Philodendron- Cherry Red

Philodendrons make ideal houseplants thanks to their generally low-maintenance nature, but it's still important to provide proper growing conditions to keep your plant healthy. Here are the main care requirements for growing a philodendron:

• Place in a spot with bright but indirect light near a sunny window.
• Plant in slightly acidic, well-draining potting mix.
• Water when the top inch of soil has dried out. Moisture needs vary between the philodendron species.
• Provide a warm, humid environment.
• Regularly wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to free them from dust.
• Feed with a liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

Philodendrons need sun, but they would naturally receive dappled light under a tropical canopy rather than direct light. Set them up by a window that gets bright and indirect light. Too little light results in leggy growth with lots of space in between the leaves, but too much light burns their delicate leaves.

Philodendrons like loose, acidic potting mix that’s rich in organic matter. The soil must have good drainage.

The plants are sensitive to salts that accumulate in the soil via watering. This may result in leaf browning and yellowing. Periodically flush out some of the salts by watering your container thoroughly until water comes out of its drainage holes.

Water this plant whenever the top inch of soil has dried out. Philodendrons generally like a moderate amount of soil moisture. Both overwatering and underwatering may cause the leaves to droop, so gauge when it’s time to water by the soil dryness rather than the leaves. Philodendrons don’t do well sitting in soggy soil, as this leads to root rot.

The non-climbing varieties tend to tolerate dry conditions slightly better than the vining species. Reduce your watering schedule during the winter dormancy.

The temperature tolerance of philodendrons varies based on the species. In general, they should not be exposed to temperatures below 55 degrees F. Protect them from cool drafts, such as those from an air-conditioning vent. These plants like humidity, so mimic their natural tropical environment by boosting humidity around them. Mist the plant every few days with water from a spray bottle. Alternatively, place the container on a tray of pebbles filled with water, ensuring that the bottom of the container isn't touching the water.

Fertilizer- Follow the product label instructions to use the correct amount, and reduce feeding to every six to eight weeks in the fall and winter. If your plant isn’t getting enough food, its growth will be slower than normal, and its leaves might appear smaller than usual.