Here’s everything you need to know to keep this adaptable houseplant happy. “Because of the wide range of habitats that they can be found in, they are fairly easygoing and adaptable to most home environments,” explains Chris Satch, a plant specialist at Horti. Most philodendrons would do well placed near a window that gets a fair amount of light but isn’t scorched by the sun all day. (Remember, these babies thrive in the tropics, so they’re used to a little shade.) If you live in a warmer climate that doesn’t dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, you can also grow your philodendron outside in the garden. Some types of philodendrons are rarer than others, but chances are you can find at least one variety in your local plant shop or garden store. Here’s an introduction to a few of plant experts’ favorite varieties and what makes them special: Your plant will likely need more water in the spring and summer, and less during the fall and winter’s dormant months. Neese likes to use a plant meter to gauge exactly how much moisture her plant has before watering, especially if it’s on the larger side and surrounded by lots of soil. It can also thrive next to a southern-facing window that has a sheer curtain to diffuse some of that bright light. Direct sun can damage its leaves! If you have a philodendron that’s struggling to grow, Neese recommends checking on its light and pushing it closer to a window if needed. Remember, light conditions in your home can change from season to season, so you may have to move your plant periodically. If you’re using synthetic fertilizer, dilute it with water so it is half as strong as what the directions call for, as synthetics tend to be very concentrated. “If you don’t prune them, the internodes (stem sections between the nodes) get longer between leaves and look lean,” she explains. “The goal is a full head and cascading foliage on the hanging varieties.” Give your plant a few minutes to soak up any remaining water in its tray. After 10 to 15 minutes, dump any leftover water in the sink. It doesn’t need it! Emma received her B.A. in Environmental Science & Policy with a specialty in environmental communications from Duke University. In addition to penning over 1,000 mbg articles on topics from the water crisis in California to the rise of urban beekeeping, her work has appeared on Grist, Bloomberg News, Bustle, and Forbes. She’s spoken about the intersection of self-care and sustainability on podcasts and live events alongside environmental thought leaders like Marci Zaroff, Gay Browne, and Summer Rayne Oakes.
