Philodendrons are one of the easiest houseplants — here's how to care for them

1. It can tolerate shade but prefers bright light

Philodendrons appreciate bright but indirect light, similar to other tropical houseplants like monstera and pothos. Place your philodendron near an east or west-facing window where it gets plenty of light without direct sun exposure.

Philodendrons are also remarkably tolerant of lower light conditions, making them excellent choices for shadier corners of your home. They'll just grow more slowly in low light compared to bright spots. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves and cause yellowing or brown patches.

Excessive light stresses the plant, while very low light may significantly slow growth but won't necessarily kill it. Wipe the leaves down occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust, which allows the plant to absorb light more efficiently and keeps foliage looking shiny and healthy.

2. Let soil dry slightly between waterings

Philodendrons prefer their soil to dry out slightly between waterings rather than staying constantly moist. In most homes, this means watering every 7-10 days, though frequency depends on factors like temperature, humidity, and pot size.

Press your finger into the top inch of soil to check moisture levels before watering. If it still feels damp, wait a few more days. When you do water, water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom of the pot, then empty the saucer so the plant isn't sitting in standing water.

Overwatering is the most common cause of philodendron problems, leading to root rot and yellowing leaves. Underwatering is less damaging, the plant will droop and leaves may curl, but it typically recovers quickly once watered.

If you struggle to judge when to water, consider using a moisture meter or watering indicator to take the guesswork out.

3. Be mindful of when you feed

Philodendrons need regular nutrients during their active growing season to maintain healthy, vigorous growth. Feed your plant once a month throughout spring and summer using a liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted according to package instructions.

Reduce or stop feeding completely in fall and winter when growth naturally slows down. Fertilizing during dormancy can cause fertilizer buildup in the soil or encourage weak, leggy growth.

If your philodendron's leaves look pale or growth seems stunted despite proper light and watering, it may need more frequent feeding. If leaf tips turn brown or crusty white residue appears on the soil surface, you may be overfertilizing and should cut back.

4. Prune occasionally to maintain shape

While philodendrons don't require extensive pruning, occasional trimming helps maintain an attractive shape and encourages bushier growth. Remove yellow or damaged leaves as soon as you notice them, cutting at the base of the leaf stem with clean scissors or pruning shears.

Trim leggy stems that have grown long and sparse by cutting just above a leaf node — this encourages the plant to branch out and fill in. Spring is the ideal time for more significant pruning.

You can always save healthy stem cuttings from pruning to propagate new philodendron plants in water or soil.

5. Support climbing varieties with a moss pole

Some philodendron varieties are non-climbing and grow in a bushy shape, while others are vining types that naturally climb in their native habitat. If you have a climbing variety, provide support with a moss pole or trellis.

Climbing philodendrons actually produce larger, more mature leaves when allowed to climb vertically rather than trail horizontally. Insert a moss pole into the pot and gently guide the stems toward it, securing them loosely with plant ties or clips if needed. The aerial roots will naturally attach to the moss over time.

Keep the moss pole slightly moist by misting it occasionally, which encourages the roots to grip better. Moss poles mimic the trees philodendrons climb in nature.