Growing Philodendrons in your home or any indoor space can give it a touch of tropical elegance. Philodendrons with their big green foliage add greenery to your home or office, making the space look fresher and cleaner.
Most varieties of Philodendrons have larger leaves and require a little care and attention to grow and thrive. However, if you notice your beloved Philodendron has smaller leaves then, do not get worried.
In this post, I will let you know about the causes that make the leaves of a Philodendron smaller and also share effective tips and strategies to encourage leaf growth.
Why Do Larger Leaves Matter So Much?
Most gardeners and Philodendron lovers like me desire that their plant produces bigger leaves. here are some causes that make larger leaves so desirable.
Purifies Air
as we all know Philodendrons can purify air so that we can inhale that toxin-free clean air. Larger leaves of Philodendrons release oxygen and absorb pollutants better than smaller leaves.
Aesthetic Appeal
Philodendrons with bigger leaves make it a statement piece. It looks more attractive wherever it is placed.
Healthy Plant
Philodendrons with big, bold leaves indicate that your plant is completely healthy, producing the required energy for its overall growth and efficient at photosynthesis.
How Do You Make a Philodendron Leaves Bigger?
Here are some useful steps and strategies to boost the leaf size of your Philodendron so that, it looks more attractive.
Choose the Right Soil
When growing Philodendrons, it is very important to choose the right soil composition as Philodendrons prefer well-draining, aerated soil. Always go for a well-balanced soil mix that can provide essential nutrients to your plant. A soil mix with higher nitrogen content can be good for leaf development.
The pH range should be between 5.0 and 6.0 to create an acidic environment. you can prepare a well-draining soil by mixing coconut coir or pine bark, peat moss, and perlite. A well-draining soil will prevent water logging.
Moisture Level Should Be Monitored
To make a Philodendron produce lush green leaves it is important to check the moisture level occasionally.
As Philodendrons prefer moist soil so, make sure to keep the soil consistently moist. However, always avoid water logging. Place a saucer under the pot so the extra water drains out and gets collected in the saucer and you can throw it later. This will prevent root rot. Water the plant when the top 2 inches of the soil dries out.
Choose the Right Fertilizer
To promote bigger leaves choosing the right fertilizer is necessary. You can use liquid fertilizer with higher nitrogen content. A balanced formula like (10-10-10) or (20-10-10) is good for the plant.
It is also suggested to fertilize your Philodendron weekly during their growing months. Always go for small feedings instead of heavy doses. To prevent overfeeding always dilute the fertilizer before using.
You need to water the plant a day or two before applying fertilizer as the nutrients get absorbed better if the soil is moist. Avoid using fertilizer if the soil is dry.
In winter, Philodendron’s growth rate slows down, reducing fertilization during that period. Overfeeding can harm your plant so avoid it.
How to Prune Philodendrons for Supersize Leaves?
Right pruning techniques play a crucial role in making bigger Philodendron leaves. here are some right ways to prune a Philodendron to get that desired result.
Assess a Philodendron
Assess the plant before pruning. You need to make sure whether you want to get rid only of the damaged and discolored leaves or you want to manage the overall health and growth of the plant.
Following the right pruning technique will be easier if you understand your purpose.
Cutting Selectively
Firstly, you need to trim off any unwanted vines using sharp pruning shears. Next, you should snip off any dead, damaged, or discolored leaves from just above the leaf node.
Discard Damaged or Dead Leaves
You should avoid composting damaged foliage instead, discard them in the trash. Disposing of dead and damaged leaves properly can prevent your Philodendron from being affected by any diseases.
Tools Should Be Sanitized
Your pruning shears should always be sanitized well after every use. You can use a solution of 1 part bleach and 9 parts water and dip the tools in it for some time. Rinse your pruning shears with warm water and let them air dry.
Ideal Time for Pruning
Fall and spring are the growing months of Philodendrons. So, pruning during this time can be the best option. However, you can trim off old, discolored leaves a whole year round.
Light Requirements for Larger Leaves
When growing Philodendrons, considering their light requirement is very important, to maintain the plant’s overall health. Philodendrons prefer indirect bright light and not getting enough light can cause severe damage to the plant.
