.png){kind=small}
How Much Light Does Your Space Get?
How Much Space Do You Have?
What Is the Room Temperature Like?
Growth habit and size of Philodendron
How Much Maintenance and Commitment Does Philodendron Require?
What’s the longevity of Philodendron ?
Is Philodendron Toxic to Pets or Children?
4 Philodendron Varieties: Which One Suits You Best?
What to Buy Alongside Philodendron ?
These low-maintenance, fast-growing houseplants areperfect for beginners and experienced plant lovers alike. Known fortheir adaptability to indoor environments, philodendrons thrive in arange of conditions and come in both vining and self-heading varieties.
Philodendrons are fast growers, often producing freshleaves within weeks when provided with the right care. While indoorflowering is rare, their lush, vibrant foliage makes them a top choicefor adding greenery to homes and offices.
In New Zealand’s climate, they can be kept indoors allyear or placed outside in a shaded area during summer. A quickrinse or misting helps keep them pest-free, making them one of theeasiest houseplants to maintain.
While adaptable, they grow best in bright, indirect light. If you only have moderate light, don’t worry, most philodendrons will still thrive, especially self-heading types like bird’s nest philodendrons.
🔆 Best Light for Philodendrons:
Bright, indirect light = Faster growth + larger leaves
Moderate light = Still healthy, but slower growth
Low light (short-term only) = Possible leaf drop, slow growth
🚩 Not Enough Light? Watch for These Signs:
Leggy stems (large gaps between leaves)
Smaller, paler leaves
Slowed growth
✅ Solution: Move it closer to a bright window or place it outdoors in shade during summer.
Small spaces? Opt for a compact, self-heading variety (Bird’s Nest Philodendron).
Looking for height? A climbing philodendron will grow upward when provided with a support pole (Heartleaf or Blushing Philodendron).
Want a big, tropical statement plant? A lacy-tree philodendron will spread wide over time.
Philodendrons thrive in indoor temperatures between 16–27°C, making them ideal for New Zealand homes. However, extreme cold or heat can stress your plant.
🌡 Best Temperature for Philodendrons:
✔ 16–27°C: Ideal indoor range
❄ Below 16°C: Slow growth, yellowing leaves
🔥 Above 27°C: Needs more humidity & water
🚩 Watch Out For:
Cold floors → Use a stand or tray to prevent root shock.
Drafts & heaters → Keep away from air conditioners, fireplaces, or open windows in winter.
Dry heat? → Misting or a humidity tray helps maintain moisture.
Keeping temperatures stable ensures healthy, lush growth year-round.
Philodendrons exhibit two primary growth habits, each with unique care requirements. Selecting the right type ensures that your plant will thrive in its designated space.
🌿 Vining & Climbing Types
These develop aerial roots that need support for vertical growth.
When trained on a moss pole or trellis, their leaves increase in size over time.
Common varieties:
Philodendron scandens (Heartleaf Philodendron) – A trailing variety, ideal for hanging baskets or wall-mounted planters.
Philodendron erubescens (Blushing Philodendron) – Features striking reddish stems and requires a support pole to reach its full potential.
🌱 Self-Heading (Non-Climbing) Types
Grow in an upright, bushy form, making them ideal for floor planters or tabletops.
Some varieties, like P. bipinnatifidum (Lacy-Tree Philodendron), can reach up to 1.8m wide, requiring ample space.
Common varieties:
P. bipinnatifidum (Lacy-Tree Philodendron) – Broad, deeply lobed leaves create a dramatic statement.
Bird’s Nest Philodendron – More compact, remaining under 60 cm tall.
Philodendrons are low-maintenance, adaptable houseplants, but a little routine care keeps them thriving.
💦 Watering:
✔ Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering.
✔ Vining varieties need slightly more water than self-heading types.
🚫 Avoid overwatering—root rot is a common issue!
🌱 Feeding:
✔ Spring to early autumn: Feed every 2–4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
✔ Winter: Growth slows, so feeding isn’t necessary.
