#Heart leaf philodendron how to

Pale new leaves usually indicate that the plant isn’t getting enough calcium and magnesium, which are essential micro-nutrients for philodendrons. Slow growth and small leaf size is the plant’s way of telling you that it isn’t getting enough fertilizer. Water the plant with the fertilizer monthly in spring and summer and every six to eight weeks in fall and winter. Use a water-soluble fertilizer and be sure to dilute it. Feed philodendron houseplants with a balanced liquid foliage houseplant fertilizer that contains macro-nutrients. It is recommended that you fertilize philodendrons regularly. Be sure never to let a potted plant sit in a saucer of water. This is less likely in outdoor plants than houseplants. The plant’s leaves will also turn yellow when it is getting too much water. But the leaves recover quickly when you correct the watering schedule. Droopy leaves can mean that the plant is getting too much or not enough water. That's about the length of your index finger to the first knuckle, so inserting your finger into the soil is a good way to check the moisture level.Īs a general rule, the large lush leaves of philodendrons do best when their soil is kept consistently moist, but not wet. Houseplants should be watered whenever the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil is dry to the touch. Philodendrons are not particularly thirsty plants. Plant philodendrons in light growing medium that allows water to drain easily. On the other hand, if the stems are long and leggy with several inches between leaves, the plant probably isn’t getting enough light. While it’s normal for older leaves to yellow, if this happens to several leaves at the same time, the plant may be getting too much light. Find a position near a window where the sun’s rays never actually touch the foliage. If you're growing your philodendron as a houseplant, place the pot in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Popular heart-leaf philodendron prefers indirect bright light, but these are easy-going houseplants that will accept a range of lighting conditions, including shade. The amount and type of sunlight a philodendron requires depends on the species. Second, most species do not do well in direct sun, and, finally, most philodendrons require well-draining soil to thrive. They prefer the same temperatures humans enjoy indoors. First, most philodendrons are not cold hardy and can only live outside in a very warm climate.

#Heart leaf philodendron how to

But a few general rules apply when it comes to how to care for a philodendron. The cultural needs of philodendrons depend on the species of the plant and whether it is a houseplant or a garden fixture. Unlike most houseplants, philodendrons don’t experience as much stress when moving from indoor to outdoor settings. Taking the plant outdoors also gives you a chance to flush the soil with plenty of fresh water and clean the leaves. Indoor plants grow year round without complaint, but they enjoy an occasional stay outdoors in a shady spot when the weather permits. When to plant: year round as houseplants outdoors in spring.Hardiness zones: heartleaf philodendron - USDA zones 10B-11 tree philodendron zones 8b-11.Soil requirements: light, well-draining.Spread: some non-climbers can reach 6 feet (1.8 m).Height: vines can grow up to 3 feet (0.9 m) some non-climbers up to 6 feet tall (1.8 m).