If you're a houseplant lover like me, chances are you already have a philodendron or two in your collection. These awesome tropical plants are some of the most popular and beloved houseplants for good reason—they come in tons of different shapes, colors and sizes, and they're relatively easy to care for too! In this episode, I'm going to give you the full rundown of everything you need to know about growing these amazing plants at home. We'll cover the basics of their natural habitat and key care requirements, and I'll introduce you to some of my current favorite philodendron varieties.

 

In this episode, we learn:

• [03:50] Philodendron high-level overview
• [09:38] Care #1: Light
• [13:43] Care #2: Water
• [15:38] Care #3: Soil
• [16:05] Care #4: Humidity
• [17:08] Care #5: Fertilizer 
• [17:39] Troubleshooting philodendron issues
• [19:10] Thank you Proven Winners leafjoy™ for sponsoring this episode!
• [21:01] Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
• [22:21] Philodendron ‘Brasil'
• [22:37] Philodendron ‘Lemon Lime' (as seen on my podcast art!)
• [24:13] Prismacolor™ Brandtianum
• [25:16] Philodendron atabapoense
• [26:05] Philodendron ‘Silver Sword' (Philodendron hastatum)
• [27:11] Prismacolor™ Philodendron Fozzie™
• [28:38] Philodendron ‘White Wizard' (Philodendron erubescens)
• [30:18] ‘Prince of Orange' Philodendron
• [32:08] Prismacolor™ Sun Red Philodendron
• [32:33] Philodendron ‘Pink Princess'

 

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Why Philodendrons?

The philodendron is actually an entire genus containing over 400 known plant varieties! In their natural habitat of the tropical rainforests, most philodendrons grow as understory plants (ground plants). This means they changed over time to get sunlight that was filtered or spread out by the taller trees in the canopy.

One of the best adaptations philodendrons developed is aerial roots that allow them to climb up the trunks of larger trees as they grow, searching for available light. Many climbing and vining philodendron species can be trained to climb a moss pole or trellis indoors to recreate this natural growth habit.

 

Philodendron Care Basics

While philodendrons span a huge range of varieties, they do share some general care needs. Here are the keys things to keep in mind:

Light

Most philodendrons can tolerate medium or bright indirect light. More light makes the leaves bigger and the growth fuller and bushier. Variegated varieties need more light than solid green ones.

 

Water

Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out before watering again. Compared to other tropical plants, philodendrons can handle drought pretty well. Just don’t let them dry out for too long, though.

 

Soil

A chunky, well-draining potting mix like Espoma Organic Potting Mix amended with ingredients like orchid bark (if you want to get more fancy) works best for these plants.

 

Humidity

Average household humidity is usually fine (25-35%), but boosting levels can encourage aerial root growth if you want your philodendron to climb.

 

Fertilizer

Fertilize during the growing season when you see new growth emerging.

 

Philodendron Varieties

Now let's look at some of the standout philodendron varieties I'm loving right now:

Heart Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) – the classic vining, trailing plant with dark green, heart-shaped leaves.

Philodendron ‘Brasil' – has gorgeous variegation in shades of yellow, dark green, and lime. Its vines can climb up walls or trellises.

Philodendron ‘Lemon Lime' – the bright lime green foliage of this fast-growing plant is such a fun pop of color. It vines and climbs readily too.

Prismacolor™ Philodendron Brandtianum – this variety has gorgeous dark green leaves with a silvery sheen on top. It's an ultra-vigorous climber too.

Philodendron atabapoense – gives major jungle vibes with its long, glossy 12″ arrowhead leaves.

Philodendron ‘White Wizard' – An upright plant with beautiful pink, white and green variegation.

The ‘Silver Sword' (Philodendron hastatum) – is thick and sturdy with cool, minty silver-green leaves.

Philodendron ‘Fozzie'™ (Philodendron nangaritense) – is the fuzziest philodendron you'll ever meet, with huge velvety leaves and fuzzy reddish stems.

‘Prince of Orange' Philodendron – One of the most unique colored foliage plants with leaves ranging from bright orange to reddish pink.

Prismacolor™ Sun Red Philodendroon – has pink-red new growth that matures to a deep red shade. The stems are red too!

‘Pink Princess' Philodendron – My personal favorite with its deep green leaves decorated with splashes and streaks of vivid pink variegation.

 

A Curious Collector’s Dream

With so many varieties to explore, I encourage you to try as many different philodendrons as you can get your hands on. Overall, they're such hardy, fast-growing plants that bring major jungle vibes into your home! Many thanks to Proven Winners' leafjoy™ for expanding my philodendron collection – their plants are robust, healthy, and on the cutting edge of exciting new varieties.

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Prismacolor™ Sun Red – Philodendron hybrid
• Prismacolor™ Atabapoense – Philodendron hybrid
• Prismacolor™ Brandtianum – Philodendron hybrid
• Prismacolor™ Florida Green – Climbing Philodendron
• Prismacolor™ Fozzie – Fuzzy Petiole Philodendron
• Prismacolor™ Gloriosum – Creeping Philodendron
• Prismacolor™ Hastatum – Silver Sword Philodendron
• Prismacolor™ Pink Princess – Philodendron hybrid
• Prismacolor™ Rojo Congo – Philodendron hybrid
• Prismacolor™ Sun Red – Philodendron hybrid
• Prismacolor™ White Wizard – Philodendron hybrid
• Prismacolor™ Lemon Lime – Philodendron hybrid

 

 

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Proven Winners

If you want to have success with houseplants, you’ve got to have two things: the knowledge to care for them successfully and healthy plants. Meet my new favorite houseplant grower: Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. With only the best plant genetics grown in a state-of-the-art, European greenhouse, you will not be disappointed in the variety and quality of your favorite plants from Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. This company has taken the guesswork out of plant shopping with plant tags that include scientific names and care guides, as well as color-coded collections for the different areas of your home that you want plants in!

Find plant joy in leafjoy™. Head to provenwinners.com to find your local leafjoy™ dealer and let me know which plant you take home on socials!

 

 

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