Philodendron: planting and care

Philodendron description

Philodendron is an evergreen flowering perennial belonging to the aroid family. At the moment, there are about 900 species in the world, which to date have not yet been fully studied by botanists. They are especially widespread in the tropical regions of the American continent, on the Australian continent and islands located in the Pacific Ocean. They grow in the coastal areas of rivers, swamps, in moist and warm forests.

"I love a tree" - that's what the name of the plant means from the Greek language. This is due to the fact that growing in natural wild conditions, the philodendron will not be able to develop if it cannot rely on its own tree. Only a part of the huge variety of species is suitable for growing in the house. Growing up, an adult plant acquires a large-scale size, which is why it can be grown only where there are large and spacious premises. Philodendron bears some resemblance to such a plant as monstera. It can be epiphytic, semi-epiphytic and chemiepiphytic. However, most of them belong to the first species, which have aerial roots that wrap around the support and are attached to it. If you do not provide the plant with support, then the branches will trail like snakes along the surface of the earth in the direction where the shadow is directed. Philodendron possesses aerial and deep roots, the first in the form of many tiny hairs, are used to cling to a support. With the help of powerful and long roots located underground, it seeks out for itself nutrients and the necessary moisture.

Philodendron consists of fleshy stems lignified at the roots, which envelop the next, sometimes two-meter, leaves, which are attached to them with the help of petioles. The leaves can be oval shaped, similar in appearance to arrows, or have a feathery dissected shape. Sometimes there are specimens whose branches are covered with leaflets, the shapes and sizes of which are varied. Often the color of the leaves is completely different, but those that are located on the top always have the darkest shades. The inflorescence is similar to the ear, covered with a red waxy blanket, similar to the hood. The fruit is presented as a small berry. For the cultivation of most of this species, greenhouse complexes and winter gardens are used. They become a decoration of public places and halls. To grow in an apartment of standard sizes, the philodendron variety from the liana plant series is best suited, because it can grow and thrive in very modest spaces. This flower can become a decoration for a hanging planter or any basket where it will be grown as an ordinary ampel, which perfectly tolerates shade and is not demanding to care for.

The compact also includes the warty philodendron, whose leaves are beautiful and very decorative, capable of developing without such additional support as a support. Sello species, this is another lovely plant one and a half meters high, and much wider due to its large 80 centimeter leaves. The guitar-shaped philodendron is also considered attractive, which got its name from the leaves that resemble this instrument.

Philodendron cultivation and care

Philodendron, regardless of the species, needs the same care.

Temperature range:

Philodendron comes from southern countries, so he loves warmth. He is not afraid of the summer heat and easily adapts to such conditions, provided that the optimum humidity level is maintained for him.No special temperature conditions are required. The most comfortable temperature for him is from +20 to +25 degrees, it is better not to allow above this limit. In order for the plant not to overheat, it is necessary to spray and wipe the leaves with a sponge using warm and settled water. During wintering, the thermometer should not be allowed to drop below +15 degrees, and drafts should not be allowed, which is why it is better to leave the plant in the house all year round.

Light:

Philodendron will be able to demonstrate all his splendor and beauty if the choice of the place is approached responsibly, taking into account his needs. Basically, all species are very fond of diffused natural light, but we do not tolerate direct sunlight. Variegated forms especially need good and bright light. The types of blushing and climbing philodendron can grow and develop well in partial shade.

Watering rules:

Watering the philodendron should be carried out on a regular basis, especially during the spring-summer period. This should be done after the topsoil dries up. How often watering will be carried out depends on how hot it is in the room where the plant is grown. After the procedure, all excess liquid from the pan should be drained after an hour. In winter, watering should be done with great care. If the temperature in the room becomes lower than required, then the watering should be immediately reduced. With excessive watering, the philodendron will begin to develop various diseases and the leaves turn yellow, but the earthen coma should not be allowed to dry out either. If the philodendron is deprived of moisture, then it will become less attractive, as its branches will begin to bare due to fear of leaves. For irrigation, you must use exclusively soft water, for example, rainwater, boiled or settled. This is important because lime in the water will have a bad effect on the plant. As for the bottle philodendron, it should be watered less often, since it is a succulent that can accumulate liquid in itself.

Humidity level in the air:

For the plant, the natural habitat is the tropics, for this reason it needs to provide increased humidity in the room where the cultivation will take place. Spraying should be regular, especially when it comes to the heating season. At low humidity, the leaf plates will begin to shrink. At a young age, the plant can be enjoyed with a shower. You can even increase the moisture by wetting the support that the coconut fibers cover and to which the plant clings.

Rubbing the leaves with a damp cloth is also very important and should be kept in mind. Spraying should be done with warm and soft water. This will help not only keep the plant clean and improve its appearance, but also increase the moisture level. You should not use polish, as they may contain substances that can be harmful.

