Want to make your Philos bushy? Here are some important tips and tricks on How to Make Philodendron Plants Bigger & Bushier!
Philodendrons can be a great addition to your houseplant collection. They are quite versatile, easy to grow, and gel in with their surroundings quite easily. If you already have one and want to know How to Make Philodendron Plants Bigger & Bushier, then we have got your back!
Keep them in Right Temperature
Philodendrons grow best in the temperature range of 65-85°F (19-29°C). Exposing them to harsh sunlight, too much shade, and darkness can stunt their growth. Also, keep them away from cold drafts of air and AC vents. Do not expose the plant to a temperature below 55 F (12 C).
Propagate More Cuttings in a Single Pot
This is one of the simplest ways to make the plant appear bushier than it actually is. Take a large container and propagate 5-6 cuttings in it. When they grow over time, they will populate the container, making it look dense, lush, and beautiful!
Prune them Right
For a bushy appearance, this plant requires a proper pruning routine. If you leave the plant unpruned, the stems would simply go on to trail all around, making it look leggier and thinner.
Things you Need:
- Pruning Shears
- Hand Trowel
- Garden Gloves
- Watering Can
Snip off stems that are falling downwards. It will ensure the plant grows fuller on the top. Also, cutting right above the node will help it grow two more stems, making it bushier over time.
Give them Proper Light Exposure
People tend to forget that philodendrons need a good amount of bright light in order to grow well. If you are going to grow it in a dark corner of a room, it will have stunted growth, and the leaves will lose their variegation, too.
- Keeping the plant near an east-facing window will make sure it will get the mild morning sunlight for 2-3 hours, which is great for its growth.
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Avoid keeping the plant near a south-facing window as constant harsh afternoon sun exposure can burn the leaves. -
If you live in an apartment, it would be a good idea to keep it on the balcony for 1-2 hours where it could get some sun. Once done, bring it back to the room.
Use Well-Kept Tools
Take care of your gardening tools as much as you do of your plants.
- Use rust-free shears to prune the vines. The accumulated rust on your tools carries bacteria that can infect your philodendrons, haunting their growth.
- Clean your pruners with rubbing alcohol before and after trimming the plants. Pests from other infected plants might stick to your pruners which will transfer to the Philos while pruning them if you don’t keep them clean.
Keep off Pests
Philodendrons are prone to several insects and pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites, making them leggy and thin. Keep these enemies away from your plant by using insecticidal sprays available at local nurseries. You may also make one at home like this.
Water the Plants Well
Leaves with brown edges and curls indicate that the plant is not getting enough water. Do make sure that you water the plant well. The best method to follow is to keep an eye on the topsoil. When it feels dry to touch, water the plant till it seeps out from the pot’s drainage hole.
Maintain High Humidity
Philodendrons thrive in high humidity due to their tropical nature. Your Philos need 70-90% humidity to grow bushier. Try using a humidifier on dry days to help your vines. You may also keep your plant on a saucer with pebbles and halfway water to initiate moisture in the atmosphere.
Repot
Philos hate to stay root-bound. They need space to take a fuller appearance. Repot the plant every 2-3 years to a bigger pot and allow it to breathe freely and grow bushier. Keep pruning it the right way to maintain the desired shape of your plant.
Fertilizing
People have a misconception that using too much fertilizer on the plant will make it grow better, This is not the case with philodendrons. These plants are not heavy feeders and feeding them too much will kill their growth.
- If you have used a good quality potting mix, then do not fertilize the plant.
- Adding a bit of compost in the growing medium once in 6-8 weeks will give it the boost it needs.
- If you are growing pothos in water, it is best not to use any fertilizer. Just change the water every 3-5 days.
- You can also go for any balanced liquid fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, once in 8-10 weeks.
- Occasional application of Epsom salt also helps philodendron.
- Avoid fertilizing in winter.