Garden Care Guide

Philodendron Care

Philodendron

A very popular and varied genus of houseplants with showy leaves, which may be climbing or upright. It likes spots with bright but indirect light and an airy, well-drained potting soil. It is sensitive to overwatering and prone to root rot.

Frost-tender (protect from frost) · 10 °C / 50 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Watering: Reduce watering. Once the top half of the soil dries (about 0.5 L every 2-3 weeks), use rested water.
  • Pruning: Cut only yellowing or drying leaves.
  • General care: Wipe the dust off the leaves with a damp cloth. Keep away from radiators and cold drafts.
  • Pests & diseases: Leaf yellowing and dropping is usually a sign of root rot caused by overwatering.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.
February
  • Watering: Continue watering when the top half of the soil is dry (about 0.5 L every 2 weeks).
  • General care: To increase humidity, occasionally mist the leaves with water. If signs of growth begin, increase watering slightly.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the undersides of the leaves and the stem junctions for mealybugs (Pseudococcidae).
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.
March
  • Watering: As new growth begins, increase watering once the top 3-5 cm of the soil is dry (about 0.6 L every 10-14 days).
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
  • Pruning: Climbing species can be pruned to make them bushier. The pruned branches can be used as cuttings.
  • General care: It is the best time for repotting and propagation (taking cuttings). Provide a moss pole for support for climbing species.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the new shoots for aphids (Aphidoidea).
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.
April
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • Fertilizing: Once a month, at half the label dose.
  • General care: Rapid growth period. Rotate the pot to ensure balanced growth.
  • Pests & diseases: Small yellow dots on the leaves can be a sign of spider mites (Tetranychidae).
May
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • Fertilizing: Every 2-3 weeks, half the label rate.
  • Pruning: In climbing species, pinch the tips of long branches to encourage a fuller form.
  • General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk.
  • Pests & diseases: Check the undersides of the leaves and the stems for mealybugs and scale insects (Coccoidea).
June
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. The area around the roots should be wetted to a depth of 20-30 cm.
  • Fertilizing: Every 2-3 weeks, half the label rate.
  • General care: Protect the leaves from direct scorching sunlight.
July
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. The area around the roots should be wetted to a depth of 20-30 cm.
  • Fertilizing: Every 2-3 weeks, half the label rate.
  • General care: Keep it in a position sheltered from midday sun; scorching at the leaf edges is a sign of burn.
August
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. The area around the roots should be wetted to a depth of 20-30 cm.
  • Fertilizing: Once a month, at half the label dose.
  • General care: Growth slows.
September
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • Fertilizing: Once a month, at a diluted dose.
  • Pruning: In climbing species, prune long, weak shoots to give a fuller form.
  • General care: Growth slows; prepare the plant for winter. Remove dust from the leaves.
  • Pests & diseases: To reduce the risk of root rot, lengthen the intervals between waterings.
  • Frost risk: Keep the plant away from open windows and doors that may get cold at night.
October
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • Fertilizing: From the end of the month, stop feeding.
  • General care: Preparing for dormancy. Move it away from windows where it may get cold at night.
  • Frost risk: Watch for cold drafts.
November
  • Watering: Reduce watering. Once the top half of the soil dries (about 0.5 L every 2-3 weeks), water.
  • General care: Since the radiators are running, balancing the humidity of the room (containers filled with water, etc.) is beneficial.
  • Pests & diseases: The risk of spider mites increases in dry air.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.
December
  • Watering: Reduce watering. Once the top half of the soil dries (about 0.5 L every 2-3 weeks), water.
  • Pruning: Remove only dry leaves.
  • General care: Full dormancy period. Be very careful with watering because of the risk of root rot.
  • Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 10 °C.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

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