Philodendrons are climbing or creeping lianas. They have lignified or semi-grassy branches and shoots, long air roots. Their leaves are diverse in size, shape, color and texture. They can be thin delicate and rough leathery, very small and very large, whole and deeply dissected. The diameter of the sheet can be up to one meter. Leaves of some species are painted in reddish-olive or emerald hues, can have a velvety ebb.
Some species that grow in arid areas are unrestricted forms. These are rosette philodendrons with thick, part swollen petioles of leaves. Flowers form an inflorescence of the ears, covered with a coverlet. Flowers of Philodendron oboepola.
Many types of philodendrons are suitable for growing only in large rooms, since in a room environment a plant with large leaves requires a lot of space. These types are suitable for decorating the vestibules. Philodendrons like warm conservatories and winter gardens, they feel comfortable there. For the house is better to choose small-leaved and slowly growing species.
Philodendron has a characteristic alternation of leaves, which distinguishes it from other aroids: the petiolate leaf appears inside the scaled leaf. In some species of philodendrons, the scaly leaves soon fall off and remain only at the apex. The others remain long, while alternating with green petiolate leaves.
Care rules.
Lighting. Indoor plants: the philodendron does not tolerate the sun's rays, they like bright diffuse light or partial shade. They grow well near the eastern and western windows, they normally feel at the window of the northern orientation. When grown at southern windows, philodendrons need protection from direct sun rays. Variegated forms and a kind of golden-black philodendron should be put in a well-lit place. Another species, filodendron climbing, normally grows in conditions of medium shading.
Temperature regime. In general, the Philodendron plants are thermophilic. In spring and summer, the temperature should be 22-27 ° C, in the winter slightly lower - 18-20 ° C. The plant does not tolerate temperatures below 15 ° C. Philodendron golden-black feels comfortable at 18 ° C.
Watering. In the period from spring to autumn, watering should be abundant, in autumn it is cut. Use only damp, soft, slightly warm water. Water the philodendron as the top of the substrate dries. Do not allow the liquid to stagnate in the pan, as this will lead to decay of the roots. In winter, watering is limited. However, the soil should always be moist, do not allow the soil to dry out.
Air humidity. Plants of philodendron require high humidity. Type philodendron cheshuenosny should be placed in a room teplichku. To achieve high humidity, the pot can be placed in moist peat and spray the leaves of the plant regularly. Philodendrons with large leaves should be wiped with a dampened napkin. Do not place the plant in winter near the central heating battery. The varieties of philodendrons, having velvety leaves, prefer a higher humidity of air. And such species as reddish filodendron and filodendron climbing are resistant to very dry air and low temperatures in the winter (12-15 ° C).
Top dressing. Top dressing is carried out every 2-3 weeks from spring to late summer. Use liquid mineral fertilizers to do this. Powerful large philodendrons are recommended to be fed every week, in winter it is enough once a month.
Philodendrons, which have thin long stems, are grown as ampel plants in pendant pots or pots. Very well and magnificently they develop on special supports. As a support, you can use a stick or part of the trunk, wrapping them with wet sphagnum moss. Shoots that are in the stage of active growth, it is recommended to spray a diluted fertilizer solution. In this case, the plant will quickly envelop the support with its branches. The tips of the shoots are recommended to pinch to increase the bushiness and splendor of the plant.
Transfer. The transplant is performed every 2-3 years, usually in the spring. Young plants should be transplanted annually. Use a weakly acidic or neutral substrate - pH from 5.5 to 7.0. Philodendrons prefer coarse-grained, friable, light and humus-rich soil. The mixture can be of the following composition: soddy, humus, peaty ground and sand in proportions - 1: 2: 1: 0, 5. At the bottom of the pot, create a good drainage.
These houseplants are grown and hydroponics methods.
Reproduction. Propagate the filodendrons with seeds and vegetatively (pieces of stem and cuttings). When multiplying by apical cuttings and pieces of the trunk, make sure that both the stem and part of the trunk carry at least one kidney. For their rooting use a mixture of moss and sand, while creating conditions of high humidity and temperature within 25-30 ° C. In the case of large cuttings or parts of the trunk, plant them immediately in the pot. To form a good root system, you should cover the cuttings with a film, thereby creating conditions for high humidity.
Precautionary measures.
Philodendron contains poisonous juice. If it gets on the skin, it can cause irritation. In addition, it causes irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes. In this regard, when working with a plant, for example, pruning or cutting cuttings, it is recommended to use rubber gloves.
Difficulties of care.
- If at the tips and along the edge of the leaves appear brownish spots and the leaves gradually fall off, then the plant suffers from dry air.
- If drops appear on the tips of the leaves, it means that the room is very humid.
- If the leaves turn pale, then the plant suffers from excess light. If the leaves become small and pale, then the philodendron feels a lack of light.
- If the soil has a low temperature, then it can cause rotting of the root system of philodendron.
- If the leaves appeared dry brownish spots, then the plant received a sunburn.
- Pests: scab.