Philodendron Soil & Plant Care

Philodendron is a tropical plant from the Araceae (Aroid) family that comes in several varieties, including:

• Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum or Philodendron scandens)
• Philodendron Hope Selloum, tree philodendron, or split leaf philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum, formerly philodendron selloum)
• Philodendron Brasil (a cultivar of Philodendron Hederaceum)
• “Pink Princess” or pink princess philodendron (Philodendron erubescens)
• Philodendron Birkin
• Philodendron Congo
• Philodendron Prince of Orange

Some philodendron species grow vines like pothos plants, while others have larger leaves similar to Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii, and Alocasia.

This plant does well in low-light environments, out of direct sunlight. It also requires moist soil, which should be airy and well-draining to avoid issues like root rot (common in indoor plants).

Wondering how to care for your philodendron plant?

Follow these vital philodendron care tips:

1. Choosing the Right Philodendron Soil Mix 

The best potting soil to grow philodendron plants (whether philodendron pink princess, heartleaf philodendron, or split leaf) should have :

• Good aeration: gives philodendron roots easy access to oxygen 
• Good drainage: prevents root rot through waterlogging 
• Adequate moisture retention: helps the plant absorb water before it drains 
• Sufficient nutrients and organic material: enables healthy plant growth 

That’s why it’s best to use a high-quality soil mix, like Rosy, rather than garden soil to grow philodendron.

Note: While you can use succulent soil to plant philodendrons, you’ll have to amend it with organic matter to help the philodendron flourish. 

We also suggest steering clear of conventional potting mixes, DIY soil mix, and soilless mixtures that contain unsustainable soil additives, like: 

• Coco coir 
• Perlite 
• Peat moss (or sphagnum moss)  
• Pumice

Instead, buy a bag of Rosy’s philodendron soil, which is 100% sustainable and contains everything your beloved indoor plant needs to thrive! 

2. Identifying Problems with Philodendron Plant Care

Philodendron care mainly involves:

• Keeping the soil moist
• Placing the plant in indirect light
• Monitoring the health of the root system 

These low requirements make it a popular houseplant for beginners.

However, certain issues may leave you wondering, “What’s wrong with my philodendron houseplant?”

When its soil, water, and light needs aren’t properly met, you may notice:

• Yellowing leaves (underwatering or insufficient sunlight)
  
• Green leaves turning brown and mushy (overwatering)
  
• Leaf tips turning brown (underwatering, too much sunlight, or low humidity)
  
• Root rot and a bad odor (lack of good drainage)
  
• Small tan spots on the leaf (spider mite infestation or fungal infection) 

3. Pruning & Propagating Philodendron Plants

Pruning indoor plants is an essential part of plant care. 

Typically, a philodendron houseplant will have green leaves, vines, and an aerial root system. So, to maintain this tropical plant, you need to prune overgrown vines, damaged roots, or yellow leaves.

You can also propagate philodendron plants using a stem cutting (or leaf cutting with a node) from pruning. 

Here’s how to propagate philodendron:

• Place a 6-inch stem cutting in water to develop its aerial root system 
• Replace the water regularly for successful philodendron propagation 
• Once the roots develop, relocate the new plant to a pot