It depends on the species, but philodendrons are known to have decorative leaves and even flowers. There are a bunch of philodendron plants to choose from. They come in different shapes, colours, and sizes. Whether you’re new to plants or have the greenest of green thumbs, caring for philodendrons has its benefits.

Why Choose Philodendrons

If there was ever a plant to recommend to those just terrible at keeping them, one of those should absolutely be the philodendron. The Heart Leaf Philodendron, for example, can live a long life with low maintenance. 

Philodendron plants can bring life to any indoor area. They don’t take up that much space and grow when given care, however little that may be. If you keep certain philodendrons in low-light conditions, that shouldn’t be a problem. If you do, however, give them a little bit more or indirect light, you’ll notice that the plant will grow faster and grow more leaves. 

Sun and Soil

Yes, philodendrons are easy to care for. But, let’s dive a little deeper for those who want a bit more info. You can keep these plants indoors and outdoors - but, don’t put them in direct sunlight! One way to tell if your philodendron is getting too much sun is if the leaves start going yellow or yellowish. Soils that are moist with high organic matter will work great for these plants.

What Kind of Philodendron Should I Get?

The best kind of plant is the one that suits your lifestyle the most. It’s not recommended that you just get plants because you find them pretty or you just want one on a whim - think of the poor little leaf friends! 

If you seriously want one, though, get a philodendron! The genius behind this is that they thrive with little attention, making them perfect for busy people!

Green Sweetheart Plant

A great example of a low maintenance philodendron, if you keep this away from direct sunlight and give it just the right amount of water, you’ll have a happy and healthy plant that will live a long life. 

Philodendron Scandens 'Brasil'

Going for a jungle vibe? Hung high or hung low, these make great decorative plants. When hung, the Scandens leave a trail of leaves. When potted, the leaves can crawl up and climb if given proper support. If you can’t make floor space for plants, the Scandens should 100% be on your radar.

Philodendron Birkin Plant

The Philodendron Birkin is a wonderful decorative plant that grows beautiful leaves. They grow dark green leaves with white pigments. If you click the link above, you’re getting a plant with self-regulating roots. That means they only take in the water they need and won’t be as susceptible to overwatering. 

FAQ

How should I water my Philodendron?

Generally, just soak these plants with water every week. Watering will also vary depending on the seasons and summer will dry out your plants even more. Just a quick soil check will do wonders. If the topsoil is dry, maybe give it a bit more time to dry. 

If you planted them outside, remember that they won’t thrive under direct sunlight. Indirect sunlight and moderate lighting are generally the way to go.

If you want to go into this a little more, why not check out this care guide?

Do I Need to Trim the Leaves?

If they’re getting out of hand, trimming is advised. When these plants are given love and care, it’ll show. Because of the general nature of the Philodendron, they tend to ‘bush’ up and show growth horizontally. They don’t get too tall, though. Also, if you have hanging plants and don’t want them to get pawed on by pets or grabbed on by baby hands, you need to trim them. If they get too long, it’ll easily get pulled down.

Can I keep Philodendrons if I Have Pets?

If your furry friend doesn't interact with plant life in general, yes! But do note that this plant contains some properties that are toxic to cats and dogs. If that’s the case, hanging philodendrons are the way to go. But, even a bigger note to take, philodendrons should not be ingested by humans as well. That’s just a general rule for a handful of plants, though.

Are They Safe Around Children?

As mentioned above, they should not be ingested by humans. If someone happens to eat the leaves, they may experience burning and swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat. Vomiting and diarrhoea may follow depending on how much is eaten. Babies, unlike Philodendrons, should not be left unattended.