Plant care guide

Philodendron Care: Grow Lush Heartleaf, Birkin and Split-Leaf Types

Philodendrons are some of the easiest houseplants to grow and propagate. These guides cover vining heartleaf types, the Birkin and split-leaf philodendrons.

Leaves changing color? Jump to the leaf problems section.

  • 25free guides
  • 6topics
  • Nov 2026last updated

New to philodendron? Start here

Read these first. They cover the basics that solve most problems.

  1. How Often Should You Water a Philodendron?How much and how often to water.
  2. Split Leaf Philodendron SoilThe right soil and feeding.
  3. Split-Leaf Philodendron PropagationGrow new plants for free.
  4. Philodendron Leaves Turning Yellow [Causes & How to Fix]The most common problem, and the fix.
  5. How To Trim Philodendrons [8 Easy Steps]Keep it full and tidy.

Care basics: water, light and soil3

How much to water, how much light, which soil and when to feed.

Propagation, repotting and pruning7

Make new plants, move to a bigger pot, prune and shape.

Leaf problems and fixes10

Yellow, brown, curling or drooping leaves: what each sign means and the fix.

Mold, fungus and disease1

Root rot, mold and fungus, and how to stop them spreading.

Pets and people: safety2

What happens if a cat, dog or child chews it, and what to do.

Varieties, comparisons and facts2

Types, look-alikes, growth rates and side-by-side comparisons.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water a philodendron?

Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry. That’s usually about once a week in spring and summer and less often in winter.

Can philodendron grow in water?

Yes. Cuttings root easily in a glass of water, and many vining philodendrons can keep growing in water for a long time if you change it regularly and add a little liquid fertilizer.

Why are my philodendron’s leaves turning yellow?

Overwatering is the most common cause. Too little light, old leaves dying off and a lack of nutrients can also turn leaves yellow.

Is philodendron toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Philodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and can cause drooling, pawing at the mouth and vomiting.