Speciality of Philodendron
Philodendrons are a group of tropical plants that love warm, humid conditions. They thrive in the rainforests of their native habitat, but they adapt well to home and office settings. In addition to adding lush greenery to your decor, philodendrons are effective air purifiers that help make your indoor environment healthier and more pleasant.
There are many different varieties of philodendron, ranging from vining types to non-trailing or upright ‘lacy tree’ philodendrons that add a dramatic jungle-like touch to your home. The plants grow easily as houseplants, but they also look great in hanging baskets or planted on trellises and other supports outside. The leaves of philodendrons are often large and heart-shaped, but they can be oval or palm-like, and some species even feature lobed, finger-like foliage.
Climbing philodendrons are a popular choice for home decor because they typically have heart-shaped leaves and are a deep green color. They are naturally epiphytes and are able to draw water and nutrients from the air, but they need to be misted frequently to promote good leaf health. If the potting soil gets too dry, the plant will drop its leaves and become dull or brown. Upright ‘lacy tree’ philodendrons are not as tall as the climbing variety, but they can eventually grow to be quite large if left unchecked.
The most common type of philodendron is the vine-like vining ‘Red Empress’ and ‘Prince of Orange’ varieties. These plants can grow to be more than 3 feet long, and their leaves are a rich shade of reddish green. Their large surfaces allow them to absorb carbon dioxide and other toxic gases from the air, which makes these plants effective air purifiers.
What is the Speciality of Philodendron?
Other varieties of philodendron include the Heartleaf Philodendron, Oxycardium, and Cordatum. They have similar growth characteristics to the Heartleaf Philodendron, but are a bit more resistant to heat and drought. The leaves of these philodendrons are somewhat narrower and lighter green than those of the Prince of Orange philodendron.
As epiphytes, philodendrons are more tolerant of low humidity than other houseplants, but they still need to be misted regularly to keep the foliage healthy. If a philodendron is not receiving enough moisture, the tips of its leaves will turn yellow and the plant may start to die back.
Philodendrons are susceptible to a number of pests, including aphids and mealybugs. Insecticidal soap or a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol can help control these unwanted visitors. Periodic washing of the foliage with a damp cloth will also help to rid your plants of dust, which can block the pores that aphids use for feeding.
Philodendrons are relatively low maintenance houseplants, but they do best when given a bright spot with indirect sunlight and regular fertilization. As a tropical plant, it does not do well in very cold environments and can be damaged by outdoor rain and wind. In addition to water and fertilizer, these plants need lots of light and warmth to thrive. Providing a moist potting mix that is not allowed to remain wet for too long will keep the plant happy, but a weekly misting of the leaves should be sufficient.
