How Often to Water Philodendron: Expert Guide

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Philodendrons are popular houseplants known for their lush foliage and relatively low maintenance needs. Nurturing this stunning plant may be straightforward, but it’s essential to understand essential care factors, like how often to water them, to keep them thriving. Getting the watering schedule right is a critical aspect of ensuring your philodendron has the perfect conditions to flourish indoors.

Typically, philodendrons need watering about once a week, although several factors may shift the frequency. The temperature, humidity, and quality of the soil play a role in determining the best watering schedule for your plant. Keep in mind that your philodendron prefers moist but not soaking wet soil. The non-climbing varieties tend to be more drought-tolerant than their climbing counterparts source. Paying careful attention to your green companion’s needs will ensure they grow strong and healthy, providing you with a gorgeous living display.

How Often to Water Philodendron

Factors Affecting Watering Frequency

Philodendrons generally require water once or twice a week, though this can vary depending on factors like temperature, humidity, and quality of the soil. To determine when your philodendron needs water, check the moisture level of the soil by:

• Feeling the top layer for dryness
• Digging in with your fingers
• Overturning the upper layer with a hand shovel

When the upper surface of the soil is dry, it’s time to water your plant¹.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Care

Indoor philodendrons may require different care than outdoor plants. Central heating in homes can lead to lower humidity levels in the winter². This difference may affect how often you’ll need to water your philodendron. To maintain a healthy indoor philodendron, adjust your watering schedule to the conditions inside your home.

Seasonal Adjustments

Your philodendron’s watering needs may change as the seasons change. During the spring and summer months, watering once a week is generally sufficient. However, in the fall and winter, you may need to reduce the watering frequency to once every 10 to 14 days³. Remember to always check the moisture level of the soil before watering your plant.

In summary, monitor your philodendron for changes in its watering needs throughout the year, adjusting for factors such as temperature, humidity, and seasonal changes. By paying close attention to these factors and adjusting accordingly, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a healthy, thriving philodendron.

Signs of Overwatering

Philodendron plants are generally low maintenance, but can suffer from overwatering issues if not properly cared for. In this section, we will discuss some common signs that indicate your philodendron may be receiving too much water.

One of the main indicators of an overwatered philodendron is the appearance of large, brown spots on the leaves. These spots usually have a water-soaked appearance and a squashy feel to the touch. Brown spots caused by overwatering are often found on the lower portions of the plant.

Discolored leaves, particularly yellowing ones, are another sign that your philodendron has been overwatered. The leaves may also wilt and lose their vitality under these conditions. Other symptoms of overwatering include:

• Obvious root rot
• Stem rot at the soil line
• Mushy lesions on stems or leaves
• Limp stems
• Mold on the soil surface
• Mushrooms growing in the soil

Take note of the overall condition of your philodendron, and check the soil as well. Overwatered plants often have soggy soil, which can lead to an unpleasant musty odor. If the overwatering continues, the roots may start to turn brown or black and eventually succumb to root rot.

In summary, watching out for these signs of overwatering can help you take better care of your philodendron and ensure its long-term health. Make sure to adjust your watering schedule and practices accordingly to prevent these issues from occurring.

Signs of Underwatering

Philodendrons are popular houseplants known for their hardiness, but even they require proper care to thrive. One crucial aspect of their care is watering. It’s essential to recognize the signs of underwatering to ensure your plant remains healthy and lush.

When your philodendron is not receiving enough water, its growth may slow down. You may notice the leaves becoming droopy, wilted, or even changing color. They may turn yellow or brown, develop crispy edges, and possibly fall off the plant altogether¹.

Underwatered philodendrons can experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Stunted growth
• Droopy or wilted leaves
• Leaves turning yellow or brown
• Crispy edges on leaves
• Leaves falling off the plant

To prevent underwatering your philodendron, it’s essential to understand the various factors influencing how often to water it. Factors such as the dryness of the soil, temperature and humidity, the state of the plant’s leaves, pot size, and the specific type of philodendron you have all play a role in determining the appropriate watering schedule².

To revive an underwatered philodendron, thoroughly drench the soil, allowing excess water to drain, and move the plant to a shady location³. Paying close attention to the signs of underwatering and adjusting your watering habits accordingly will ensure your philodendron remains healthy and vibrant. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and underwater your plant than to overwater it and risk root rot⁴.

Philodendron Varieties and Their Water Requirements

Philodendron plants come in numerous varieties, with each having unique water requirements. Generally, these plants prefer consistently moist, well-draining soil, but the frequency at which you need to water them depends on factors like climate, temperature, and soil quality.

Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron cordatum)

This trailing philodendron thrives with a watering schedule of once every seven days, and once in ten days during colder days, in winter. Ensure the top two inches of soil dry out before the next watering session.

Split-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum)

Split-leaf philodendrons, also known as Monstera deliciosa, appreciate a thorough watering every 1-2 weeks, making sure that at least 80% of the soil dries out in between. Adjust the frequency depending on the season and light conditions.

Philodendron Xanadu

The Xanadu philodendron, with its striking foliage, also benefits from a watering frequency of once or twice a week during warmer months, ensuring the top couple inches of soil remain dry between watering.

Philodendron Prince of Orange

The vibrant Prince of Orange philodendron needs a similar watering schedule as the Xanadu, with once or twice a week being adequate during the growing season. However, during colder months, reduce the frequency to once every ten to 14 days.

In all cases, use room-temperature water to avoid causing shock or damaging plant roots. These general guidelines should be adapted based on your specific growing conditions to ensure a healthy philodendron. Remember to monitor the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Tips for Proper Philodendron Watering

Using the Right Pot and Soil

Philodendrons thrive in well-draining soil and a suitable pot. Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. A breathable pot, such as those made from clay or terracotta, can also help maintain proper soil moisture levels. For the soil mix, consider combining peat, perlite, or vermiculite to encourage aeration and water retention.

Monitoring Soil Moisture Levels

To ensure your philodendron receives the optimal amount of water, regularly check the soil moisture. Generally, you should water your philodendron once a week during spring and summer, and then reduce to watering every 10 to 14 days in fall and winter ¹. Keep the soil moist but not soaking wet, allowing the top part of the soil to dry before the next watering.

Here are some tips on how to monitor the moisture levels in your philodendron’s soil:

• Use your finger: Insert your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it may be time to water the plant.
• Observe the leaves: Wilting leaves can be a sign that your philodendron needs water.
• Use a moisture meter: To quickly and accurately measure the soil’s moisture, consider investing in a moisture meter.

Remember that factors such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure can affect the plant’s watering needs. Be attentive to your philodendron’s condition and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Daniel Elrod

My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17.  I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.