Philodendron Growing Guide
Philodendron spp.
Most philodendron problems come from overwatering, not underwatering — the genus is built to dry out between waterings, and soggy soil is the fastest way to lose one.
Light
Bright, indirect light; tolerates medium light
Soil
Well-drained, chunky, peat-based potting mix
Water
Let top 2–5 cm dry between waterings
Hardiness
Houseplant in Canada; Zone 9–11 outdoors
Growth habit
Vining (heartleaf) or upright/self-heading, depending on species
Toxicity
Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or eaten
Philodendron covers two very different growth habits sold under one common name: trailing vining types like heartleaf philodendron, and upright "self-heading" types like Philodendron selloum that grow more like a shrub. Both share the same easygoing care — bright indirect light and a proper dry-out between waterings — which is why the genus has a reputation as one of the easiest houseplants sold.
Light & placement
- Bright, indirect light produces the fullest growth and largest leaves
- Tolerates medium and even fairly low light, but growth slows and stems stretch (etiolate) toward the light source
- Avoid direct sun, which scorches leaves, especially on thinner-leaved vining types
- Rotate the pot occasionally so vining types don't grow lopsided reaching for light
Watering
- Let the top 2–5 cm of soil dry out before watering again — this genus is genuinely drought-tolerant between waterings
- Yellow leaves are far more often an overwatering symptom than an underwatering one
- Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows
- A pot with drainage holes matters more here than with most houseplants — waterlogged roots rot quickly
Vining vs. upright types
- Vining types (heartleaf, brasil, micans) trail or climb and can be trained up a moss pole for larger leaves
- Upright "self-heading" types (selloum, xanadu) grow from a central crown like a shrub and don't need support
- Vining types benefit from occasional pinching to encourage fuller, bushier growth instead of one long bare vine
- Both types root easily from stem cuttings with a node, making propagation straightforward
Common problems
- Yellow leaves: almost always overwatering — let the soil dry out more between waterings and check the pot has drainage
- Small leaves and long bare stretches between them: not enough light — move to a brighter spot
- Brown, crispy leaf edges: low humidity or underwatering
- Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate crystals) — keep vining stems out of reach, since pets often chew trailing growth
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Frequently asked questions
Yellow leaves on philodendron are almost always an overwatering symptom, not underwatering. Let the soil dry out further between waterings and confirm the pot actually drains — waterlogged roots are the most common cause.
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