Philodendron
Philodendrons are among the easiest houseplants to grow. This large group of tropical plants, from the heartleaf types to the tree philodendron, thrives on modest care and makes a reliable, long-lived addition to a home.
Care basics
- Light: Bright, indirect light is best. Many, like the heartleaf philodendron, tolerate fairly low light, but low light reduces leaf size and can make plants leggy. Keep out of direct sun, which scorches leaves.
- Water: Keep the soil evenly moist but not wet — water when the top of the soil is dry, and don't let the plant sit in soggy soil or a saucer of water. Overwatering causes yellow leaves and root rot; underwatering also makes leaves droop.
- Soil: A well-drained, organic-rich potting mix.
- Temperature: Comfortable house temperatures (roughly 65–85°F); protect from cold drafts.
- Humidity: Likes humidity but tolerates average home air well.
- Fertilizer: A balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season.
The 3 most common problems
1. Yellow leaves and root rot from overwatering
Philodendrons are often killed by too much water — it yellows the leaves and rots the roots. Fix: Water only when the top of the soil is dry, and make sure the pot drains. See our root rot guide.
2. Brown leaf tips from low humidity
Browning leaf tips with yellow halos can mean the plant needs more humidity. Fix: Raise humidity with a pebble tray or grouped plants. See our brown tips guide.
3. Leggy, sparse growth from low light
In dim light, philodendrons grow stretched and lose their full look. Fix: Move to brighter, indirect light. See our leggy growth guide.
Also watch for aphids, mealybugs, scale, and spider mites.
Pet safety note: Philodendron is toxic to cats and dogs — it contains insoluble calcium oxalates that irritate the mouth and stomach. Keep it out of reach of pets. (Source: ASPCA.)
A few extra tips
Philodendrons are easy to propagate — trailing types root readily from stem cuttings placed in water until roots form. Replacing the potting soil every couple of years helps clear out the salts and chemicals that can build up. Letting trailing types climb a trellis or moss pole gives a fuller, more natural look, and keeping the leaves dusted keeps them healthy.
Philodendron at a glance
- Light: bright, indirect — many tolerate low light
- Water: keep evenly moist but not soggy; water when the top of the soil is dry
- Temperature: comfortable house temperatures, roughly 65–85°F
- Watch for: yellow leaves and root rot (overwatering), brown leaf tips (low humidity), and leggy growth (low light)
Philodendrons reward simple, steady care: get the light and watering right and they're reliable, long-lived, and easy to propagate from stem cuttings so you can grow more. A well-tended philodendron is one of the most dependable houseplants for beginners and veterans alike, and pinching the growing tips keeps it full and bushy rather than long and bare.