grow well in temperatures between 70-80 degrees during the day and above 55 degrees at night. Keep it away from drafts, especially during the winter months.

FOOD

Feed once a month during spring and summer with a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants. Feed every other month during the fall and winter.

TOXICITY

Philodendron leaves are toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will result in swelling of the lips and tongue, and stomach irritation with possible vomiting.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Trim out any dead, discolored, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems as they occur. Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid tearing or bruising the stems. Snip stems close to soil level. Wash the leaves frequently to prevent dust from clogging its pores.

Philodendron Brandi

LIGHT

Your Philodendron Brandi can survive in low light conditions, but grows faster and produces more leaves in medium or bright indirect light. The silver coloring will be more pronounced in higher light. Do not place in direct sunlight, as the sun will burn the foliage.

WATER

Water your Philodendron when the top 50%-75% of the soil is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer.

HUMIDITY

Basic household humidity is fine for your Philodendron Brandi, but higher humidity encourages larger leaves. Your plant will benefit from the occasional misting.

TEMPERATURE

Your plant will grow well in temperatures between 70-80 degrees during the day and above 55 degrees at night. Keep it away from drafts, especially during the winter months.

FOOD

Feed once a month during spring and summer with a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants.

TOXICITY

Philodendron leaves are toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will result in swelling of the lips and tongue, and stomach irritation with possible vomiting.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Trim out any dead, discolored, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems as they occur. Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid tearing or bruising the stems. Snip stems just above a leaf node. Wash the leaves frequently to prevent dust from clogging its pores.

Philodendron Brasil

LIGHT

The Philodendron Brasil can survive in low light conditions, but grows faster and produces more leaves in medium or bright indirect light. The variegation will be more pronounced in higher light. Do not put it in direct sunlight since the sun will burn the foliage.

WATER

Water your Philodendron when the top 50%-75% of the soil is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer.

HUMIDITY

Basic household humidity is fine for your Philodendron Brasil, but higher humidity encourages larger leaves. Your plant will benefit from the occasional misting.

TEMPERATURE

Your plant will grow well in temperatures between 70-80 degrees during the day and above 55 degrees at night. Keep it away from drafts, especially during the winter months.

FOOD

Feed once a month during spring and summer with a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants.

TOXICITY

Philodendron leaves are toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will result in swelling of the lips and tongue, and stomach irritation with possible vomiting.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Trim out any dead, discolored, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems as they occur. Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid tearing or bruising the stems. Snip stems just above a leaf node. Wash the leaves frequently to prevent dust from clogging its pores.

Philodendron Heartleaf

LIGHT

The Philodendron Heartleaf can cope with low light conditions, but grows faster and produces more leaves bright indirect light. Do not put it in direct sunlight–the sun will burn the foliage.

WATER

Water your Philodendron when the top 50%-75% of the soil is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer.

HUMIDITY

Basic household humidity is fine for this Philodendron, but higher humidity encourages larger leaves. Your plant will benefit from the occasional misting.

TEMPERATURE

Your Philodendron Heartleaf will grow well in temperatures between 65-80 degrees during the day and above 55 degrees at night. Keep it away from drafts, especially during the winter months.

FOOD

Feed once a month during spring and summer with a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants.

TOXICITY

Philodendron leaves are toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will result in swelling of the lips and tongue, and stomach irritation with possible vomiting.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Trim out any dead, discolored, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems as they occur. Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid tearing or bruising the stems. Snip stems just above a leaf node. Wash the leaves frequently to prevent dust from clogging its pores. If you wish to propagate, take stem tip cuttings during the Spring or early Summer and place the stem in water or moist soil and they should root quite easily.

Philodendron Hope Selloum

LIGHT

Your Philodendron Hope Selloum prefers bright, indirect light. It will, however, survive in lower light and the leaves will turn a darker green. Direct sun or too much light will burn or fade the leaves.

WATER

Water your Philodendron when the top 50%-75% of the soil is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer.

HUMIDITY

The Philodendron Hope Selloum has thinner leaves than many of its relatives and requires more humidity to flourish. Mist your plant regularly especially during the drier winter months.

TEMPERATURE

Your Philodendron Hope Selloum likes warm temperatures above 55 degrees. Keep them away from drafts and open doors, especially during the winter.

FOOD

Fertilize monthly during the spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.

