20 pictures of philodendron, a popular plant among gardening beginners and experts alike

Plants are living beings that have their own characteristics, becoming an essential part of the house. Its flowers and leaves are perfect decorative elements, bringing beauty to any space, however, taking care of them is a job that requires a lot of patience, dedication and responsibility.

O awesome.club prepared this post for anyone who loves plants (and for those who like it but don’t have many botanical skills) and want to learn more about a much-loved indoor species: the philodendron.

As a plant that needs little light (not direct light) and adapts perfectly to the conditions of a house, the philodendron is a genus that has become very popular in most homes and one of the favorites for interior decoration. Its name comes from the Greek philowhich means “love”, and dendronwhich means “tree”.

According to the world checklist of selected plant families, the philodendron has 489 species. Its large leaves can be found in different presentations: they are usually large and imposing, often split or with deep cuts, and may be more or less pinnate. They can also be oval, spear-shaped or have many other possible variations.

As its natural habitat is the tropical rainforest, the recommendation is that, in order to survive outdoors, the temperature should never be lower than 10 °C. It is a plant that does not do well with direct sun, so it is advisable to place it in a semi-shaded area, inside the house. It should be in soil with good drainage and rich in organic matter. It should be watered frequently, every two or three days during high temperature periods. Mineral fertilizer should be applied every 15 days during spring and summer. In the fall, you can add a little compost to the soil a few times, stirring only superficially.

Despite being a very noble plant, it can present some problems if not cared for correctly. For example, too little or too much irrigation. The best way to recognize when there is a problem is to observe the color and firmness of the leaves: if they are wrinkled and droopy, it means that there is a lack of water, if, on the contrary, they appear yellowish or faded, they have been watered excessively.

It is very common for shrub philodendrons to grow rapidly, especially during spring and summer, and are capable of doubling the number of leaves in a year. They can reach up to a meter in height and the large-leaved varieties are up to a meter wide.

Yes, it is a plant that looks good anywhere in the house, however, you must be careful with it, as it is poisonous. Thanks to the presence of calcium oxalate in the leaves and fruits, this plant should not be ingested under any circumstances. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep it away from children or pets.

Do you have any such plants at home? Do you have any special care for her? Which plant has had the longest?