In our fun facts blog earlier this month, you got to know your HortyGirl Philodendron plant and got some great living decor ideas. Now it’s time to learn how to take care of your Philodendron plant to keep them lush and thriving as part of your home or office decor all year long. Caring for your Philodendron plant is relatively easy and simple if you watch the signals from the plant. We went to our HortyGirl potted plant expert for top 3 care tips for the Philodendron plant.
Lighting Care Tip
Philodendron plant care has three basic needs: lighting, water and fertilizer. The first basic need is lighting.
Philodendron plants like bright, indirect sunlight. Set the plant in a location near a window where the sun’s rays never actually touch the foliage. If many plant leaves turn yellow at the same time, the plant is getting too much light in which case it’s a good idea to move your plant. If the stems are getting long with several inches between leaves, then the plant is indicating that it needs more light.
Watering Care Tip For Philodendron Potted Plant
The next basic need for your HortyGirl Philodendron potted plant is water.
When caring for your Philodendron, allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. The length of your index finger to the first knuckle is about an inch, thus you can insert your index finger into the soil to check moisture levels. You can also use a wood skewer or bamboo stick and mark an inch with a pencil on it then follow the tips on how to measure moisture from our How Do I Know When to Water Plants blog.
If the leaves are drooping, it can mean that either the plant is getting too much water or not enough. You’ll have to check moisture and correct the watering schedule. Once corrected, leaves can recover quickly.
Feed Fertilizer To Your Philodendron Plant
Lastly, the third basic need is fertilizer. A balanced liquid foliage houseplant fertilizer that contains macronutrients is great for your Philodendron potted plant. Water the plant with the fertilizer each month in the spring and summer then in the fall and winter every 6 to 8 weeks. If the plant leaf size is small and growing slowly, the plant is telling you that it is not getting enough fertilizer. Additionally, if the new leaves are pale, then it is not getting enough calcium and magnesium, which are essential for philodendrons.
Finishing Up
Philodendrons are a great plant for your living decor adding beauty and a tropical ‘jungle’ feel to any indoor space. By following the above care tips and watching the signals, your HortyGirl Philodendron potted plant will be healthy and thriving all year long.