House plant Care guide - Pothos | Philodendron | Alocasia

POTHOS

This popular house plant works well in rooms that are well lit and have average warmth (be mindful of the room temperature not dropping below 12 degrees). Make sure to water liberally from Spring to Autumn, allowing the compost to dry out slightly between watering. Water sparingly during the Winter months.

Be sure to mist the leaves frequently, making sure that the leaves are kept clean. If required repot during the Spring months.

Special Problems:

Yellowing & falling leaves, rotting stems – Caused by overwatering, especially in the Winter.

Brown & Shrivelled leaf tips – Air too dry, mist the leaves regularly.

Brown leaf edges, brown spots on leaf surface – Caused by underwatering during the growing season. The surface of the compost should become dry between waterings but the root ball must not be allowed to dry out.

Curled limp leaves, rotting stems – Cold air damage.

 

PHILODENDRON

Philodendron enjoy average warmth with a minimum of 12 degrees in the Winter months. They should always be kept out of direct sunlight and will thrive better in shaded locations. During the Winter ensure that the compost if kept moist but take care not to waterlog. For the rest of the year water thoroughly and regularly. Keep the air moist in the Summer and in heated rooms in Winter, surround the pots with damp peat and mist the leaves regularly.

Transfer to a larger pot in Spring every 2-3 years.

Special Problems:

Yellowing leaves – Caused by overwatering, resolve by testing the compost first before watering.

Dropping leaves – Your plant might be too cold, move them to a warmer location in your house.

Crispy leaves – The air is too dry, help your plant by increasing the humidity and misting it’s leaves regularly.

 

ALOCASIA

With their arrowhead shape and dark coloured leaves, Alocasia enjoy warm temperatures (21 degrees in the Summer and at least 18 degrees in the Winter).

Bright, well lit areas are the best places to keep them, moving them to semi-shaded areas during the height of Summer. Keep the compost moist at all times, being sure not to overwater during the Winter months. Mist Alocasia leaves frequently and re pot every year in early Spring.

Special Problems:

Yellowing or spotting leaves – Overwatered, be sure to check the compost moisture before watering.

Browning leaves – Under watered or too much sunlight exposure.

Faded leaves or slow growth – Dormant, reduce watering.

Webs on the soil – Spider mite problem. Clean the top of the soil.