Introduction
Philodendron Plants and The Weather: This post is relevant to both the well-practiced greenhouse keeper and the commercial crops grower, aiming to understand how varied weather can influence your Philodendron and help maintain it accurately year-round. In this article, we will delve into winter weather care and the success of year-round Philodendron growing.
What is a Philodendron?
Philodendrons are indoor tropical plants. Considering the hundreds, if not thousands, of species and cultivars, it’s hard to imagine that there are almost 400 species because you can find a Philodendron for just about any indoor condition. Understanding your Philodendron and its seasonal requirements is essential. Many of these rules apply in the wild but not always for domestically bred types.
Ideal Philodendron Climate
What are the signs of a healthy houseplant in the Philodendrons? This means you should be working with a kitchen that has an air-conditioned space between 65 to 80°F because your RH (relative humidity) range can only go up to the high 50 percentiles—it’s best not to let it creep over 60! This mimics their natural habitat growing conditions in Central and South America, allowing them to maintain an impressive evergreen quality year-round.
The Impact of Climate Change on the Growth of a Teddy Bear Red Philodendron
What Temperature, Humidity, & Seasons: Sudden changes in temperature or humidity can kill the Philodendron. Before the first frost, while it’s still above 32°F for four consecutive days, find a sunny place. In hot summer, fast drying winds can affect the plant. Place it in a shady location near walls, where the temperature can be 6-10 degrees higher than the air temperature. By noon, they may dry out. After two hours, they should be fine. Do not touch or move them! Whether in winter when temperatures drop below freezing, or in scorching summer heat, it’s important to monitor changes to avoid stressing the plant.
Effects of Temperature
A sensitive plant, Pachypodium stem, experiences drought when the leaves are exposed to temperatures over 85°F (29°C) for long periods, causing them to wither and turn brown. Below 55°F (13°C), you start seeing leaf drop, and the plant becomes stressed. Philodendron is sensitive to stress, so place this tropical in its cradle at 65-70°F, and it will remain content for as long as you want it to be.
How Humidity Affects My Philodendron?
Philodendrons love high humidity. Their leaves will turn brown and crunchy, especially in winter when indoor plant warmers reduce humidity. If you are transplanting into terrariums, you can skip misting or using a humidifier, but if your plant is with other plants, grouping them together will help maintain humidity.
Philodendron Tropical Care
In spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, tropical pitcher plant watering is done more frequently than during winter. Apply small amounts of fertilizer to the soil every few months throughout the year. Growth slows during the fall and winter seasons, so hold off on additional fertilizer and reduce watering. If needed, you may also need to move the plant closer to light in winter.
Winter Care for Philodendron
Cold winter weather and indoor heating can be harmful to your Philodendrons. Keep them somewhere warm but away from drafty windows or direct heaters. Growth slows in winter, so reduce watering and misting or use a humidifier. Partial sun exposure will help the plant fare better during winter.
Summer Care for Philodendron
Philodendrons prefer warmth, but not scorching heat. Keep them out of direct sunlight in summer to prevent leaves from drying up. Provide indirect sunlight and water more frequently, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Balance the heat with high humidity and good airflow to keep them healthy.
Philodendron in High Heat
Do not put in direct sun; otherwise, the leaves will burn. If plant leaves are wilting or crisping at the ends, it may be due to heat stress. Misting also works, or if possible, place the humid Caladium very close to a humidifier. Water in the morning or evening to effectively prevent root burn.
Handling Unexpected Weather
Philodendrons are vulnerable to cold fronts or heatwaves. Bring your plant inside or to a warmer spot during cold fronts. Provide additional shade and increase humidity during heatwaves. Check your plant regularly for signs of stress and assist as needed for optimal growth.
Indicators of Weather Damage
Philodendrons exposed to cold air or fluctuating temperatures may develop browning leaf edges or yellowing. Roots can also be damaged. Promptly addressing these issues can prevent significant harm.
Philodendron Outdoor Care
Bring your Philodendron outdoors in late spring or summer after the last frost. Keep it out of direct sunlight but in daylight. In fall, bring the plant indoors before cold weather arrives to avoid chilling damage.
Indoor Philodendron — And This Guy Has it Nailed
Inside, the temperatures should be bus. During the freezing winter season, try the cool mist humidifier, always to be on his bedroom’s window’s shelf. Not near the heater or air conditioning vent, please. Concerning humidity, more excellent ventilation will prevent mold, although the leaves should never dry out entirely.
Habitat & Fertilizer Effects
Feed your Philodendron every 4-6 weeks with a half-strength fertilizer in the spring and summer growing seasons. Be careful not to over-fertilize, especially during the lower growth periods of fall and mid-winter. Use more fertilizer with a lesser chance of over-fertilizing your plants.
Summary
Philodendrons are hardy houseplants. Every plant has its own characteristic growth temperature, humidity, and seasonal effect working for them so it all boils down to keep a good barometer of the earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below 50°F (10°C), philodendrons will not grow.
These are only hardy outdoors for sure in tropical or subtropical areas.
Philodendrons need light but will burn in the sun.
During the winter, however, philodendrons do not require food as they are in a form of dormancy.
With that in mind, the next time your precious plant life is wilting, grab some water — but not too much as I found way back when with underwatering (and again more recently from overwatering).
An Optimum Humidity Range of 60% to 80%
It is true that the plant can shook by sudden atmospheric change however it will optional if you are caring as a good parent.
Water more often and the let the soil fully dry out in between.
However, philodendrons are not cold hardy. The two skeleton key necklaces should be placed on your nightstand or bathroom sink, but not left there so that they could become altered beyond fix.
Philodendrons require well-drained, peat-based potting mix.
