Want to grow lush green philodendrons that look bushier and bigger? Follow these tips and tricks!
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 Bushier, read on.
How Fast Do Philodendrons Grow?
Philodendrons are fast growers and even in less ideal conditions they grow at a moderate pace. With some varieties like Philodendron hederaceum, bipinnatifidum, brasil, and micans growing several feet in a year under optimal conditions, the actual growth rate depends on the growing environment you’re providing. So, if you want to make philodendrons bigger and bushier in no time 🏃, provide ideal conditions.
Check out the most amazing types of Philodendrons you can grow here
1. Keep Them in Warm Temperatures
Philodendrons grow best in a stable temperature range of 65-85°F (19-29°C). Exposing them to very high or low temperatures, 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) for a long time.
2. 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 the desired container and propagate 4-5 cuttings in it. When they grow over time, they will populate the container, making it look dense, lush, and beautiful!
Similarly, you can plant 2-3 plants together if you want quick results.
Learn all about growing philodendrons here
3. Prune them Right
For a bushy appearance, this plant requires a proper pruning routine. If you leave the plant unpruned, the stems will simply go on to trail all around, making it look lengthier and thinner.
Snip off stems that are not growing or 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.
4. Give them Enough Light Exposure
People tend to forget that philodendrons need a good amount of bright light in order to perk up. 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.
- Avoid keeping the plant near a south-facing window as constant harsh 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.
5. 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.
6. Ward 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.
Check out the Best Indoor Plants that Grow From Leaves here
7. 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.
One good hack you can try to create tropical vibes is to group your philodendrons with other plants and this will create a microclimate.
8. Grow Varieties that Grow Bushier
Growing philodendrons that appear bushier naturally is also a good way to achieve this. Some of the best varieties that you can try are Heartleaf philodendron, Tree philodendron, and Xanadu.
Show your love for unique houseplants by growing these Indoor Plants With Coin-Shaped Leaves
9. Do Foliar Feeding
Use a diluted seaweed extract as a foliar spray. As seaweed extracts contain natural growth-promoting compounds that can stimulate root development and overall plant development.
Apply it to the leaves of your philodendron plant every few weeks during the growing season to achieve faster growth. Be sure to follow the product’s instructions for proper dilution and application.
I live in SW Florida & my philodendron seems growth stunted. The stems have nodules that never sprout any leaves & some leaves simply yellow & fall off, making the plant stringy.