How to maintain the philodendron?

The Philodendron is a plant that was no longer found indoors, except perhaps at your Aunt Sophie's. But today you will find it at little cousin Margot because yes, the monstera has kept all its charm. It sports a nostalgic old-fashioned side that we like to see again, but above all it has become a must in the urban jungle trend.

At Pousse he flourishes by displaying the delicate nickname of Lily Rose with a tutor and Jacques without a tutor. It is in its climbing form that it deploys best, clinging with ease to stakes.

Maintenance sheet

Exposure

It is a tolerant plant, which likes everywhere in a habitat.

watering

Throughout the growing season, weekly watering is recommended, which should be spaced out in winter. Its aerial roots allow it, in an environment which is natural to them, to absorb ambient humidity. If its leaves hang down, it means there is a lack of water, if they turn brown and their edges turn yellow, the air is too dry. However, misting the leaves once or twice a week is recommended.

Interview

To help it trellis, be sure to follow its grip, so that your Monstera philodendron does not go as I push you! In order to limit too invasive development, you may have to cut it to your measure. However, you can keep it in a more confined space, in which case it will not offer the same aesthetics.

Cultivation errors

Its growth can be very fast, from 60 cm to 1 meter per year, so can be invasive. Its sap can cause skin reactions, even toxic, if children have the unfortunate idea of ​​swallowing some of it. Prevention is better than cure in this case, so avoid leaving it at hand.

Diseases and pests

Spider mites and scale insects are a concern, especially if your plant is placed under the veranda or in a greenhouse.

• Spider mites are not insects, contrary to what their appearance would suggest. They belong to the mite family, so they are difficult to spot given their small size.
  Consequences: The damage they cause is extensive, they weave webs that can lead the plant to death.
  Solution: Once spotted you can eradicate them, by spraying a solution based on diluted rosemary essential oil.

• Mealybugs do not exceed 6 millimeters but, thanks to a biting rostrum, they suck the sap of plants and cause wounds that cause it to decline.
  Consequences: They absorb its energy, depositing on the leaves a substance which resembles cotton and weakens them.
  Solution: Remove them with a decoction based on methylated spirit and black soap, or even use ladybugs.

How to repot a Philodendron?

Planting in a pot: Whatever its species, a philodendron must be planted in peat-based soil. No matter where it is in your home, it will be happy almost anywhere if you take care of it!

1. As we are dealing with an indoor plant, regardless of the season, you can plant it all year round. As it is led to expand, place it in a room to its excess, which will allow it to evolve as it pleases.

2. The philodendron needs light to maintain foliage at its peak. Install it in a large pot to ensure adequate stability, under a skylight, near a window or inside a heated veranda.

3. Sowing should be done in the spring, at a temperature of 20°C, as should aerial layering. In summer you will have plenty of time to make cuttings, eyes or terminals depending on the effect to be obtained!

Its origins are tropical. Reserve your philodendron, for optimal growth, temperatures of 18 to 25°. If you want to risk growing it in the ground, consider placing it in partial shade.

Note: This plant has depolluting qualities, it is useful for absorbing the treatments of the wood of our furniture.

POUSSE, the plant architecture agency that reconnects your spaces in Lyon, Paris and Bordeaux to nature.
Contact us: bonjour@pousse.fr