TOXICITY

Philodendron leaves are toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will result in swelling of the lips and tongue, and stomach irritation with possible vomiting.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Prune your Philodendron Hope Selloum with sharp scissors to control its size and shape. You can remove entire leaves be cutting them off at the base of the leaf stem. Be sure to wear gloves when pruning and wash your hands and tools when finished—you don’t want to get the sap in your eyes or mouth. Always clean dead or decaying leaves from the soil and dust it once a month to keep your plant healthy.

Philodendron Lemon Lime

LIGHT

The Philodendron Lemon Lime can cope with low light conditions, but grows faster and produces more leaves bright indirect light. Do not put it in direct sunlight–the sun will burn the foliage.

WATER

Water your Philodendron when the top 50%-75% of the soil is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer.

HUMIDITY

Basic household humidity is fine for this Philodendron, but higher humidity encourages larger leaves. Your plant will benefit from the occasional misting.

TEMPERATURE

Your Philodendron Lemon Lime will grow well in temperatures between 65-80 degrees during the day and above 55 degrees at night. Keep it away from drafts, especially during the winter months.

FOOD

Feed once a month during spring and summer with a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants.

TOXICITY

Philodendron leaves are toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will result in swelling of the lips and tongue, and stomach irritation with possible vomiting.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Trim out any dead, discolored, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems as they occur. Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid tearing or bruising the stems. Snip stems just above a leaf node. Wash the leaves frequently to prevent dust from clogging its pores. If you wish to propagate, take stem tip cuttings during the Spring or early Summer and place the stem in water or moist soil and they should root quite easily.

Philodendron Little Hope

LIGHT

Your Philodendron Little Hope prefers bright, indirect light. It will, however, survive in lower light and the leaves will turn a darker green. Direct sun or too much light will burn or fade the leaves.

WATER

Water your plant when the top 50-75% of soil is dry. Water the plant until water flows into the saucer, then pour out any excess. Don’t allow the pot to stand in water, as this will cause root rot.

HUMIDITY

This tropical plant prefers a bit of humidity and will benefit from regular weekly misting.

TEMPERATURE

Your Philodendron Little Hope likes warm temperatures above 55 degrees. Keep it away from drafts and open doors, especially during the winter.

FOOD

Fertilize monthly during the spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.

TOXICITY

Philodendron leaves are toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will result in swelling of the lips and tongue, and stomach irritation with possible vomiting.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Always remove any decaying plant material from the soil to keep your plant healthy and happy.

Philodendron Micans Velvet

LIGHT

Your Philodendron Micans Velvet can survive in low light conditions, but grows faster and produces richer coloring in bright indirect light. This plant can only tolerate some direct sun in the morning; extended periods of direct light can burn the foliage.

WATER

Water your Philodendron Micans Velvet when the soil volume is 50-75% dry. Water thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage hole, and be sure to empty the saucer of any excess water. This plant is sensitive to overwatering—if the soil remains constantly wet, the roots will rot.

HUMIDITY

Average household humidity is fine for your Philodendron Micans Velvet but higher humidity encourages larger leaves. Your plant will benefit from a pebble tray or adding a humidifier, but avoid directly misting the leaves.

TEMPERATURE

Your Philodendron Micans Velvet will grow well in temperatures between 65-80°F. Keep away from drafts, especially during the winter months.

FOOD

Feed your Philodendron Micans Velvet monthly in the spring and summer with a general-purpose fertilizer. No fertilizer is needed in the fall and winter months when the plant is dormant. Always fertilize on moist soil, never dry, as it can burn the roots.

TOXICITY

This plant is toxic to pets and humans if ingested.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Trim out any dead, discolored, or damaged leaves using clean, sharp scissors. As the plant ages, the older leaves will naturally turn yellow or brown and fall off. This philodendron is easily propagated through cuttings to make new plants or help fill out the mother plant.

Philodendron Pink Princess

LIGHT

Your Philodendron Pink Princess can survive in low light conditions, but grows faster and produces more variegation in bright indirect light. The plant can only tolerate direct sun in the morning; extended periods or exposure to the harsh midday sun will burn the foliage.  

WATER

Water your Philodendron Pink Princess when the soil is 75% dry. Water thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage holes, and be sure to empty the saucer of any excess water. This plant is sensitive to overwatering. If the soil remains constantly wet, the roots will rot.

HUMIDITY

Basic household humidity is fine for your Philodendron Pink Princess, but higher humidity encourages larger leaves. Your plant will benefit from occasional misting or adding a humidifier.

TEMPERATURE

Your plant will grow well in temperatures between 65-80°F degrees. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 60°F, and keep it away from drafts, especially during the winter months.

