Image: AI generated
Philodendron Plant Care
Philodendron acutifolium K.Krause
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Philodendron acutifolium, the sharp-leaved philodendron, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae. It is native to southeastern Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to low light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Philodendron?
Water Philodendron every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Philodendron?
Philodendron (Philodendron acutifolium) belongs to the Araceae family within the Philodendron genus. Philodendron is native to southeastern Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Philodendron displays a vining, climbing growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Philodendron produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Philodendron?
Philodendron acutifolium requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Philodendron Need?
Philodendron thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Philodendron in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Philodendron Prefer?
Philodendron acutifolium grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Philodendron prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Philodendron?
Well-draining, aerated potting mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Philodendron to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Philodendron?
Feed Philodendron every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Philodendron?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Philodendron?
Philodendron can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to billietiae philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Philodendron Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Philodendron?
Philodendron is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Philodendron Need?
Philodendron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Philodendron is native to southeastern Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. In cooler regions, grow Philodendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Philodendron is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Philodendron genus — compare its care with other Philodendron species on PlantoScan.
Philodendron is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Philodendron copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Philodendron Species
Other Philodendron species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Philodendron acutifolium K.Krause, family Araceae (first published in Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 11: 620 (1932)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Philodendron is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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