Philodendrons: Thriving on your affection, forgiving of your neglect.

For the imperfect plant parent, the Philodendron understands. It thrives on your affection but forgives your neglect. This gentle companion offers lush beauty without the pressure—a low-guilt, high-reward relationship that brings peace and life to your busy home.

Philodendron Red Andersen

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Type

• Indoor

• Easy Plant Care

• High Humidity (60%-80%)

You might see tons of different Philodendrons out there, and you're right, they don't all have the same care instructions! But don't worry—most of them share a few simple, core needs. For example, they all love indirect light (sunshine that doesn't hit the leaves directly), airy soil, and steady watering without getting soggy. We'll go over the basics now. A simple rule of thumb: if your plant has fancy colors in the leaves, it needs more good light than a plain green one to look its best.

Sun Needs

Philodendrons need bright, indirect sunlight; direct sun will scorch them. They can tolerate lower light, but ideal spots are near an east window or a few feet from a sunny one. Use sheer curtains or a grow light for help. Too little light means slow growth and small leaves; too much causes burnt or yellow leaves.

• Bright, Indirect Light Place your philodendron in a location with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.

  
  

• Avoid Direct Sun Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, especially for variegated types, and may cause browning.

  
  

• Ideal Placement An east or northern-facing window is often ideal, or a few feet away from a sunny window, or one with a sheer curtain.

Water Needs

Philodendrons need their soil to be about 50% to 75% dry before watering, which is typically once every one to two weeks, but this varies with factors like light and humidity.

• Check Soil Moisture Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch.

  
  

• Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot and empty the saucer to prevent root rot.

  
  

• Signs of thirst include drooping or yellowing leaves and difficulty unfurling new leaves.

• Avoid Overwatering Philodendrons dislike consistently soggy soil and are prone to root rot.

How to Check Soil

• Insert your finger one to two inches into the soil to gauge moisture; it should be dry at this depth before watering again.

  
  

• You can also use a chopstick or moisture meter for a more accurate reading, but avoid letting the soil become completely dry, as Alocasias prefer consistently moist but not soggy conditions.

Soil and Fertilizer Needs

• Soil

  Use a chunky, airy, well-draining potting mix, such as one containing compost, perlite, orchid bark, or activated charcoal.

  
  

• Fertilizer Water-soluble fertilizers are widely available and selecting a brand is often a matter of choice. Apply your chosen fertilizer every two to four weeks to support the plant's health exclusively during its main growing season (spring to summer). Reduce or stop feeding in fall and winter.

Seasonal Frequency Considerations

Season	Expected Frequency	Note
Growing Season (Spring & Summer)	Approximately once every 1 to 2 weeks (or when the soil is dry)	Keep your environment in mind (light, pot size, temperature, and humidity), but when it's time to water, use room temperature water. Pour it until the soil is fully saturated and water drips from the drainage holes, then be sure to remove all excess water.
Dormant Season (Fall & Winter)	Approximately every two weeks or longer (or when the soil is dry)	Always check the soil moisture first. When the plant is resting, only water lightly if the soil is dry to the touch. This practice is crucial for preventing overwatering, which can easily lead to root rot when the plant isn't actively growing.

Tips and Other Notes

• There are over 450 species of Philodendrons

  
  

• Growth Habits

  
  

  • Vining (or climbing) These plants produce long, trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves (Heartleaf Philodendron).

    
    

  • Upright (or self-heading) These varieties grow in a more bushy, upright form from a central stem

  
  

• Yellowing leaves Can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, too much sun, or nutrient deficiency.

  
  

• Drooping leaves A classic sign of watering issues, both over- and under-watering.

  
  

• Root rot The result of persistent overwatering. If caught early, you can trim the affected roots and repot with fresh soil.

  
  

• Leggy growth Stretched stems with large gaps between leaves, indicating the plant needs more light.

  
  

• Pests While not highly susceptible, philodendrons can attract common houseplant pests such as mealybugs, aphids, scale, and spider mites. Regularly wipe leaves with a damp cloth to help prevent infestations.