The Philodendron is one of the most famous house plants and it contains both easy house plants and house plants for the advanced plant lover. This houseplant is originally from Central and South America, among others. The Philodendron is particularly known for its beautiful leaves. There are breathtaking leaf structures and leaf textures between the many unique species that this plant genus has produced.
Colors and mutation
The most rare and unique Philodendrons often have a separate color of leaves such as Variegata. This may aurea (yellow), albo (white) or, for example, pink (pink). Hundreds of new species are being added every year. We try to get the most unique and special specimens for you, so that you can complete your green oasis. Unique spots, which allows standard plants to suddenly get a completely different appearance, we usually call "Variegata". It is a unique mutation of the DNA of the plant, which ensures that this plant is suddenly rare and is often coveted by the unique appearance. The care is often just a bit more difficult than with a "normal" version.
Care
Sunlight
It is often advised to put all Philodendrons in the shade or partial shade. However, this is absolutely not true for many rare versions and even many green species can get a lot of indirect sunlight. Only species such as the Philodendron Patriciae have to be a little further away from the window, but in general it is especially important that the Philodendron gets a lot of indirect sunlight.
Water: quantity and quality
In addition, Philodendrons can generally dry quite far at the top of the pot before water is given. At the bottom of the pot it must then be slightly moist. There are some differences in what species in terms of amount of water like. In addition, it is important to check whether the Philodendron is sensitive to the composition. For example, the Philodendron Spiritus Sancti is very sensitive to the quality of the water and should not get too much water or be wet for too long. On the other hand, the plant can often be sprayed. (Clean) rainwater at room temperature is usually the safest option for more difficult types.
Temperature
Many Philodendrons are very tolerant in terms of heat and can easily be in both a cooler and a somewhat warmer living room, for example. Yet there are also a few rarer species that like to be on the warm side, such as the Philodendron Billietiae Varegata with yellow spots or the Philodendron Ilsemanii. A cool space is usually around 17-20 degrees Celsius and a warm space is usually around 23-26 degrees Celsius during the day. Many Philodendrons with Varegata suffer from extreme heat and can then get damage to the leaves. It is then important not to use air conditioning, but to spray regularly and use a fan. That way you prevent leaf damage due to heat in the hottest summer days.
Humidity
Philodendrons come from the tropics. A humidity like in our living rooms is not common there, but it is often rather between 70 and 90% humidity. Although many species can survive in a lower humidity, a minimum humidity of 65% is advised in many rarer plants. A small greenhouse or display case can help to keep the humidity a little higher locally for species that need it.
Care per type of Philodendron
These were some general advice for the Plant family Philodendron. On many pages we also have advice and descriptions of natural habitats. That way you can give your specific Philodendron the right attention.
Potting soil and care advice
Philodendrons can generally stand well in coarse potting soil for house plants, so that the drainage in the pot is sufficient when watering. Many Philodendrons do not like wet feet, because this can cause rotting when the carrots are in water for too long at the bottom of the pot. With some plants extra attention is required. Do you doubt what you can do best? Or are you looking for something special? Then contact us! We are happy to help you further.
Thaumatophyllum
For several years, among other things, the Philodendron Selloum has been renamed Thaumatophyllum BieNatifidum. He was renamed in 2018, because botanics thought it should fall under a different sex, because the tribal growth has other characteristics. Names are constantly changing. Taxonomy is one of the more difficult aspects of botanology and it will cause discussion and change for years. But that also makes it a very interesting science, which is constantly working on many hobbyists and scientists.