Repotting:
✔ Repot when rootbound or when soil quality declines (usually once a year).
✔ Use a light, well-draining mix to promote healthy root growth.
🐜 Pest Control:
✔ Watch for mealybugs and aphids, especially after outdoor exposure.
✔ Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
✂️ Pruning & Propagation:
✔ Trim vining types to maintain shape.
✔ Take stem cuttings, place in water or soil, and watch them root!
With these simple care tips, your philodendron will stay lush and thriving year-round.
Philodendrons aren’t just houseplants—they’re long-term green companions! With the right care, many live for 7–10 years, and some can last for decades. Unlike short-lived plants, philodendrons continue to thrive if you repot them when needed and propagate cuttings to refresh growth.
Philodendrons belong to the Araceae family, which means they contain calcium oxalate crystals—a naturally occurring compound that is toxic if ingested by pets or humans.
🚨 Potential Symptoms of Ingestion:
Mouth irritation (burning, swelling, drooling)
Digestive upset (vomiting, nausea, diarrhea)
Skin contact reactions (mild rash or itching from sap)
-Non-climbing—forms a wide, bushy canopy.
- Can spread up to 1.8m wide, making it a statement floor plant.
- Leaves have deep lobes, giving it a tropical appearance.
- Varieties: ‘Hope’ (full-sized) & ‘Xanadu’ (compact form).
- Perfect Spot: Large spaces, bright rooms
- Growth Speed: Medium
- Price Range: $50- $150
- Maintenance Difficulty: Easy
-Climbing variety—requires a moss pole for best growth.
- Features reddish stems & colorful leaf undersides.
- Can grow up to 1.8m indoors.
- Common cultivars: ‘Red Emerald’ & ‘Burgundy’.
- Perfect Spot: Climbing plant, statement pieces
- Growth Speed: Fast
- Price Range: $30- $100
- Maintenance Difficulty: Moderate
-Self-heading, compact plants—no need for climbing support.
- Grows to about 60 cm tall, perfect for small spaces.
- Features glossy, spade-shaped leaves that may change color over time.
- Popular varieties: ‘Prince of Orange,’ ‘Autumn,’ ‘Moonlight,’ ‘Black Cardinal’.
- Perfect Spot: Tabletops, small spaces
- Growth Speed: Slow
- Price Range: $40- $100
- Maintenance Difficulty: Easy
-Vining, trailing plant—great for hanging baskets or wall planters.
- Tolerates moderate to low light, making it an excellent low-maintenance option.
- Can trail up to 1.2m or be pruned for a bushier shape.
- Variegated or velvety forms (like ‘Micans’) offer added visual interest.
- Perfect Spot: Hanging baskets, bookshelves
- Growth Speed: Fast
- Price Range: $20- $50
- Maintenance Difficulty: Very Easy
So, you’ve picked out your perfect philodendron—now what? To set your new plant up for success, here are a few essential supplies to grab when shopping:
Potting Mix: Choose a light, peaty mix labeled as “indoor potting mix” or “African violet mix”.Avoid heavy, soil-based blends—they hold too much moisture, leading to root rot.
🌿 Support Pole (For Climbing Varieties)If you picked a vining philodendron (e.g., Erubescens, Scandens), you’ll need a moss pole, bark post, or coco pole. Pro Tip: Use florist’s tape or small pins to gently attach new vines as they grow.
💧 Balanced, Foliage-Type Fertilizer: Look for a liquid or slow-release fertilizer with micronutrients like magnesium and calcium. Feeding Schedule: Every 2–4 weeks in spring/summer, less often in colder months.
🧤 Protective Gear (If You Have Sensitive Skin)Philodendron sap can cause mild skin irritation in some people. If you’re prone to irritation, wear gloves and long sleeves when pruning or repotting.
🎯 Pro Shopping Tip: Many garden centers in New Zealand sell “houseplant starter kits” that include mix, fertilizer, and poles—perfect for first-time plant parents! 🌱
