The Philos Plant: Care Tips for Growing and Caring for Sachs’ Philodendron

Everything You Need to Know About the Philos Plant

If you’re searching for “philos plant,” chances are you came across this intriguing houseplant and have some questions about how to care for it. The philos plant, or philodendron, as it’s more commonly called, is a very popular choice for indoor greenery. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know to keep your philos plant happy and healthy.

What Is a Philos Plant?

The philos plant, scientifically known as Philodendron, is a genus of over 500 different species of vines and climbing or creeping plants in the family Araceae. It naturally grows in tropical and subtropical forests. Some key things to know:

• Native to Central and South America
• Very easy to care for – thrives in low to medium light conditions indoors
• Tough plant that tolerates neglect better than most other houseplants
• Grows via climbing or creeping tendencies, either climbing poles/walls or trailing along the floor

The most common philos plant varieties grown as houseplants include heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron cordatum), Brazil philodendron (Philodendron erubescens), and neon pothos or golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum). They come in a variety of leaf colors and patterns.

Light Requirements

When it comes to lighting, a philos plant is definitely one of the more flexible houseplants. It can thrive in both low and medium indoor light levels. Direct sun through a window is usually fine as long as the plant isn’t getting toasted. I keep my large philos plants about 6 feet back from a south-facing window, which provides plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.

When the light is too low, philos plants will grow leggy and lank. Leaves may also grow smaller. But on the flip side, too much direct sun can cause leaf burn. So assess your indoor lighting conditions and position the plant accordingly. North-facing windows typically provide the right balance.

Watering Needs

In terms of watering, philos plants fall into the “neglect-proof” category. They are quite tolerant of dry soil and prefer to be on the dry side. I usually water mine about once every 1-2 weeks, when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry. You can stick your finger in to check the moisture level.

A good rule of thumb is to water when the leaves start looking a bit droopy or less glossy. Be cautious not to overwater, as soggy soil roots can easily rot. Using a well-draining potting mix is key. And don’t be afraid to let the plant go a bit longer between waterings during the winter when growth is slower.

Soil and Fertilizing

A loose, well-draining potting soil is best for philos plants. I like to use a mix of 1 part peat moss, 1 part perlite or bark, and 1 part potting soil. This allows for adequate drainage to avoid root rot issues. You can also add a handful of compost to the mix for nutrients.

When it comes to fertilizing, philos plants don’t actually need much. But feeding them every few months in the spring and summer using a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer can encourage lush growth. I personally use a water-soluble 20-20-20 formula at 1⁄4 strength. Too much fertilizer can actually burn their roots.

Pruning and Propagation

Philos plants are very easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply clip off a 6-inch section, remove the bottom leaves, and place the stem in water. Within a few weeks, you’ll see roots starting to form. Once established, transplant the new plant to soil. Piece of cake!

To keep a mature philos bushy, I occasionally prune leggy stems back to a node near the base. This encourages new side growth. Cuttings can then be rooted for additional plants. Some philos varieties also climb, so provide a moisturized pole or framework for climbing vines to scale!

Pests and Problems

Fortunately, philos plants are pretty pest-resistant. The main issue you may encounter is spider mites – those tiny spider-like bugs that can cause leaf stippling. I’ve only had to deal with them once on an overwatered philos. At the first sign, isolate the plant and spray down both sides of leaves with a mix of water + dish soap.

Other potential problems include root rot from soggy soil. Make sure the pot drains well and only water when dry. Leaf yellowing could indicate too little light, fertilizer burn from over-fertilizing, or occasional leaf drop is normal. Philos plants are quite adaptable, so don’t stress the small stuff!

Creating the Right Environment

Now that you have the basics on care, it’s all about finding the perfect spot to showcase your new philos plant. Place it somewhere with bright, indirect light that still feels lively – maybe near a kitchen window or living room. You basically can’t go wrong!

Given their flexible growing habits, philos plants also make awesome additions hanging from ceilings or climbing freestanding poles. Get creative with display ideas! And don’t be afraid to group philos plants together for a more thriving, lush look. Their tolerance to various conditions basically makes them low-maintenance all-stars.

So in summary – give your philos plant some bright indirect light, keep the soil slightly on the dry side, fertilize occasionally, and prune to encourage growth. It will reward you for years with its easygoing nature and tropic allure. Sometimes the low effort plants are the most satisfying. Score!

I hope this philos plant care guide has addressed all your questions and left you feeling confident to bring one home. Let me know if any other aspects need clarification. Enjoy your new green friend!

Key Facts about Philos Plant Care

FAQ

1. What type of plant is philos?

   Philos is basically a type of succulent. Its technical name is “Senecio rowleyanus” and it comes from South Africa.

   

2. How fast does philos grow?

   While philos growth can seem kind of slow at first, once it gets going it expands faster than you might think. In good conditions with plenty of sun it can double in size every year. Some people report their philos multiplying into many plants over just a couple seasons.

3. What kind of light does philos need?

   Bright, direct sunlight is best for philos. It really loves lots of light. Put it in a south or west facing window to maximize growth. At the same time, too much intense midday sun can burn the leaves, so you gotta be careful in summer. Indirect light won’t cut it—this plant needs beams of light to flourish.

4. How often should I water philos?

   When it comes to watering philos, less is more. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. You don’t want soggy wet feet. Some people water only when the leaves start to look a little deflated and wrinkled. The soil should dry out mostly in between. Underwatering is better than overwatering with this plant.

5. What kind of soil should philos be planted in?

   Most experts advise using a well-draining soil for philos. A mix of potting soil with perlite or gravel works well. This allows water to pass through without sitting in the soil. You definitely don’t want wet feet with this plant. A fast-draining soil helps prevent overwatering and root rot issues.

6. Can philos be grown as a houseplant?

   Totally! Philos makes an awesome low-maintenance houseplant. As long as it gets lots of sunlight, well-draining soil, and not too much water, philos thrives as an indoor plant. You’ll be amazed at how big and bushy it can get with the right conditions inside your home. Philos is a great option for anyone who wants an attractive succulent that’s not too difficult to care for.

7. Are philos toxic to pets?

   Unfortunately, philos is poisonous to both cats and dogs if ingested. Its sap contains toxic compounds that can cause upset stomach and other issues in pets. So you’ll want to keep philos up high where pets can’t reach it, or get a pet-safe plant if you have curious animal companions around. Most veterinarians advise being really careful with succulents if there’s any chance a pet may try to nibble on it.