How to Plant and Grow Philodendron

A philodendron is the perfect houseplant for new plant owners.

Updated on January 26, 2023

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Philodendron Overview

GENUS NAME	Philodendron
COMMON NAME	Philodendron
PLANT TYPE	Houseplant
LIGHT	Part Sun, Shade, Sun
HEIGHT	1 to 3 feet
WIDTH	1 to 6 feet
FOLIAGE COLOR	Blue/Green, Chartreuse/Gold, Gray/Silver, Purple/Burgundy
SPECIAL FEATURES	Good for Containers, Low Maintenance
PROPAGATION	Stem Cuttings

Where to Plant Philodendron

Save your sunniest windows for other plants. Philodendron plants prefer a an indirect light environment—not too difficult to locate in most homes. A location near a window but out of any direct sunlight works well. Philodendron with leaves that aren't all green can handle a little more indirect light than those with all-green leaves. You'll know the plant is getting too much light if its leaves turn yellow.

Philodendron Care Tips

Light

Philodendrons are native to tropical rainforests, where they ruggedly climb up trees. When translated into a home setting, these plants prefer dappled light, much like the canopy of a tropical rainforest. Upright varieties are much more accepting of bright sun, but they appreciate some spotted shade. Colored-leaf varieties need a good amount of bright light to show their best colors. When in too much shade, they tend to fade to a dull green.

Soil and Water

Choose a well-drained potting medium that will not stay wet for too long; philodendron prefers even moisture and does not like sitting in wet soil. Upright varieties are much more tolerant of drought but also prefer evenly moist soil.

Fertilizer

Philodendrons benefit from regular doses of fertilizer monthly during the spring and summer months when growth is most active. This can be done with either liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellets. The rest of the year, cut back to once every two months.

Potting and Repotting Philodendron

Repot your houseplant every two years with fresh soil. When plants sit in the same soil for long periods, they can accumulate salt deposits from the water, which leads to leaf burn (browning and yellowing of leaf tips and edges). You can thoroughly flush the soil by running water through it until the water coming out the bottom of the pots runs clear.

Pests and Problems

Although they spend their lives indoors and are typically pest-free, philodendron plants are susceptible to the usual garden suspects—aphids, mealybugs, scales and spider mites. Any time you bring a new plant into your home, you may expose your philodendrons to these. Treat them as you would in the garden with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

As vining types of philodendrons continue to grow, they can become long and leggy. These plants don't mind being cut back, so feel free to cut off gawky growth; it will encourage new shoots to form at the point where they were cut.

How to Propagate Philodendron

Climbing types of philodendrons are exceptionally easy to propagate, and they make great gifts! Because these plants have nodes containing preformed roots, they can start forming new plants quickly. Cut a 5-inch portion of the stem of an existing plant, making sure the cutting contains at least one leaf and a node. Stick the stem in a glass of water, making sure the node is submerged. Eventually, roots form from the node, and the process is a new plant.

You can also put a cutting in potting soil. In this case, dip the bottom half of the cutting containing a node in rooting hormone before putting it in a pot with drainage holes. Keep the soil moist but not wet. The result is new roots and leaves in only a few weeks.

Types of Philodendron

'Brasil' Philodendron

Philodendron 'Brasil' is a hybrid that looks like a cross between heart-leaf philodendron and pothos. Its leaves have a variable broad central band of chartreuse.

Elephant Ear Philodendron

Philodendron domesticum has glossy green spade-shaped leaves up to 2 feet long. It is also called spade leaf philodendron (Philodendron hastatum).

Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron

Philodendron bipennifolium has violin-shaped leaves to 10 inches long. It is a vine that will climb a support pole if given the chance. It is also known as panda plant (Philodendron panduriforme).

Heartleaf Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum oxycardium is a durable vining houseplant with slender stems and heart-shaped leaves. It grows well in hanging baskets, trained to a moss pole, or draping over the edge of a shelf.

Red-Leaf Philodendron

Philodendron erubescens has reddish-purple stems and large coppery red leaves.

Split-Leaf Philodendron

Philodendron bipinnatifidum, also called lacy tree philodendron (Philodendron selloum), has large, deeply lobed leaves that arise from a central stem. It can spread to 6 feet wide and 8 feet tall.

Tree Philodendron

Philodendron bipinnatifidum is also called split-leaf philodendron. This tropical plant has a semi-upright habit and grows 10 feet tall and wide in warm regions. Grow it as a houseplant and enjoy its glossy leaves and vertical habit.

Velvet-Leaf Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum hederaceum looks like heart-leaf philodendron at first glance, except its leaves are covered with fine, velvety hairs, and the new growth is bronze.

'Xandu' Philodendron

Philodendron 'Xanadu' is a hybrid that grows 3 feet tall and wide. It prefers bright light and does not form aerial roots like other philodendrons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do philodendrons like to be root-bound?
Although they tolerate being root-bound better than many plants, it isn't their preference. Keep your philodendron healthy by repotting it regularly as the plant grows.
Do philodendrons clean the air?
They do. Philodendrons filter toxins including formaldehyde, but it is unclear how many plants you'd need in your home to make a real difference. It is a good idea to enjoy these plants for their attractive foliage rather than any nebulus health benefits.

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Parlor Palm: Plant Care & Growing Guide

How to Grow and Care for Parlor Palm

By
JON VANZILE
Updated on 08/30/21
Reviewed by
DEBRA LAGATTUTA

IN THIS ARTICLE

The parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) has long been used as an indoor plant. This lovely plant with deep green foliage was first discovered in Central America and brought back to the United States where it immediately became a popular indoor palm. It grows in attractive clumps with light-textured foliage cloaking thin trunks.

