Phenomenal yet personable, the Philodendron is a classic, and a practically no-fail houseplant because it’s so easy to grow. The philodendron family is a big one with a wide variety of plants that grow in a range of shapes, sizes, and with interesting foliage characteristics. Years ago it was a Philodendron Monstera that was featured on the set of the popular TV sitcom ‘The Golden Girls”. Monsteras just like Ferns are iconic plants that have influenced fashion making them popular beyond their appeal as a live plant. Their foliage motifs are found in clothing, wallpaper, art, jewelry, textiles and more.
Many of the traditional philodendron varieties are vines perfect for growing on a totem, up a trellis, or in a hanging basket and some offer pleasing variegated foliage. These are counted as some of the most easy to grow houseplants of all time. Upright-growing philodendrons are just as easy, but typically have larger leaves.
Popular Philodendrons include:
Philodendron Monstera Deliciosa, Philodendron Lemon Lime, Philodendron Burle Marx, Philodendron Scindapsus, Philodendron Birkin, Philodendrons McColley’s Finale, Autumn, Congo, Imperial Red, Moonlight and Prince of Orange for colorful foliage. Philodendron Xanadu, Philodendron Brasil, Philodendron Cordatum, Philodendron Swiss Cheese, Philodendron Lickety Split, Philodendron Selloum, Philodendron Mia, Philodendron Micans, Philodendron Silver Sword, Philodendron Shangri-la and many more….I told you there is a great variety!
Rare Philodendrons like Pink Princess or Merlot are available from time to time. And there is Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma which some people refer to as “Mini Monstera” because it looks like it with the leaf fenestration (slits and holes in leaves). But it’s an entirely different plant, popular but technically not a “Philodendron” even though it looks similar to its distant cousin Monstera.
Grow philodendrons just about anywhere in your home or office. As houseplants they’re relatively easy to grow. The plants grow best in medium or bright-light spots, but tolerate low light exceedingly well.
Water philodendrons well when the soil dries. They’re tough enough plants they don’t mind if you forget to water them now and again. Just take care not to overwater your philodendrons. They will rot if they’re kept too wet.
Philodendrons will appreciate a feeding three times a year for best results, Spring, Summer and one more time in early Fall. We have a variety of houseplant fertilizers at Flowerland. Just follow the packaging directions.
Vining philodendrons can be cut back at any time to keep them compact and bushy. Perfect for hanging baskets or areas where some vining would be appreciated.
Outdoors in summer in Michigan after danger of frost is past, philodendrons make a great plant for sunrooms, decks, patios to give that tropical feel but typically do best in partial shade or shade and in moist, well-drained soil. Don’t put them out in direct hot sunlight.
