How do I get Philodendron to grow they way I want?

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

I want to hang small pots of Philodendron, with NO drain holes, in north-facing windows.

The window spaces are not large, so I want thin, flexible runners with small, closely-spaced leaves. My problem is that once it gets going, the Philo I have starts growing thick, stiff runners, with large, widely-spaced leaves (See photos for comparison). Sometimes, the plant seems to start growing the thin runners and small leaves I want, but there seems to be no rhyme or reason for the change.

So my questions are:

1.) Are there conditions of light, soil, water etc, that will cause Philo to grow only small leaves and thin runners?

2.) Are there perhaps varieties of Philo that only grow this way?

3.) What other plants might I try, having many small leaves, thin, flexible hanging trailing growth, that can remain soaked (NO drain holes in the pots!), that are easy to care for and tolerant of north light?

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Comments (6)

tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
2 years ago
You're asking an awful lot ..... but I guess it doesn't hurt to ask.

Al
HU-955880698
Original Author
2 years ago
One could always choose to answer only part of the question.
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tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
1.) Are there conditions of light, soil, water etc, that will cause Philo to grow only small leaves and thin runners? Yes - root congestion causes smaller leaves, thin stems, and shorter internodes (leaves closer together), but it also saps growth potential and diminishes o/a vitality. Bright sun causes small leaves but causes stem structures to thicken faster. Fertilizing with a synthetic fertilizer which is low in N and doesn't derive it's N from urea tends to keep leaves smaller than fertilizers which derive their nitrogen from urea. For what you're asking, Dyna-Gro 7-7-7 would be the best choice.

2.) Are there perhaps varieties of Philo that only grow this way? Doubtful, but perhaps. I don't know of any.

3.) What other plants might I try, having many small leaves, thin, flexible hanging trailing growth, that can remain soaked (NO drain holes in the pots!), that are easy to care for and tolerant of north light? Hedera (ivy) will adapt to forms of water culture, but they are often fraught with problems related to spider mites. Ficus pumila is a 'maybe', but make sure you buy the species plant and not one of the other cultivars.

Do a search for 'indoor vines' or 'vines that can be grown indoors', go to images, and see what you find. Almost all will adapt to forms or water culture.

No matter what you decide on, you'll need to change the water regularly, fertilize regularly, and prune the roots as needed.

Al
HU-955880698 thanked tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 years ago
i understand a challenge .... buttttt ....

it might be simpler to get a plant that fits within your parameter easier.. and grow your dream ...

i also cant think of anything that would like to be... using your words.. soaked all the time .. roots need air as much as water ...

why the insistence on no holes .. i have many hanging plants that have drain holes.. i just take them down to water them.. and rehang them after they have properly drained so they dont drip all over everything below ... in other words.. its easier to change your variable.. than fit a plant into a bad situation ...

ken
HU-955880698
Original Author
2 years ago
Ken;

I can't ever have any water at all running out onto the window sills.

Call me lazy, but i plan to have enough small pots in enough windows - maybe 3-4 pots in each of 4-6 windows, that I vastly prefer a low-fiddling approach.

I thought of philodendron because it will live in water with no soil at all, so I figured it should also live in soaked soil.
HU-955880698
Original Author
2 years ago
Al,

Fantastic advice.

How do I get Philodendron to grow they way I want?

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tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)

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How do I get Philodendron to grow they way I want?

Comments (6)

tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)

HU-955880698Original Author

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tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

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