Filtered or Indirect Light
In their natural environment, Philodendrons thrive in medium indirect bright light. They receive sunlight through the canopy of larger plants.
So, when growing these plants indoors you need to make sure they receive enough filtered light. Never, place a Philodendron in direct sunlight, especially during hot summer afternoons. Intense sun exposure can cause wilting or drooping of their delicate leaves.
Lack of Adequate Light
As direct sunlight is not good for a Philodendron, inadequate light can also lead to different problems. Plants that do not get sufficient light show different signs. Some common signs that your Philodendron is not getting adequate light are thin growth with a gap between leaves, a leaning plant, smaller leaves, and a slow growth rate.
So, if you notice these signs and want to make your Philodendron leaves bigger then, make sure your beloved plant gets the needed light.
Use a Light Meter Test
You can try out a light meter test if you are not sure that your plant is receiving enough light. You can use a light meter to measure the brightness of the light if your Philodendron is placed indoors.
Regularly six to eight hours of medium to bright light is necessary for your plant to grow well and survive. right light conditions are essential for your plant’s lushness and health.
Mirror Effect and Philodendrons
Understand the Mirror Effect
Placing mirrors around a Philodendron to reflect light onto the plant is called the mirror effect. Using mirrors bounces back the light towards your Philodendron and acts as an amplifier. Mirror effects can be useful if a Philodendron is placed in a room with limited natural light.
The mirror effect creates a light pathway for your plant to receive sufficient energy for photosynthesis and the development of its leaves.
How to Implement?
Step 1: Mirrors should be placed in areas where they can redirect and capture light.
Step 2: To ensure indirect illumination for your Philo’s set up mirrors to bounce light from one room to another.
Step 3: Using larger mirrors can cover more area than smaller ones. So, considering the size and angle of the mirror is important to get that desired result.
Step 4: Make sure the reflected light is not direct sunlight as it may lead to sunburn on the leaves of a Philodendron.
What Are the Benefits?
The mirror effect can be a great option for the plant if it is placed in any dimly lit space. Mirror effect also helps the plant to produce bigger leaves by providing additional light.
Using the mirror effect turns your Philodendron into a living art piece with that aesthetic appeal.
Hydration and Humidity
Philodendrons originally come from the tropical regions and rain forests of the Caribbean, Colombia, and Venezuela. The weather conditions in these places are warm and humid.
So, Philodendrons prefer, humidity and hydration and thrive best in humid environments. Humidity helps the plant to maintain a regular transpiration rate. This helps transport essential minerals and water throughout the plant’s body.
60% to 70% humidity is a must when growing Philodendrons indoors. Adequate humidity levels also encourage healthy growth.
Troubleshooting Factors That Stop a Philodendron From Making Huge Leaves
Here are some factors that need to be considered and taken care of if, your Philodendron is not producing bigger leaves.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Higher nitrogen content, especially during the growing season of a Philodendron, is important to make it produce bigger leaves. so, always use balanced liquid fertilizer with higher nitrogen content. Lack of nitrogen results in smaller leaves.
A lack of micronutrients like potassium, iron, and magnesium can also cause smaller leaves. So, make sure the fertilizer you are using is rich in micronutrients.
Diseases and Pests
Pests like spider mites and fungal infections can cause severe damage to the plant and the leaves of a Philodendron. leaves affected by pests turn out to be curling and stippling. On the other hand, fungal infections can cause wilting, yellowing of leaves, and leaf spots.
So, proper ventilation, when using pesticides is necessary. Also, avoid over-watering to prevent fungal infections.
Plant Variety
Not all varieties of Philodendrons produce bigger leaves. some of these species naturally have smaller leaves. so, you need to identify the right variety and understand the plant’s growth habits before desiring to get larger leaves.
Other factors like the amount of humidity, light, and proper care play an important role in making bigger leaves of a Philodendron.
Conclusion
Pruning, environmental adjustments, and proper care can make the leaves of your Philodendron bigger. I hope the tips and techniques shared in this post will help you make your plant healthy with vibrant lush foliage.