FOOD

Feed your Philodendron Pink Princess monthly in the spring and summer with a basic houseplant food diluted to half the recommended strength.  If the leaves curl or the edges turn brown, it may be getting too much fertilizer. No fertilizer is needed in the fall and winter months.

TOXICITY

This plant is toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will result in swelling of the lips and tongue, and stomach irritation with possible vomiting.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Trim out any dead, discolored, or damaged leaves using clean, sharp scissors. As the plant ages, the older leaves will naturally turn yellow or brown and fall off. Wash the leaves frequently to prevent dust from setting on the surface. Your Philodendron Pink Princess is a vining plant, so consider providing a trellis for it to climb on.

Philodendron Prince of Orange

LIGHT

Your Philodendron Prince of Orange can survive in low light conditions but will grow faster and produce more leaves in medium or bright indirect light. Do not place it in direct sunlight—the sun will burn the foliage.

WATER

Water your Philodendron Prince of Orange when the soil volume is 75% dry. Water thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage holes, and be sure to empty the saucer of any excess water. This plant is sensitive to overwatering. If the soil remains constantly wet, the roots will rot.

HUMIDITY

Average household humidity is fine for your Philodendron Prince of Orange, but higher humidity encourages larger leaves. Your plant will benefit from occasional misting.

TEMPERATURE

Your Philodendron Prince of Orange will grow well in temperatures between 65-80°F during the day and anywhere above 55°F at night. Keep it away from drafts, especially during the winter months.

FOOD

Feed your Prince of Orange monthly in the spring and summer with a basic houseplant food diluted to half the recommended strength. If the leaves curl or the tips turn brown, it may be getting too much fertilizer. No fertilizer is needed in the fall and winter months.

TOXICITY

This plant is toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will result in swelling of the lips and tongue, and stomach irritation with possible vomiting.

ADDITIONAL CARE

As the plant ages, the oldest leaves near the bottom will fall off or turn brown. Use clean, sharp plant snips to avoid tearing or bruising the stems. Trim out any dead, discolored, or damaged leaves. Wash the leaves frequently to prevent dust from setting on the surface. Your Philodendron Prince of Orange loves to lean towards the light, so rotating it every week or so will help it stay full on all sides.

Philodendron Shangri La

LIGHT

Your Philodendron Shangri La prefers bright, indirect light—placing it near an east-facing window is ideal. It will survive in lower light, but the leaves will turn a darker green. Direct sun will fade the leaves.

WATER

Water your Philodendron when the top 50-75% of soil is dry. Water until liquid flows into the saucer, then pour out any excess. Don’t allow the pot to stand in water, as this will cause root rot.

HUMIDITY

This tropical plant prefers a bit of humidity and will benefit from regular misting or the use of a humidifier.

TEMPERATURE

Your Philodendron Shangri La prefers temperatures above 55 degrees. Keep it away from drafts and open doors, especially during the winter.

FOOD

Feed once a month during spring and summer with a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants.

TOXICITY

Philodendron leaves are toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will result in swelling of the lips and tongue, and stomach irritation with possible vomiting.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Always remove any decaying plant material from the soil to keep your plant healthy and happy.

Philodendron Silver Sword

LIGHT

Your Philodendron prefers indirect bright light, but the Philodendrons can adapt to lower light. These plants can only tolerate some direct sun in the morning; extended periods of direct light can burn the foliage. 

WATER

Water your Philodendron when the soil volume is 50-75% dry. Water thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage holes, and be sure to empty the saucer of any excess water. These plants are sensitive to overwatering—if the soil remains constantly wet, the roots will rot. 

HUMIDITY

Average household humidity is fine for your Philodendron, but higher humidity encourages larger leaves. Your plants will benefit from a pebble tray or adding a humidifier.

TEMPERATURE

Your Philodendron will grow well in temperatures between 65-80°F. Keep away from drafts, especially during the winter months.

FOOD

Feed your Philodendron monthly in the spring and summer with a general-purpose fertilizer. No fertilizer is needed in the fall and winter months when the plants are dormant. Always fertilize on moist soil, never dry, as it can burn the roots. 

TOXICITY

Philodendrons are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

ADDITIONAL CARE

This plant is easily propagated through cuttings to make new plants or help fill out the mother plants. Since these are climbers, you can add plant stakes or a moss pole to encourage larger leaf growth. 

Philodendron Velvet

LIGHT

Your Philodendron Velvet can adapt to lower light conditions, however, when placed in bright indirect light, it grows faster and produces more leaves. Avoid direct sunlight–the sun will burn the foliage.

