Philodendron

( fil - uh - DEN - druhn )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus needs regular water to grow well and light requirements vary by species. They can be grown outdoors or indoors in bright indirect light. These are native to the tropical Americas and are prized for their handsome foliage. Use Philodendron shrubs to add greenery and a tropical feel to landscapes, or as foundation plantings.

Philodendron Species and Varietals

Philodendron is in the plant family Araceae, and includes somewhere around 500 distinct species of plants. The genus name is derived from the Greek words philo- (meaning love or affection), and -dendron (meaning tree). The best growing zones for Philodendron vary by species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Arborescent Philodendrons
This group grows well in zones 8, 9, 12-24, H1 and H2 and can also be grown indoors. They are the size of shrubs, and have large leaves and self-supporting trunks. They do well in sun, and can also take a good amount of shade. Great against walls or glass, and wonderful in large containers. Useful for adding tropical flair to pool areas or walkways. Choice species are listed and described below.
Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Philodendron selloum)
Reaches 6-15 feet tall and wide, with a single upright trunk that leans as the plant matures. Leaves reach three feet long at the end of three foot long stalks. 
Philodendron xanadu
(Philodendron 'Xanadu')
This species is smaller and bushier than Philodendron bipinnatifidum, and reaches 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide. 
Vining and Self-Heading Philodendrons
These are best as indoor plants with bright indirect light. Vining types eventually shape themselves to structures but are not truly vining; they need a good amount of support and training to climb. Self-heading types are short and broad plants with leaves emanating from a central point. Varieties of both types are listed below.
Philodendron erubescens (Philodendron 'Hastatum')
This vining type of Philodendron reaches 10-20 feet and has foot long, arrow-shaped leaves. 
Philodendron scandens
A popular vining type of Philodendron that can reach 50 feet; deep green, heart-shaped leaves.
Philodendron 'Lynette'
Just 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide, with bright green patterned leaves. Great as a tabletop plant.
Philodendron wendlandii
A foot tall and twice as wide; leaves are lance-shaped and is a great tough indoor foliage plant.

Caring for and pruning Philodendron shrubs

Plant Philodendron in a spot in the garden that receives morning light; these plants do not do well in direct sun, and the leaves will scorch in this exposure. Philodendron plants need loose, well-draining soil to perform at their best, and to be fed lightly and frequently (every 3-4 months with a granular fertilizer) in spring and summertime. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not soggy. Clean dust from leaves when it accumulates. Cut off yellow leaves as they appear. If the plant loses too many of its lower leaves to still be attractive, simply chop off the top and allow it to regrow, or replace it with a new plant. Aerial roots can be pushed down into the soil if they are long enough, or cut off of the plant. 

Propagation

Philodendron plants are very easy to propagate by cuttings. To complete this process, follow the steps below:

Propagating Philodendron by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
  2. Choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Take multiple cuttings from your plant that are about 3-6 inches long and remove all but the top 3-4 leaves from the cutting. Then, place the cutting(s) in water, making sure that none of the leaves remaining on the cuttings are touching the water. Place your container or glass in an area that receives bright, indirect light. 
  3. Your cup or container should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight) for the next few weeks.. Replace water daily. After about two to three weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When roots reach about an inch long, your cutting is ready to be planted 
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Problems and Pests

Philodendron plants are bothered by common pests such as:
  • Aphids
  • Mealybugs
  • Scale Insects
For more information, see the links below:
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Gallery

These shrubs provide wonderful, tropical-looking greenery.
Plant Philodendron shrubs along walkways, where their giant leaves can be admired by passers-by.
Use lower-growing species of Philodendron as foundation plantings.

Videos

Tips and tricks for growing Philodendron and Pothos plants.
Caring for Philodendrons outdoors.

Resources

How to Propagate Philodendron
Philodendron: Description, Major Species & Facts
How to Plant and Care for Philodendron
Wikipedia: Philodendron
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 498, Philodendron
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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