Philodendron care

The Philodendron stands out for its graceful leaves and easy care. This tropical plant is available in various forms and fits effortlessly into any interior. What's more, it purifies the air and grows quickly with the right attention.

Philodendron care

With its lush, heart-shaped leaves and easy care, the Philodendron is one of the most popular houseplants. This tropical beauty comes in many varieties – from climbing species to compact leaf shapes – and fits perfectly into almost any interior. The Philodendron is also highly air-purifying and grows relatively quickly, provided it receives the right care.

In this care guide, you’ll read everything you need to know to keep your Philodendron happy and healthy!

Philodendron care verzorging - Green Bubble

Philodendron care tips at a glance

Placement

Philodendrons prefer bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight may cause the leaves to fade or burn.
A spot in partial shade or near an east- or west-facing window is ideal.
Maintain a stable temperature between 18°C and 27°C.
Avoid drafts and cold airflows; Philodendrons are sensitive to cold.

Water and humidity

Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry out before watering again.
Water approximately once a week in summer, and less frequently in winter.
Philodendrons appreciate higher humidity. Regular misting with a plant sprayer helps keep the leaves in good condition, especially when the air is dry.
When repotting, always use a moisture meter or water gauge.

Nutrition

During the growing season (March to September), feed once a month with liquid houseplant fertiliser.
From October to February, you can pause fertilising; growth slows during this period.
Be careful not to over-fertilise — this can cause brown leaf edges or root burn.

Soil and pot

Use a light, well-draining potting mix. A blend of regular potting soil and vulcastrat is ideal.
A pot with drainage holes prevents excess water from sitting at the roots.
Repot the plant every 2 to 3 years, or when the roots begin to grow out of the pot.

	Guarantee	Fresh from the grower
	Delivery type	Houseplant delivered in growing pot
	Latijnse naam	Philodendron
	Location	Normal daylight
	Water requirements	Approximately once or twice a week
	Toxic	Mildly toxic if ingested
	Air purifying	Yes
	Maintenance	Low

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“Philodendrons naturally grow beneath the canopy of tropical rainforests, which means they are used to filtered light. Never place the plant in direct sunlight.”

Frequently asked questions about the Philodendron

Quick answers to the most commonly asked questions about water, light, nutrition and general care.

How often should I water my Philodendron?

About once a week, depending on the humidity and temperature. Let the top layer of soil dry out between waterings.

Can the Philodendron be placed in direct sunlight?

Preferably not. Indirect light is best. Direct sunlight can cause leaf burn.

Is the Philodendron poisonous?

Yes, the Philodendron is poisonous if ingested. The sap can cause irritation. So be careful with small children and pets!

Why are my Philodendron leaves turning yellow?

Usually due to too much water or too little light. Check the location and watering.

Can a Philodendron be kept in a bedroom?

Certainly! It purifies the air and tolerates partial shade well. Just make sure it gets some daylight.

Can a Philodendron also be grown in a hanging pot, or does it need to climb?

Yes, many varieties are climbing plants and look beautiful against a moss pole or support, but there are also compact varieties that are perfect for hanging baskets or pots on the table.

Why does the leaf become smaller and the stem longer?

This often indicates insufficient light. A Philodendron in conditions that are too dark will try to reach the light, resulting in long stems and smaller leaves. Place the plant a little closer to the window (but not in direct sunlight) or choose a spot with more indirect light.

My Philodendron has brown edges on its leaves. What does this indicate?

Brown edges can have various causes, such as excessively dry air, insufficient water, or over-fertilization. It is important to check the environmental factors (humidity, watering, fertilizer).

Everything about Philodendron care

The Philodendron is a robust, easy houseplant that adapts well to different conditions. Still, there are a few things to keep in mind to help the plant grow at its best.

Best spot for the Philodendron

Philodendrons naturally grow under the canopy of tropical rainforests, so they are used to filtered light. Never place your plant in direct sunlight.
A bright spot without harsh sun is perfect — for example, a few metres away from an east- or west-facing window. The plant also does well in a mostly shaded location.

If the light is too low, growth will slow and the leaves will become smaller. If the plant receives too much sun, the leaves may fade or develop brown spots.

Watering a Philodendron

The Philodendron likes moist soil but not wet feet. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again.
Preferably use rainwater or filtered water to prevent limescale buildup.

Tip: drooping leaves are often a sign of either too much or too little water. Check the soil with your finger to work out what is going on.

Humidity and temperature

The Philodendron is happiest at room temperatures between 18°C and 27°C.
Although it tolerates dry air better than many other tropical plants, a humidity level of around 50–60% is ideal.

Mist the leaves occasionally with a plant sprayer, especially in winter when indoor air is drier. This prevents brown edges and keeps the foliage glossy and healthy.

Potting soil and repotting

Use an airy mixture of potting soil and vulcastrat or clay pebbles for good drainage and airflow.

Repot your Philodendron every 2 to 3 years, ideally in spring. Choose a pot that is 2–4 cm larger than the previous one, so the roots have room to grow.

Philodendron feeding

During the growing season (March to September), give the plant a little houseplant fertiliser once a month.
From October to February the Philodendron has a rest period and extra feeding is not needed.

Note: over-fertilising can damage the roots, which leads to brown or yellow leaves.

Pruning

The Philodendron grows quickly, especially the climbing varieties. Feel free to trim long vines back to keep the plant compact. Also remove old or damaged leaves to keep the plant tidy and encourage new growth.

Propagating the Philodendron

The Philodendron is very easy to propagate! Cut a stem with at least one leaf and an aerial root and place it in water or directly into moist soil.
Within a few weeks new roots will form, after which you can pot the cutting up in potting soil.

Common problems with the Philodendron

Yellow leaves: often a sign of too much water or too little light.
Brown edges: may point to air that is too dry or too much fertiliser.
Slow growth: too little light or nutrition.
Drooping leaves: usually a watering issue, too much or too little.