Question
Mr. Creed,

You gave me wonderful advice about my three azalea plants (mentioning that its hard to get them to flower) but they are all blooming now!  Beautiful!  Thanks for the good advice.

I'm in Minnesota and now my poor philadendron is yellowing.  I've had it for 1.5 years and it was doing really well.  I even took some cuttings from it and started a new plant that was also doing quite well.  They sit on my windowsill (west side of the apt) and get as much light as possible in MN winters.  I water them every few days, and recently repotted the large plant because last time I hadn't potted it deeply enough so the roots were showing.  Since the repotting it has gotten even more yellow, though.  I don't give it any food.  The pot is 6 inches in diameter and there is probably 1/2 to 1 inch between the roots and the edge of the pot.  I thought it might be too cold next to the window, or that it wasn't getting enough light.  My mom said I might be watering it too much.  

What do you think?  I'd appreciate any more advice you can give.  

Thank you very much!  

Answer
Hi Erica,

Thanks for your report on your Azaleas. I appreciate your acknowledgment. I hope I can help you similarly with your Philodendron.

Philodendrons are pretty flexible about light and do well in minimal light. However, they are quite fussy about watering. I suspect your mom may be right. If the soil is not allowed to dry out sufficiently the roots rot quite quickly.

It is best to allow the top half inch or so of soil to dry out in between thorough waterings. For a plant that was recently repotted as you described, it would take at least a week for the soil to dry out adequately. However, it is best that you use your finger to check the soil rather than relying on a predetermined schedule.

If you would like to send me a photo, I may be able to add some additional insights.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my web site at www.HorticulturaHelp.com

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