Free Philodendron Plants

Philodendron is a wonderful indoor plant belonging to the genus Araceae family. It has been discovered that this plant has around 400 to 500 different species. This plant is common in the tropical part of the globe. They are common in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay etc. This plant is a great lover of moist soil, shady environment and a humus rich soil. There are quite a number of philodendron species growing around the world.

Since there are different species of philodendron plant, this plant has unique features depending upon the type of species. There are two types of philodendrons—one that climbs and one that just grows normally (non-climbing variety). They have large and attractive foliages. This plant can grow both indoor and outdoor. When left to grow in an open land, this plant can crawl over other trees and can be harmful to the other plant because its aerial roots can swallow or take in the important nutrient and water containing in the other plants. But when left to grow indoor, this plant can be charming. It will not spread unnecessary particularly because it is under our care, it receives timely pruning and also the container or pot is small. In this way the plant cannot grow out of shape.

Foliage : Most of the Philodendron has large leaves and this is what attracts the viewer’s eyes. And this is also one of the reasons why this plant is left to grow in an indoor atmosphere. Philodendron is greatly known for its foliage. It gives rise to shiny foliage. The leaves come in dark green color and are in spear to oval shaped depending upon the type of philodendron species. They usually come in a heart shape. One of the unique qualities that you will get to notice in a philodendron plant is that the leaves go into metamorphosis meaning the plant during their growing stage will give rise to two types of leaves—young leaves and the same leave turning into a mature plant. But you will notice the difference between the two.

Roots : Having two types of root is one of the feature in a Philodendron plant.

A)Aerial root : You will notice aerial roots rooting from the internodes of the plant body. This root is beneficial to the plant and serves as a support system helping the plant stick to other plants or even on the walls. Another feature of aerial root is that this root helps collect nutrients and water from the surrounding environment.

B) Main root : The main roots are attached to the soil and serves as the foundation to this plants proper growth. It is through the main root that the plant starts growing thoroughly absorbing the nutrients, water and fertilizer provided to this plant.

Care and growth : Taking care of philodendron is simple—gardeners need not take pressure in taking care of this plant. Thus, an inexperienced plant lover can keep this plant indoor and enjoy its presence. Upon falling in the category of an indoor plant, this plant is adaptive to the indoor environment within no time. One of the key take away from philodendron is that this plant can adjust to the change environment without much fuss.

It is good to keep in mind the basic components for any plants growth. Sunlight, water, soil type and fertilizer are the major ingredient for any plants growth.

Light : Philodendron is an indoor plant. Being an indoor plant also tells us that the plant is a great lover of shady environment. For a philodendron plant, this plant enjoys a shady environment where it can receive indirect day light. Keeping it near the window will help receive good amount of indirect light. It is good to take this plant outdoor at times just to let it feel the touch of outside environment. It will also serve as an opportunity to dust off the unwanted leaves and to clean the pot. This plant can thrive in some amount of direct sunlight but prefers indirect over the long run.

Soil : Choosing the right type of soil is very important when it comes to plantation. This tropical environment lover plant grows well in a soil condition rich in humus and compost manure. This plant has high preference to thrive in a loamy soil although this plant is found to be growing in some other types of soil. Well-drained soil can serve best in the long run although this plant is a great lover to moist environment.

Water : Philodendron is quite a lover of water and of course not in excess. If you are not used to watering your plant every day, the best way to figure out when to water this plant is by checking the top soil. If you notice the top soil turning dry then you are suggested to water the plant.

In order not to water in excess, you can finger check the moisture level in soil. This plant will grow best when you water this plant thoroughly. Misting can also be helpful as the plant enjoys humidity.

At times you will notice that the leaves of the plant dropping down towards the ground. The reason for this is because the plant is dehydrated. This is the right time to water the plant else the plant will soon die away.

Fertilizer : The best way to excel in philodendron plantation is by providing this plant with the right kind of fertilizer and fertilize timely. Fertilizer serves as a vitamin to a plant encouraging healthy and fresher growth.

Sometimes you will witness your philodendron turning yellow or pale. The plant will experience slow growth and small sized growth-the reason being that the plant is lacking fertilizer.

Pruning : Pruning is common in most of the plants and the same goes when it comes to philodendron. Pruning a philodendron is not a compulsion but you can definitely prune this plant if you want to have a clean shaped growth along with a fresher touch of newer foliage. People usually prefer pruning philodendron when they see the plant spreading in unnecessary areas, the leaves turning yellow or the growth getting unruly. You will want to sterilize the pruning tool before you take step into pruning this plant because you will want to avoid any time of bacterial attacks caused by careless pruning tools. You can prune this plant any time of the year and pruning is most common during the spring and summer months when the plant is in its active growing stage. It is good to use alcohol swab to clean the pruning tool or direct cleaning alcohol should also help in a similar manner. It is good to cut old stem and yellow leaves, in this way, the plant will appear cleaner.

Repotting : This plant has fast growing ability. Thus, you can repot this plant once in a year time depending upon the development of this plant. It is good to repot this plant once in a year because you will find this plant growing as tall as 8 feet tall. Thus, changing the size of the pot can help this plant grow in an open space at the same time growing into a healthy plant.

Uses : The Philodendron plant has both indoor and outdoor uses. As an indoor plant, this plant helps beautify the indoor environment by adding more color and touch to nature. Having this plant indoor would mean that you have a natural air purifier. It is commonly seen in offices, shops, home and even in the shopping malls. This plant is extremely beautiful with its wonderful large shaped leaves. It never fails to attract the passers-by.

This plant when left to grow in an outdoor environment, adds more beauty and attraction to the outside landscape. This plant will spread to its full potential when allowed to grow in an outdoor environment.