It is possible to sometimes find single-stalk specimens, but most often the palms are grown in small clumps so that they resemble palm-like shrubs in attractive pots. The fronds are popular in flower arrangements, Palm Sunday decorations, and wreaths because they can survive for up to 40 days after being cut from the plant. Parlor palm is a slow grower and can take years to reach full height (2 to 6 feet indoors and 6 to 16 feet outdoors).

Common Name	Parlor palm, Neanthe bella palm
Botanical Name	Chamaedorea elegans
Family	Arecaceae
Plant Type	Palm
Mature Size	In natural habitat, 6-16 ft. tall; as a houseplant, 2-6 ft. tall, 2-3-ft. spread
Sun Exposure	Bright, indirect light
Soil Type	Outdoors, any well-drained soil; indoors, use a peaty soil-based potting mix
Soil pH	Acidic to neutral
Bloom Time	Spring; rarely blooms indoors
Flower Color	Yellow
Hardiness Zones	10-12 (USDA)
Native Area	Rainforests of southern Mexico and Guatemala

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Watch Now: How to Grow and Care for a Parlor Palm Plant

Parlor Palm Care

The parlor palm is one of the most popular indoor palms grown in most temperate countries, favored because it adapts to relatively low light and handles lower temperatures. Among all the palm trees, parlor palms are a great place to start for the beginner. The plants do especially well in 3-gallon pots (about 10 inches wide) in a northern exposure or foyer, where they show off their fine-textured leaves. Because they are tolerant of lower light conditions and sensitive to too much water, they are prime candidates to be "loved to death," either through overwatering or by getting too much direct sunlight.1

closeup of parlor palm fronds — The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

Chamaedorea elegans otherwise known as a parlor palm

Light

These are considered low-light plants, but that doesn't mean "no-light." Parlor palms will do their best in bright, filtered sunlight. They often do well with northern exposure.

Soil

Indoors, any high-quality peat-based potting mix will suffice. Be careful not to let the mixture break down and become spongy. Outdoors, this palm will grow well in almost any soil—sand, loamy, or clay. But it does not tolerate salty soil.

Water

Like many palms, parlor palms are sensitive to overwatering and cannot tolerate being waterlogged or sitting in a saturated potting mix. Ideally, keep moisture at an even level. Err on the side of slightly too dry rather than overwatering. Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Yellow fronds will indicate the plant needs more water.

Temperature and Humidity

The parlor palm prefers room temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a low of 50 degrees Fahrenheit but will die if touched by frost. Keep it away from cold drafts near windows, vents, and outside doors. It will thrive with average humidity. If your palm begins to develop dry leaf margins or brown tips, it's most likely caused by cold drafts or prolonged dry periods.2 To remedy this situation, raise the humidity levels before overwatering.

Fertilizer

Feed with a weak liquid fertilizer once or twice during the growing season and not at all during the winter. These plants are light feeders.

Types of Parlor Palms

C. elegans is the most popular type of parlor palm. It's native to Mexico and Central America and is sometimes used in dish gardens.
C. erumpens is a bamboo palm that originates slightly further south than C. elegans and is a bit larger, with more fan-like leaves.
C. hooperiana is a newer variety that resembles a kentia palm with its large, dramatic palm-shaped leaves. It's a vigorous plant that's easy to grow.

Propagating Parlor Palm

These plants are almost always propagated from seed by professional growers. It may be possible to divide a clump into two smaller clumps successfully, but this is not recommended because it will put the plant and its roots under too much stress. The plants aren't clumping by nature but grown in clumps for aesthetic reasons. They cannot be propagated by stem cutting or leaf cutting. In general, it's best for home growers to buy a new plant rather than attempt propagation.

Potting and Repotting

Parlor palms have weak root systems and grow relatively slowly, meaning that repotting should only be done with care. In general, the plants stay a manageable size, so you shouldn't have to repot it more than every other year. If your potting media breaks down and becomes mucky or sponge-like, then repot to prevent root rot.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Parlor palms are vulnerable to pests including aphids, mealy bugs, scale, and whitefly.3 If possible, identify the infestation as early as possible. Fungal leaf spots and root rot can occur from moisture issues such as overwatering.

FAQ

Is parlor palm easy to care for?
Parlor palm is one of the easiest palms to grow indoors and it's virtually maintenance-free. It's also a recommended plant for beginner indoor gardeners.
How fast does parlor palm grow?
Parlor palm is known as a slow grower and takes years to reach a mature height.
How long can parlor palms live?
Indoor parlor palms are hardy and can live up to a few decades. Outdoor parlor palms can live much longer.

도시농사 Energy

Friday, March 10, 2023

How to Care for Philodendron

How to Plant and Grow Philodendron

A philodendron is the perfect houseplant for new plant owners.

Philodendron Overview

Where to Plant Philodendron

Philodendron Care Tips

Light

Soil and Water

Fertilizer

Potting and Repotting Philodendron

Pests and Problems

How to Propagate Philodendron

Types of Philodendron

'Brasil' Philodendron

Elephant Ear Philodendron

Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron

Heartleaf Philodendron

Red-Leaf Philodendron

Split-Leaf Philodendron

Tree Philodendron

Velvet-Leaf Philodendron

'Xandu' Philodendron

Frequently Asked Questions

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Parlor Palm: Plant Care & Growing Guide

Watch Now: How to Grow and Care for a Parlor Palm Plant

Parlor Palm Care

Light

Soil

Water

Temperature and Humidity

Fertilizer

Types of Parlor Palms

Propagating Parlor Palm

Potting and Repotting

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

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