Being a tropical plant, a philodendron prefers warm and humid weather conditions to grow and thrive. These aroid species are mostly found in the rainforests of South and Central America.
Philodendrons have become quite popular among gardeners and people love to grow this plant indoors. So, maintaining a proper schedule to water this plant is very important to keep it healthy and fresh.
Using the right amount of water can make your philodendron stay healthy, grow fast, and survive for several years. This post is all about the best ways to water most of your philodendrons.
I hope after reading this article it will be easier for you to take proper care of your plant.
Plant a Philodendron in a Well-draining Soil
A well-draining aerated soil is best for your philodendron. Using well-draining soil will remove the excess water and keep the plant in its best condition. As you need to water a philodendron quite often to maintain its moisture level so, using aerated and well-draining soil is necessary.
If the excess water does not drain out then, there can be a huge chance of water logging which may lead to root rot. Using the right potting mix and adding perlite to the soil can be the best ways to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
The pot where the plant has been placed should have enough drainage holes. You need to check these holes regularly to make sure they are not blocked by compacted wet soil. For proper drainage, these holes should always be clear.
Sometimes we use an empty saucer under the pot so that the excess water accumulates after draining. However, if too much water is left in the tray or saucer under the pot then, it can hamper proper drainage.
Too much water left in the tray or saucer will keep the soil damp and thus damage the roots. So, it is very important to throw away any excess water left on the saucer or tray under the pot.
Did You Know
Morning is the ideal time to water philodendrons, as it allows the plant to absorb the water it needs for the day.
Should a Philodendron Be Watered From Above or Below?
There are two ways to water a philodendron that gardeners follow. One of them is through a saucer at the bottom and the other from the top of the pot. Both have their benefits and drawbacks. So, check them out.
Watering From Above
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Watering a philodendron from the top removes mineral buildup in the water and helps the root to settle just after repotting. | However, in some cases watering from the top can cause fungal growth as the soil becomes compact. The plant can develop shallow roots and stems can get rotten if the plant is water from above. |
Watering From Below
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Watering a philodendron from the bottom allows the plant to develop a stronger root system. Watering from the bottom can be done by placing the plant in a container of water. Leave it for an hour and then remove it. to drain out the excess water place it on a tray or saucer. | If the excess water is not drained out completely then it gets stagnant and causes damage to the plant. |
Are You Overwatering Your Philodendron?
Although a philodendron needs enough water to grow and thrive, overwatering can cause severe damage to the plants. Some signs that your plant is being over-watered are drooping or yellowing of leaves.
As the plant cannot extract any oxygen from the soil due to over-watering so, it affects the overall health of the plant and its leaves start to become yellow and droopy.
So, whenever you notice these signs immediately stop watering your plant for a few days.
Are You Underwatering Your Philodendron?
Underwatering a philodendron also has some side effects unlike overwatering the plant. A proper watering schedule should be followed to avoid these situations.
Using too little water on the plant can also make the leaves droopy and brown. So, whenever you notice these signs be sure your plant is not getting enough water. At this point of time, you need to give your plant a good soak so, that the soil remains moist for a few days.
When, you notice signs of improvement then, go back to your regular watering schedule.
Did You Know
During winter, you’ll need to modify your watering routine for philodendrons. Since philodendrons grow more slowly in colder temperatures, they require less water. It’s best to water them only once every 10 to 14 days.
How Often a Philodendron Should Be Watered?
As the natural habitat of a philodendron is rain forests so, generous watering can be best for this plant. During spring and summer, you need to water the plant more often as it is the growing period of a philodendron.
Watering should be done in a way so, that the excess water drains out of the drainage holes. Before watering the plant again, you need to let the top 2 inches of the soil become completely dry. Use your fingers to check the moisture level of the soil before watering.
As this plant prefers humid weather conditions so, misting its leaves once or twice a week can help the plant stay fresh. However, the amount of water your philodendron needs mainly depends on the location and climate of the place where it is kept.
How Often a Philodendron Needs to Be Watered During Winter?
The need for water decreases during winter months as the plant goes dormant during this period. However, you need to check the moisture level of the soil regularly to make sure when you need to water the plant.
If you have a huge variety of philodendrons in your home or garden then, the water requirement of each of these plants may vary. All the plants may not need to be watered on the same day or same time. Only water the plant if the soil dries out.
More Watering Tips for Your Philodendron
Here are some other useful tips that you should consider when watering a philodendron.
Best Practices
- Water in the morning.
- Never let a philodendron sit in water.
- Avoid watering if, the soil feels wet, and the foliage turns yellow.
- Use a humidifier or mister to increase the moisture level around the plant.
- If the foliage looks wilted water your plant.
- Let the soil dry out before watering again.
- Use well-draining soil.
Final Thought
Although watering a philodendron is important, overwatering or underwatering can cause some severe side effects. So, you should always maintain a proper watering schedule to keep the plant healthy and beautiful.
By following the watering tips shared in this post it will be easier for you to water your beloved plant without getting worried about unfavorable conditions like root rot, yellowing of leaves, droopy leaves, and waterlogging.
