Philodendron do need a reasonable amount of water to thrive, however, they are relatively forgiving plants and don’t need as much as some other plants. Some varieties of philodendron like the split leaf philodendron, need to be watered less frequently than other varieties such as the creeping philodendron.
To ensure your philodendron stays healthy, keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. For most varieties, this means you should water it around once a week and allow the soil to dry out slightly in-between waterings.
It is important to use a pot with good drainage, to allow the excess water to easily escape. Additionally, the positioning of your plant can play a role in water needs. Philodendron that is close to a window or exposed to direct sun will need more frequent watering than a plant in a darker location.
How do I know my philodendron needs water?
If your philodendron is starting to display signs of needing water, such as drooping, yellowing leaves, fragile stems and dry, crumbly soil, then it’s time to give it some water. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch or two to check if it’s dry.
If the top inch or two of soil is dry, your philodendron needs water. If it feels wet or soggy, it’s a sign that the plant has been overwatered. If this is the case, you should hold back on watering your philodendron until the soil has dried out completely.
Additionally, if you find that the bottom of your pot or planter is filled with excess water (that appears to be dripping from the hole in the bottom) then you’ve likely been overwatering.
How many times a week do you water a philodendron?
The amount of water a philodendron needs will depend on factors such as the size of the pot, type of soil, temperature, light, and humidity. In general, it is important to keep the soil of a philodendron evenly moist, but not soggy.
A good rule of thumb is to water the plant when the top inch or so of soil is dry. Depending on the conditions in your home, this may mean watering the philodendron once a week or more often during the summer growing season.
During the winter, you may need to water the plant less often. To make sure you’re providing enough water, check the moisture in the soil with your finger about an inch deep. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water.
How do you keep a philodendron healthy?
To keep a philodendron healthy, it is important to provide the plant with the correct amount of light, water, nutrition, and temperature.
The philodendron will flourish in bright, indirect sunlight and will struggle in direct sunlight. If its leaves are starting to yellow, this could be a sign of too much direct sunlight or not enough light.
If the leaves are starting to droop, it could be a sign of not enough light. You can adjust the light requirements by moving the plant away from windows that receive too much sun, to obtain the correct level of light.
Water the soil deeply and routinely. Allow it to dry out before thoroughly watering the plant again. Over-watering can cause root rot, so avoid this.
Nutrition is important for foliage plants like the philodendron. It is best to use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during the fall and winter.
Keep the philodendron in an area with a room temperature of between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit. High temperatures and drafts can negatively affect your plant.
By providing the philodendron with the right amount of light, water, nutrition, and temperature, it will remain healthy and continue to flourish.
Are philodendrons sensitive to tap water?
Philodendrons are relatively tolerant plants and generally can tolerate tap water without issue. However, it is best to let tap water sit for 24 hours before using it to water your philodendrons. The chlorine in tap water can be harsh on the plants, and when the water sits, the chlorine evaporates, leaving you with a more balanced water that won’t shock the plants’ sensitive root systems.
Generally, most tap water will not harm the plant; however, if your tap water has been tested and contains heavy metals, it is best to use filtered or distilled water to water your plants.
Do philodendrons like to dry out?
No, philodendrons do not like to dry out. They prefer consistently moist soil and plenty of humidity. If the soil dries out, the foliage will start to droop as the plant’s root system struggles to take in enough water.
For healthy growth, it is recommended that the soil remains consistently moist but never soggy. If you are unsure if the soil needs water, you can check the top inch of soil by using your finger or a moisture meter.
Philodendrons must have time to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot. To help retain moisture, weekly misting is recommended, making sure to prevent water from collecting in the center of the plant.
If the surrounding air is too dry, setting the pot on a shallow tray of water with pebbles can increase the humidity.
How much sunlight does a philodendron need?
Philodendrons are tropical plants and thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. For most varieties of philodendron, this would mean at least several hours of bright, indirect sunlight a day. Keeping your philodendron near a window that gets plenty of sunshine is ideal.
However, the intensity of the light depends on the location of the window and should be adjusted accordingly. While it’s important for philodendrons to get enough light, too much light can damage their leaves.
Direct exposure to the sun’s rays can cause sunburn and leaves to scorch and fade. A Philodendron’s leaves should be an even green color. If they start to yellow, then the plant has too much sun. When this happens, be sure to move the plant to a shadier location.
Why are philodendron leaves turning yellow?
Philodendron leaves turning yellow could be due to a variety of reasons. A few of the most common causes of yellow leaves include too much direct sunlight, not enough or inconsistent watering, or nutrient deficiencies in the soil.
Sunlight is the most important factor to ensure that the leaves remain healthy and vibrant. If your philodendron is continuously exposed to bright or harsh sunlight, the leaves are likely to become yellow and dry.
Additionally, inconsistent watering can cause philodendron leaves to turn yellow. For best results, give your plant a good soaking, making sure to discard any water that accumulates in the tray below.
Lastly, insufficient nutrients in the soil can leave your philodendron leaves looking pale and chlorotic. To determine if this is the cause of your wilting leaves, try adding highly organic compost to the soil or switch to a nutrient-rich potting mix.
Philodendrons are no different from other houseplants; it is important to provide adequate light, water and nutritional levels for the health of your plant.
What happens if you overwater a philodendron?
If you overwater a philodendron, it can cause the root system to become waterlogged and cause root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease of the root system that can cause the philodendron to lose its leaves, its stems to become weak, and it may become prone to pest infestations as well.
Overwatering can also cause the philodendron to become prone to diseases like gray mold or stem blight. In order to prevent overwatering, it is important to make sure that the soil is properly draining and only water the plant when the top layer of soil is dry.
Additionally, providing adequate airflow and humidity around the plant will help to avoid overwatering and minimize the risk of root rot.
