Does Gutteration In Philodendrons Leaves Mean Soil Too Wet

Tips on water ph fertilizing epiphytic anthuriums philodendrons.

Does gutteration in philodendrons leaves mean soil too wet. Guttation doesn t occur during the day because the leaf s stomata are open at that time and are able discharge any excess moisture in the form of vapor. It should feel almost completely dry the smallest trace of moisture before you water again. Too much water penetrates the plant through its roots and this can create pressure that forces the moisture to exude from the plant in the form of droplets. Don t be afraid to push you finger into the soil and see how moist it is an inch or two down.

Pure water is generally more ideal because most aroids are epiphytes and will be adapted to rain water ph of 5 5 6 which naturally has a low mineral content however from my own experience alkaline tap water can work provided you take action to make it more hospitable and lower the ph. Guttation occurs when the soil is too wet. Check your soil regularly. During the day or in dry conditions the extra water evaporates due to the sun or wind.

Philodendrons philodendron spp are common houseplants but some varieties can grow outdoors all year in certain locations. A drought tolerant tree the dieffenbachia is intolerant to wet feet and overwatering and will attempt to correct its watering issues with leaf drips. Guttation guttation is a physical reaction that the dieffenbachia experiences after consistent overwatering. Philodendrons make wonderful houseplants because they can thrive in low light conditions and they really only need to be watered when the soil dries out or the leaves start to droop.

To prevent yourself from making this mistake again only water your plants when the soil is dry to the touch. When both young and old leaves are falling prematurly combined with buds not opening this is a sure sign of too much water. At night cooler temperatures calm. Leaf fall occurs in both situations of too much water and too little water.

Because of the minimal light and watering requirements even brown thumbs or black thumbs are able to grow philodendrons. It looks wilted but the soil is wet. Determine the soil moisture by inserting a probe or spoon well down into the pot pulling up some soil and squeezing it between your fingers. Next cut off the yellow lower leaves of your abused philodendron and when the plant perks up from its wilted posture use a liquid houseplant food to add more green to the foliage.

If your plant is green well watered and still struggling you may have overwatered. Most philodendrons will signal that their soil is too wet by producing smaller and smaller leaves.