The name means tree lover
Philodendron comes from the Greek philo, meaning loving, and dendron, meaning tree. A reference to their natural habit of climbing trees.
Philodendron
Philodendron
Everything you need to know about the Philodendron. Varieties and differences, climbing habits, complete care, ideal locations, and our XXL collection all in one place.
The most important thing in 30 seconds
- The Philodendron is a tropical plant from South America with large heart-shaped or feathered leaves
- Name means tree lover, referring to its climbing habit along trees
- Popular species include Scandens, Selloum, Xanadu, Pedatum, and Birkin
- Prefers a bright spot with indirect sunlight, also shade tolerant
- Toxic to pets due to oxalate crystals in the leaves
- Effective air purifier according to the NASA Clean Air Study
About this Philodendron planting guide
Did you know?
Three facts about the Philodendron that you may not have known yet.
Has aerial roots
Climbing Philodendrons develop aerial roots along the stem with which they attach to bark and take up nutrients from the air.
Verbetert luchtkwaliteit
In the NASA Clean Air Study the Philodendron is listed as an effective filter of formaldehyde and other indoor air pollutants.
Philodendron types and differences
Philodendron Scandens
The Scandens is the classic climbing Philodendron with small heart-shaped leaves. It attaches itself with aerial roots to a moss pole or lets its trails hang gracefully. A rewarding, fast-growing species that also thrives in partial shade.
Philodendron Selloum
The Selloum is a robust upright Philodendron with large, deeply cut leaves. It forms a broad, full bush and impresses in spacious interiors. A true statement plant that develops a sturdy trunk over the years.
Philodendron Xanadu
The Xanadu is a compact, upright Philodendron with lobed leaves. It keeps a nice shape and does not get too large, ideal if you want full foliage without giving up much space. A plus is its sturdy, bushy growth.
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Philodendron care step by step
Follow these steps to keep your Philodendron healthy.
- 1
Watergift
Water as soon as the top two to three centimetres of soil feel dry. In spring and summer about once a week, in autumn and winter every ten to fourteen days. The Philodendron likes slightly moist compost but does not tolerate waterlogging. Always let excess water drain away.
- 2
Location and light
Place the Philodendron in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. It is shade-tolerant and does fine further from the window, but in deep shade it grows more slowly and the leaves stay smaller. Avoid harsh midday sun, which can scorch the leaves.
- 3
Humidity and aerial roots
The Philodendron comes from tropical rainforest and likes higher humidity. Mist the leaves regularly or group the plant with others. Climbing species develop aerial roots along the stem; guide these to a moss pole so the plant finds support.
- 4
Bemesting
During the growing season from March to September add liquid plant food to the watering can every two to four weeks. In autumn and winter growth largely stops, so do not feed then. Too much feed causes salt build-up and brown leaf tips.
- 5
Repotting and pruning
Repot the Philodendron every two to three years in spring into a pot one size larger with airy compost. You can prune all year round; trim overly long trails just above a leaf. Cuttings root easily, as a piece of stem with an aerial root roots quickly in water.
Frequently asked questions about the Philodendron
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Philodendron.
Is the Philodendron toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, the Philodendron is toxic to cats and dogs. All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause irritation of the mouth, tongue and throat when chewed, plus drooling and vomiting. Keep the plant out of reach of pets that like to nibble.
How big does a Philodendron get indoors?
A Philodendron reaches 50 to 200 centimetres indoors, depending on the species. Climbing species such as the Scandens can trail up to 2 metres with a moss pole, while compact species such as the Xanadu stay around 60 to 100 centimetres. At XXLplant we deliver the larger specimens already at size.
How much water does a Philodendron need?
Water a Philodendron as soon as the top two to three centimetres of soil are dry, about weekly in summer and every ten to fourteen days in winter. The compost may stay slightly moist but never soaking wet. Yellow leaves often indicate too much water, drooping leaves too little.
Which spot is best for a Philodendron?
Best is a bright spot with indirect sunlight. The Philodendron is shade-tolerant and does fine further from the window, but grows more slowly there. Avoid harsh direct midday sun, which scorches the leaves. A spot with a stable temperature and some humidity is ideal.
What is the difference between a climbing and an upright Philodendron?
Climbing Philodendrons such as the Scandens have small heart-shaped leaves and use aerial roots to grow up a moss pole or tree. Upright species such as the Selloum and Xanadu form a shrub with larger, deeply cut leaves and need no support.
Why is my Philodendron getting yellow leaves?
Yellow leaves on a Philodendron are usually caused by too much water. Check that the pot drains well and let the compost dry out a little between waterings. A single yellow lower leaf is normal ageing, but several yellow leaves at once point to waterlogging or too little light.
How do you propagate a Philodendron?
Taking a Philodendron cutting is easy. Cut off a piece of stem with at least one leaf and an aerial root or node. Put the cutting in a glass of water in a bright spot; new roots appear within two to four weeks. Then plant the cutting in airy compost.
Does the Philodendron purify the air?
Yes, the Philodendron features on the NASA Clean Air Study list as an effective air purifier. The plant filters formaldehyde and other volatile compounds from indoor air. Combine several plants in a room for the best effect on air quality.
Plant concepts explained
- Luchtwortel
- A root that grows above ground from the stem, helping the plant attach to bark and absorb moisture from the air
- Epifyt
- A plant that grows on another plant without parasitising it; climbing Philodendrons behave partly as epiphytes
- Calciumoxalaat
- Microscopically small crystals in the plant cells that cause irritation when chewed, the reason the Philodendron is toxic to pets
- Mosstok
- Moss-covered support pole that climbing Philodendrons anchor their aerial roots to in order to grow upwards
- Bladknoop
- Point on the stem where a leaf and possibly roots form, the part used to propagate the Philodendron
- Feathered leaf
- Leaf cut deeply almost to the midrib, typical of upright species such as the Selloum
Resources and further reading
-
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Scientific description and taxonomy of the Philodendron genus
-
ASPCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Information on the toxicity of the Philodendron to cats, dogs and other pets
-
NASA Clean Air Study
NASA research into the air-purifying effect of houseplants, including the Philodendron
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