Fertilization:

Philodendron responds well to organic matter that it receives in natural conditions. This can be excrement left over from some kind of animal, products of insect activity, deciduous humus and rainwater. It is impossible to create the same conditions when growing in a house. However, when the plant is actively growing and developing, the period is March-September, it needs replenishment, which can be provided with fertilizers, which includes a whole range of nutrients. Feeding can be done at intervals of 30 days. The rest of the time you can add them, but with less frequency. Top dressing should be carried out with complex mineral fertilizers or those used for ornamental deciduous plants. If it is important to ensure good growth of shoots in height, then nitrogen fertilization is necessary. In the event that the dimensions must remain compact, then the fertilizers should contain a minimum of nitrogen or completely absent.It is not necessary to overfeed the plant; excess fertilizer will lead to the leaves turning yellow.

Transplant rules:

Transplanting a philodendron is carried out in the same way as other plants.

In the first years of life, the transplant should be carried out, and then only when there is a need for it, as a rule, this happens no more than once every 2 years. This procedure must be done in the event that, for example, the plant has become cramped in the pot, since the philodendron withers in cramped conditions, then each time you need to choose a container with a large volume. Plants that have become adults can be transplanted by the transshipment method with the replacement of the top layer of the earth.

The earthen mixture should be nutritious, light, with a low level of acidity, well water and air permeable. The land in which orchids are grown is well suited. It consists of charcoal, sphagnum moss, peat and tree bark. You can also mix turf, peat, leaf humus in a ratio of 2x1x1x0.5. Plants that have reached maturity should be grown in an earthen mixture, which includes coniferous soil, leaf humus, sand and peat mixed in equal amounts.

Philodendron reproduction

You can propagate a philodendron in different ways. With the help of seeds, cuttings, air layers, apical shoots, leaves, and even using stem fragments.

The best results can be achieved with the apical shoots. It is very simple and even beginners in floriculture can easily cope with this task. The best temperature for propagating a plant is considered to be from +25 to +30 degrees. The process can be accelerated if the moisture level is increased, for example, this can be done by covering the container where the cutting is planted with a film. The container with cuttings must be constantly ventilated, removing the accumulated condensation from the walls of the film. Root in wet sand. In order for the plant not to lose its beauty and splendor, it is sometimes necessary to rejuvenate the philodendron.

Resistance to diseases and harmful insects

Philodendron, the owner of a strong immunity, therefore, if the care is correct, he will never be attacked by harmful insects. If you constantly make mistakes in care and pay little attention to the plant, then you can encounter scale insects, Triassic and spider mites.

Philodendron is a poisonous flower that can irritate the skin and mucous membranes. When working with him, it is important to always remember about protection and in no case do not touch him without rubber gloves. After the work has been done, it is necessary to process the tools and wash your hands using soap. This flower will not be the best choice for people with small children and animals.

Varieties

Philodendron is a flower that is represented by 200 species, so below we will only talk about those that are most successful among flower growers.

André is golden-black - it is distinguished by its high decorative effect due to the fact that it has different leaves. The length of young copper-red heart-shaped leaves does not exceed 7 centimeters, and adult plants are covered with leaves 40 centimeters long at home and reach 80 centimeters in their natural habitat. Their shape is oblong, and the color turns green with a tint of bronze. They have whitish veins and the edge of the border is colored with a light color. When grown at home, it requires high humidity.

Shiny - presented in the form of a small and compact liana, consisting of thin stems, enveloped in 10 cm leaves. At a young age, they have a velvety surface and a reddish tint, and after some time they turn green with a brown tint. Differs in its unpretentiousness.

Warty - is very popular because of its incredible beauty.Its leaves are heart-shaped and velvety, with a length of 20 centimeters and a width of 10 centimeters. They hold on to the stems with the help of petioles, which have thick warty bristles. This species is intolerant of dry air.

Guitar - quite often used for cultivation, probably because the shape of the leaves is very unusual and resembles the instrument after which the name is given. The length of these leaves is about half a meter. Due to its not capricious nature, it is actively used by breeders to obtain hybrid plants with high decorativeness.

Bipinnate - similar in appearance to the sello, however, these species are different. It is a large liana with a ligneous, powerful trunk. The species of bipinnate philodendron is extremely rare, while sello is actively cultivated in all corners of the planet.

Blushing is a species that has gained great popularity among all flower lovers. Thanks to this type, breeders have managed to breed a large number of different varieties. At a young age, the liana has a trunk painted green with a red tint; after lignification, its color becomes golden with a gray tint. The leaves are 30 centimeters long and 20 centimeters wide. They stick to the stems with the help of petioles that have a dark red color at the base. A snow-white ear of 15 centimeters in length, covered with a fragrant dark purple blanket.

That beauty will be able to grow well in poor lighting, rare watering and with a low level of humidity in the air.