The philodendron is an extremely popular plant. It is appreciated by both collectors and plant amateurs. The philodendron can be confidently recommended to anyone who likes strong green accents in their home. Although it originates from exotic regions, it adapts very easily to domestic conditions. Therefore, it is also ideal for beginner growers. In the wealth of varieties, there is something for everyone!

Philodendron - a tropical plant

Philodendrons are native to the tropical forests of various areas of the earth. In the jungles, i.e. in their natural habitat, they reach up to several metres. They grow in a rather special way. This is because they grow out of the ground, at the base of the trees, and then climb up the trunk in search of light. In this way, philodendrons avoid developing a strong, tough stem. They overgrow the trunks of trees but do harm to them, they are not their parasites. In home cultivation, philodendrons should be able to reproduce these conditions using a support and a pole. In the case of creeping varieties, on the other hand, they can hang down beautifully to form a lush cascade. Under home conditions, philodendrons do not often exceed 2 m in height. What sets these houseplants apart is undoubtedly the extremely attractive foliage, which varies in size, colour and shape depending on the species.

Philodendron - the most interesting species and varieties

Philodendron (Philodendron) is a plant from the picture family, which includes as many as 700 species of philodendron. Particularly interesting philodendron varieties include climbers such as the charming Philodendron Scandens, the silvery Philodendron Brandtianum, the velvety-leaved Philodendron Micans or the green-lime combination Philodendron Brasil. If you want a plant that will grow quickly, choose the Philodendron Painted Lady variety. Among the collector specimens, the Philodendron Pink Princess, considered the princess of potted plants, and the post-cut Philodendron Florida are worthy of attention. Most varieties are well suited to the vertical garden. Philodendrons are also often chosen as plants for the office, plants for a restaurant or plants for a hotel.

How to grow philodendron - the most important plant requirements

The philodendron is a phenomenal plant that has low growing requirements. The basic conditions to be provided for this plant are:

✔️ position

For the philodendron, it is best to choose a warm site with indirect sunlight or light shade. It is good if it is a position with increased humidity.

✔️ temperature

Philodendrons suit room temperature all year round. They tolerate winter heating much better than other houseplants.

✔️ substrate

Choose a fertile, humus and permeable soil as a substrate for your philodendron. Universal soil available in supermarkets is not a good solution. It is too clayey and retains moisture for too long. So use a loose substrate which will flow freely in your hands. This can, for example, be a mixture containing peat and perlite and, in addition, coconut fibres.

✔️ watering and fertilising

The philodendron likes regular watering, but does not tolerate overwatering. These plants should therefore be watered when the top layer dries out slightly. During the period of intensive growth, the plant should be fertilised regularly. Green plant fertilisers and organic fertilisers work well.

How to care for philodendrons?

The philodendron is a potted plant that, despite its tropical origin, does not require engaging maintenance. Basic care includes sprinkling the leaves. Philodendrons love it! In heated rooms in winter, it sometimes happens that the leaves of some varieties turn brown at the edges. This can be easily prevented by sprinkling them with soft water.

Philodendron vs. monstera

Very often philodendron is confused with monstera. More specifically, this applies to the feathered philodendron and the hollow monstera. Indeed, these plants are related to each other. They grow in similar conditions and look similar. Hence, it is not difficult to make a mistake. Fortunately, in terms of care and cultivation, these philodendrons and monstera do not differ. The leaves of the monstera are slightly more heart-shaped and older specimens also have holes in the leaves.