Philodendron

Philodendron originated from tropical and subtropical America, the genus includes more than 300 species. These are semi-woody plants with leaves that have quite a variety of shapes and sizes. The name is derived from the Greek words philos (friend) and dendros (tree) for the fact that climbing evergreen species of this genus wrap trees with their airy roots growing from nodes. Philodendrons are optimally suited for growing in an apartment: they are decorative, very stable, and can fill both a small space and entire corners - it all depends on the size of the species. There are many varieties, including those suitable for residential conditions. For example, Philodendron climbing (Philodendron scandens) feels good even in low light conditions. These plants are easy to find on sale. Let us recall some more of the most common species: philodendron elegant (Ph. elegans), philodendron blushing (Ph. erubescens), philodendron Selo (Ph. selloum) (the latter is resistant even to cold, but is not suitable for indoor gardening, since it requires extensive space) and popular varieties 'Emerald Queen' and 'Red Duke'.

Philodendron originated from tropical and subtropical America, the genus includes more than 300 species. These are semi-woody plants with leaves that have quite a variety of shapes and sizes. The name is derived from the Greek words philos (friend) and dendros (tree) for the fact that climbing evergreen species of this genus wrap trees with their airy roots growing from nodes. Philodendrons are optimally suited for growing in an apartment: they are decorative, very stable, and can fill both a small space and entire corners - it all depends on the size of the species.

There are many varieties, including those suitable for residential conditions. For example, Philodendron climbing (Philodendron scandens) feels good even in low light conditions. These plants are easy to find on sale.

Let us recall some more of the most common species: philodendron elegant (Ph. elegans), philodendron blushing (Ph. erubescens), philodendron Selo (Ph. selloum) (the latter is resistant even to cold, but is not suitable for indoor gardening, since it requires extensive space) and popular varieties 'Emerald Queen' and 'Red Duke'.

Cultivation

Philodendrons are quite easy to grow. They are planted in pots with a diameter of 15-30 cm, depending on the size of the plant, filled with peat soil. Climbing species provide vertical landscaping on a support covered with moss or synthetic material, which is constantly maintained in a moist state. Generally, plants require light organic, well-drained soil.

Location

Philodendrons usually prefer a well-lit place, but the light should be diffused, since direct sunlight causes burns on the leaves.

Temperature

The temperature in winter is maintained in the range of 15-16 °C, only some species are able to tolerate lower temperatures, although in this case their leaves grow less intensively. In winter, avoid placing the plant too close to heat sources such as fireplaces and heaters.

Watering

In the period from April to October, philodendrons should be watered frequently, the rest of the year - less often. But-attention! - both the soil and supports should be kept moist at all times, while making sure that there is no excess water in the pot. In the spring and summer period, liquid mineral fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation every 2 weeks. Placing the plant on a slightly larger pallet filled with a neutral material that is always moistened helps to grow and maintain an ideal microclimate.

Transplant

Philodendrons are transplanted every 2 years, in March-April, in a slightly larger container than the previous one. In climbing species, after transplanting into a new pot, elongated branches are pinched, which contributes to the appearance of new shoots.

Reproduction

In May-June, take apical cuttings 10-15 cm long and with a well-developed leaf, plant in containers filled with peaty soil, and put in a moist place at a temperature of 20-22 °C. You can also use segments of the stem with side shoots and leaves, maintaining the same conditions as for apical cuttings.

Diseases

If the plant is healthy at the time of purchase, the probability of its infection with pests and diseases is very low. Root or leaf rotting problems may occur; these diseases are associated with excess water and fertilizer. Symptoms - yellowing and discoloration on the tops and edges of the leaves, then death. Increased humidity or infestation by aphids or worms (they are disposed of with appropriate medications) can cause more or less extensive black spots on the back of leaves and petioles in some species, which is associated with the development of fungal diseases.

If the plant is healthy at the time of purchase, the probability of its infection with pests and diseases is very low. Root or leaf rotting problems may occur; these diseases are associated with excess water and fertilizer. Symptoms - yellowing and discoloration on the tops and edges of the leaves, then death.

Increased humidity or infestation by aphids or worms (they are disposed of with appropriate medications) can cause more or less extensive black spots on the back of leaves and petioles in some species, which is associated with the development of fungal diseases.

Acquisition

There are many types of philodendrons, among which you can find plants that meet any picky requirements. Therefore, when choosing a plant, it does not hurt to first have a good idea of where you are going to put it. The light and sun in the apartment, the humidity level and everything else will help the specialist to recommend you a suitable view.

