The Philodendron Green Congo is native to South America. This Philodendron is low maintenance with simple care needs.
The Green Congo Philodendron grows several feet tall, making it an excellent floor plant for large spaces.
Philodendron Green Congo Appearance
The Green Congo Philodendron are non-vining plants, reaching 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall at maturity.
The plant has a wide spread and requires enough room to allow for proper air flow. The green foliage has smooth, shiny edges and has a bushy growth habit. Blooms from indoor plants are rare and insignificant to the plant’s lush foliage.
Philodendron Green Congo Sunlight Requirements
Philodendron Congo prefers bright, indirect sunlight or diffused light from a north-facing window. Do not expose the plant to direct sunlight as it scorches the foliage. Rotate the plant every few months to ensure even sun exposure and growth.
Artificial light from a grow lamp makes a good supplemental lighting source if natural lighting is scarce.
Green Congo Philodendron Water Needs
Water your Philodendron Green Congo when the top 2 inches feel dry. On average, watering every 7 to 10 days should suffice, depending on your home’s heat and humidity levels.
Green Congo Philodendron is sensitive to overwatering. Use an unglazed clay or terra cotta pot with drainage holes to prevent the soil from staying saturated with water.
Soil and Fertilizer Needs for the Green Congo Plant
A well-draining potting soil amended with perlite or orchid bark works as a great growing medium for this Philodendron.
Feed your Green Congo plant once a month during spring and summer with a liquid, houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Plants that receive several hours of indirect light each day, which increases growth, require more fertilizer. Withhold feedings during the winter when the plant goes dormant.
Temperature and Humidity Levels for Philodendron Green Congo
Temperatures between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 29.4 Celsius) are ideal. Avoid exposing your plant to cold drafts, which damages the foliage. Average household humidity is sufficient, but low humidity results in browning of the leaves’ edges.
Supplement dry conditions using a pebble tray. Fill a dish with small pebbles and water, placing it under the plant’s pot to provide extra moisture to the plant’s surrounding air.
Philodendron Green Congo Propagation
Propagation by cuttings is the most successful method. Choose one of the plant’s stems with at least two top leaves and two bottom leaves or nodes.
Remove the two bottom leaves, if nodes aren’t exposed, and place the cutting in a jar with clean water. Ensure the bottom nodes are submerged.
Place the cutting in bright, indirect sunlight in a warm location.
Change the water every two to three days. New roots will emerge in a few weeks. Once the roots are 2 inches long, transplant the cutting to a small pot filled with the recommended soil mix.
Common Pests and Diseases for the Green Congo Philodendron
Spider mites and mealybugs are common pests to watch for. Mealybugs are soft, oval, wax-covered insects that feed on plants by piercing them. They excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which often leads to black sooty mold if not treated. Treat the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in 70 percent or less rubbing alcohol to wipe away the insects. Treat spider mite infestations with an insecticidal soap, which is most effective for younger insects.
Erwinia blight is a common disease for the Philodendron Green Congo plant. It presents as water-soaked lesions beginning on the stem of the plant.
The disease spreads quickly, moving to the foliage if not treated. Quarantine infected plants immediately to prevent spread to other houseplants. Use sharp and sterile shears to remove any infected stems and leaves.
Resterilize your shears between each cut to prevent spread. Avoid touching healthy parts of the plant if you’ve previously touched infected areas. Severely infected are rarely saved and should be destroyed to prevent spreading the bacteria.
The Philodendron Green Congo’s large and lush foliage makes it an attractive addition to any houseplant collection. It is a hardy plant that adapts well to most home’s environments. It’s jungle-like appearance gives the plant an exotic look without a lot of fuss.
Philodendron Green Congo FAQ
Yes, all types of Philodendron are considered toxic and should be kept away from pets and small children.
Prune the plant in the spring or fall to remove dying leaves or stems. Regular pruning, if required, also encourages fuller growth for leggy plants. Do not over prune your plant as it leads to stress and stunted growth.
Yes, remove dead or decaying leaves and stems from the soil to prevent the infestation of fungus gnats.
While the Green Congo plant prefers warmer climates, it can be placed outside in USDA zones 11 and 12.
In colder climates, repot your plant in the spring or summer. For warmer zones, repotting in early fall is acceptable provided the temperatures are still warm. Refresh the plant’s soil at this time.
