Philodendron 'Velvet'

Getting Started with Your Philodendron 'Velvet'

1. Light: A Philodendron 'Velvet' grows in direct or indirect light, and bright, indirect light brings out its best color and texture. Protect it from harsh direct sun, which can scorch the soft leaves and dull their velvety sheen. Lower light is tolerated but slows growth and spaces leaves farther apart.
2. Potting and Drainage: Use a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix. It is available in 3 inch, 4 inch, 6 inch, and 8 inch pots, and the 6 inch option comes with a support stick for climbing. Empty any water left in the saucer.
3. Placement: Vines grow 6 to 10 feet long indoors when trailing or supported, with a spread of 1 to 3 feet. Let the vines cascade from a hanging basket or shelf, or train them up a trellis or moss pole. Keep it away from cold drafts and heating vents.

Care Instructions

1. Watering: Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry, typically every one to two weeks. It is forgiving if you miss a watering now and then. Avoid soggy soil, which can cause yellow leaves and root rot, and water less in winter.
2. Humidity: Philodendron 'Velvet' grows fine in average household humidity, but it appreciates extra moisture in the air. Higher humidity helps new leaves unfurl smoothly and keeps edges from browning. A pebble tray, humidifier, or grouping with other plants works well in dry homes.
3. Fertilizing: Feed about once a month in spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength to support steady vine growth. Skip feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.
4. Pest Monitoring: Check leaf undersides and stem joints occasionally for mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips. Because the leaves are velvety, dab pests off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or use a gentle insecticidal soap rather than scrubbing the leaves.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

1. Repotting: Repot every one to two years in spring, or when roots circle the pot or grow from the drainage holes. Move up one pot size and use fresh, chunky, well-draining mix.
2. Pruning and Cleaning Leaves: Trim long or leggy vines just above a node to encourage fuller growth. Clean the velvety leaves with a soft, dry brush or by gently blowing off dust rather than wiping them with a wet cloth, which can mark the texture.
3. Propagation: Cut a vine just below a node and root it in water or moist potting mix. Roots usually form within a few weeks. Once they are an inch or two long, pot the cutting or tuck it back into the mother plant for fuller growth.

Additional Tips for Philodendron 'Velvet'

1. Pet Safety: Philodendron 'Velvet' is toxic to cats and dogs. Like all philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Hang it out of reach or keep it on a high shelf in homes with curious pets.
2. Troubleshooting: Yellow leaves usually mean overwatering, so let the soil dry more between waterings and check drainage. Brown edges point to dry air. Small leaves spaced far apart mean it needs brighter light. New leaves often emerge with bronze or reddish tones and mature to deep green, which is normal.