Philodendron Not Thriving

Question

I have a split leaf philodendron that produces small leaves that eventually die over and over. It has a very large root tuber that came off another plant which is doing very well. I can’t seem to get this one to thrive and grow. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Are the plants in the same potting soil? A commercial peatlite mix that your local greeenhouse grows in is great for philodendron plants. Is the new plant in a pot that’s too large, therefore getting too much moisture. Are the plants in the same location? Are they getting the same nutrition? Try to find the things different between the two, and you should find the problem.

Answer 2

Most philodendrons will signal that their soil is too wet by producing smaller and smaller leaves. Determine the soil moisture by inserting a probe or spoon well down into the pot, pulling up some soil, and squeezing it between your fingers. It should feel almost completely dry, the smallest trace of moisture, before you water again. Of course, you also should consider where the roots are in the pot. If the plant has a very small root system, with lots of soil unoccupied by roots, you might want to repot to a smaller pot.