Other types Numerous plants of the genus Philodendron (Philodendron) have now become objects of breeding work aimed at obtaining varieties and hybrids that are better adapted for growing in indoor conditions. The species in question were not widely used in culture until recently. However, they are very interesting in appearance and features of cultivation. Philodendron bipinnatifidum reaches a height of 1 m under natural growth conditions. This is not a liana-the plant has a short trunk and is formed vertically upwards. Large deeply incised leaves on very long petioles are intensely colored. Philodendron pinnatidum (Ph. pinnatifidum) has narrowly dissected pinnate green leaves with a metallic luster. The central vein is deepened. The petioles are long and red-speckled, and the trunk is short. The species is large, so it is grown only in spacious rooms. Philodendron cordata (Ph. cordatum) is a climbing plant with dense heart-shaped shiny leathery leaves, very similar to the leaves of Philodendron climber (Ph. scandens), with which this species is often confused. In well-developed adult specimens, the leaf plate diameter reaches 30 cm. The species is characterized by increased shade tolerance. Philodendron thick-leaved (Ph. crassinervium) is supported by tubes covered with moss. Elongated dense leaves differ in the edge of a persistent reddish border. Petioles and central veins of leaves are covered with red specks. Climbing philodendron elegant (Ph. elegans) has very decorative deeply pinnately dissected leaves, notches reach the central vein. The species is characterized by slow growth. Philodendron blushing (Ph. erubescens ) is a climbing plant with elongated lance-shaped leaves (in the shape of an arrowhead), the length of which reaches 25 cm. The upper side of the leaf is painted in a beautiful dark green color with a bronze tint and a thin red border. The underside is reddish, the petioles are red-speckled. Groups of varieties 'Emerald' and 'Imperial' are derived from this species. Philodendron lance-shaped (Ph. hastatum) has similar shaped lance-shaped leaves, which become more incised at the base and slightly wavy with age. Philodendron pedatum (Ph. pedatum, or Ph. laciniatum) is a climbing plant with long stems. The leaves are pointed - oval. Wendland's philodendron (Ph. wendlandii) is an erect species with a shortened stem and a rosette of lanceolate leaves. Petioles are relatively short. The plant itself is very compact.

Other types

Numerous plants of the genus Philodendron (Philodendron) have now become objects of breeding work aimed at obtaining varieties and hybrids that are better adapted for growing in indoor conditions.

The species in question were not widely used in culture until recently. However, they are very interesting in appearance and features of cultivation.

Philodendron bipinnatifidum reaches a height of 1 m under natural growth conditions. This is not a liana-the plant has a short trunk and is formed vertically upwards. Large deeply incised leaves on very long petioles are intensely colored.

Philodendron pinnatidum (Ph. pinnatifidum) has narrowly dissected pinnate green leaves with a metallic luster. The central vein is deepened. The petioles are long and red-speckled, and the trunk is short. The species is large, so it is grown only in spacious rooms.

Philodendron cordata (Ph. cordatum) is a climbing plant with dense heart-shaped shiny leathery leaves, very similar to the leaves of Philodendron climber (Ph. scandens), with which this species is often confused. In well-developed adult specimens, the leaf plate diameter reaches 30 cm. The species is characterized by increased shade tolerance.

Philodendron thick-leaved (Ph. crassinervium) is supported by tubes covered with moss. Elongated dense leaves differ in the edge of a persistent reddish border. Petioles and central veins of leaves are covered with red specks.

Climbing philodendron elegant (Ph. elegans) has very decorative deeply pinnately dissected leaves, notches reach the central vein. The species is characterized by slow growth.

Philodendron blushing (Ph. erubescens ) is a climbing plant with elongated lance-shaped leaves (in the shape of an arrowhead), the length of which reaches 25 cm. The upper side of the leaf is painted in a beautiful dark green color with a bronze tint and a thin red border. The underside is reddish, the petioles are red-speckled. Groups of varieties 'Emerald' and 'Imperial' are derived from this species.

Philodendron lance-shaped (Ph. hastatum) has similar shaped lance-shaped leaves, which become more incised at the base and slightly wavy with age.

Philodendron pedatum (Ph. pedatum, or Ph. laciniatum) is a climbing plant with long stems. The leaves are pointed - oval.

Wendland's philodendron (Ph. wendlandii) is an erect species with a shortened stem and a rosette of lanceolate leaves. Petioles are relatively short. The plant itself is very compact.