Philodendron and Pothos: Expert Growing Tips
Unlock your inner green thumb with our carefully curated collection of plant tips. We're thrilled to share these simple yet impactful insights with you, our dedicated audience. Let’s dive into the art of plant care as we reveal the subtle signs of what your houseplants are trying to tell you.
Whether you're an experienced collector honing your skills or a newcomer beginning your green journey, our wealth of tips and tricks offers something invaluable for every indoor plant parent.
Join us as we explore the secrets of nurturing a thriving indoor garden and embark on a journey of successful plant parenting together. Let's dive into some wonderful tips and tricks on how to get your Pothos and Philodendron growing large, lush foliage in no time, and be sure to follow our series of expert blogs!
Philodendron and Pothos Expert Growing Tips
Philodendrons and Pothos require little more than time to develop large, mature leaves. However, there are some things you can do to make them grow faster. Follow these two tips to help Pothos and Philodendron vines grow larger leaves.
1. Provide Adequate light
Most houseplants require bright, indirect sunlight for healthy growth. Bright, indirect light is ideal for growing Pothos and Philodendrons. You can give them plenty of filtered sunlight by positioning them some distance away from a north-facing window or near an east- or west-facing window. Sufficient light encourages lush leaf development and keeps plants from becoming leggy. Even though these plants do not need a lot of light, the darker the space, the smaller the leaves.
TOP TIP: Like with Hoya, large spaces between leaves mean your plant isn't getting enough light.
2. Regularly Prune and Train up a support
Increasing leaf size and encouraging a bushier growth habit require regular pruning and training. Regular pruning of straggly or unruly vines will promote new growth from the plant's nodes. In addition, by training the vines to grow along a trellis or support structure, such as a moss pole, you can ensure that all of the plant's energy goes towards supporting the growth of healthy, large leaves.
3. Maintain optimal humidity levels
Both Pothos and Philodendrons thrive in environments with moderate to high humidity levels, mimicking their natural habitat. Providing your plants with good levels of humidity will encourage larger leaf growth as well as improve overall plant health, resulting in lush, glossy foliage. You can achieve this by placing your plants in spaces that are naturally higher in humidity, such as your bathroom or kitchen. However, be sure that the lighting conditions match your plant's needs, or position a water-filled tray with pebbles beneath the plant's pot to enhance moisture levels effectively. To make it a little easier, you can consider using a humidifier, especially in dry indoor settings or during the winter when heaters and fireplaces dry out the air.
TOP TIP: Keep a keen eye on your plants for telltale signs of low humidity, such as leaf curling or browning tips, ensuring prompt adjustments for their optimal well-being.
4. Provide nutrient-rich soil and fertilise regularly
The best way to achieve big, lush leaves on your Philodendron and Pothos is to start off with a good base, and set them up for success. To support faster growth, provide your plants with a nutrient rich potting soil that will drain well. Check for things in the ingredients list like compost, which will provide your plants with a boost, or consider adding a slow release organic fertiliser such as BioOcean to provide nutrients in between each feeding. Good nutrition will not only boost your plant's foliage size but also help it develop gorgeous, lush green leaves.
Additionally, supplement your plant's diet with a balanced organic liquid fertiliser, such as Biotrissol or Kelpak, to avoid overfertilization. Be sure to apply the fertiliser regularly and according to the manufacturer's instructions, during the growing season from spring to autumn, to promote robust leaf growth and overall plant vitality.
Fun Pothos Propagation Tip:
Explore the Benefits of Companion Planting:
Incorporating Pothos cuttings into your propagation endeavours alongside other houseplants can accelerate root growth and overall propagation success. This technique, also referred to as "companion planting" or "group propagation," uses the ethylene plant hormone that mature Pothos release to promote root development in nearby cuttings. Experiment with grouping your propagation projects together to leverage the benefits of ethylene and speed up the rooting process for multiple plants simultaneously.
We hope these pointers will prepare you for ultimate success, and have your Pothos and Philodendron looking stunning in no time. If you have any interesting facts or tips for us, feel free to share them below.
For more basic care tips, check out our variety of Pothos and Philodendron Care Instructions here.
Happy growing!
Leave a comment