WATER

Water your Philodendron when the top 50%-75% of the soil is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer.

HUMIDITY

Basic household humidity is fine for your Philodendron Velvet, but higher humidity will encourage larger leaves. Your plant will benefit from an occasional misting.

TEMPERATURE

Your Philodendron Velvet will grow well in temperatures between 65-80 degrees during the day and above 55 degrees at night. Keep it away from drafts, especially during the winter months.

FOOD

Feed your Philodendron Velvet monthly in the spring and summer with a basic houseplant food diluted to half the recommended strength. No need to fertilize in the fall and winter months, when growth naturally slows.

TOXICITY

Philodendron leaves are toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will result in swelling of the lips and tongue, with stomach irritation and possible vomiting.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Trim any dead, discolored, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems as they occur. Use clean, sharp scissors to avoid tearing or bruising the stems. Snip stems just above a leaf node. Wash the leaves frequently to prevent dust from clogging its pores. If you wish to propagate, take stem tip cuttings during the spring or early summer and place the stem in water or moist soil and they should root quite easily.

Philodendron White Knight

LIGHT

Your Philodendron White Knight can survive in low light conditions, but grows faster and produces more white variegation in bright indirect light. The plant can only tolerate some direct sun in the morning; extended periods of direct light can burn the foliage.

WATER

Water your Philodendron White Knight when the soil is 50-75% dry. Water thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage holes, and be sure to empty the saucer of any excess water. This plant is sensitive to overwatering. If the soil remains constantly wet, the roots will rot.

HUMIDITY

Basic household humidity is fine for your Philodendron White Knight but higher humidity encourages larger leaves. Your plant will benefit from a pebble tray or adding a humidifier.

TEMPERATURE

Your Philodendron White Knight will grow well in temperatures between 65-80°F. Keep away from drafts, especially during the winter months.

FOOD

Feed your Philodendron White Knight monthly in the spring and summer with a general-purpose fertilizer. No fertilizer is needed in the fall and winter months when the plant is dormant. Always fertilize on moist soil, never dry as it can burn the roots.

TOXICITY

This plant is toxic to pets and humans if ingested.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Trim out any dead, discolored, or damaged leaves using clean, sharp scissors. As the plant ages, the older leaves will naturally turn yellow or brown and fall off. Your Philodendron White Knight is a vining plant, so consider providing a trellis or moss pole for it to climb on.

Philodendron Xanadu

LIGHT

Your Philodendron prefers medium to bright indirect light. It can adapt to low light, but growth may slow.

WATER

Water your Philodendron when the top 50%-75% of the soil is dry. Water until liquid flows through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and discard any water that has accumulated in the saucer.

HUMIDITY

Your Philodendron Xanadu will tolerate the level of humidity found in most homes, but high humidity promotes lush growth and shiny foliage, so it is a good idea to mist the plant regularly.

TEMPERATURE

Your Philodendron Xanadu likes warm temperatures above 55 degrees. Keep them away from drafts and open doors, especially during the winter.

FOOD

Fertilize monthly during the spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Never apply fertilizer to dry soil, always make sure soil is damp before applying plant food.

TOXICITY

Philodendron Xanadu leaves are toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will result in swelling of the lips and tongue, and stomach irritation with possible vomiting.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Yellow leaves on your Xanadu occur naturally as new growth comes in or if it is acclimating to a new spot in your home. Remove these yellow dead or dying leaves regularly by snapping them off where the leaf stem touches the primary stem or the soil surface. It is also a good idea to periodically look between the dense foliage and remove the dried leaf husks left behind when a new leaf is produced. Regularly clearing away this dead organic material prevents mold, fungus, and worst of all Fungus Gnats.

Grow Beyond Expectations

Shop Plants
Image of species

What's a Philodendron?

Botanical Classification: Philodendron cordatum green

About

Philodendrons are fast-growing, easy plants. They range in growth pattern from graceful and vining to bold and bushy. Philodendrons are generally forgiving and will tolerate all kinds of neglect including low light, poor soil, and inconsistent watering. A Philodendron is a great first-time houseplant or gift for anyone who wants to enjoy the natural beauty of plants without a lot of maintenance.

Fun Fact

There are nearly 500 species of Philodendron!

Pictured Left: Philodendron Heartleaf

Philodendron Heartleaf

Trailing plant with whimsical heart-shaped leaves
very easy, perfect for beginners, low to bright indirect light
View Product

Plant Friends and Family