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Philodendron uses and benefits backed by leading research studies
Philodendrons may look impressive or intricate, but these tropical natives are some of the easiest houseplants to grow. Even novice houseplant owners can enjoy huge, impressive leaves with minimal work. As houseplants go, philodendrons are pretty much bulletproof. Along with its spectacular leaves, philodendrons also provide several amazing uses and benefits. These jungle-dwelling plants can help purify the air, reduce our stress and create stunning decorative details. In this article, we will explore 13 uses and benefits of philodendron plants backed by leading research studies from around the world.
About Philodendrons
Philodendrons are an incredibly diverse group of plants from Araceae family. There are approximately 490 recognized species in the genus Philodendron. These plants get their name from two Greek words; “philo“, meaning “love” and “dendron”, which means “tree”. They are also the official plants for the astrological zodiac sign of Scorpio.
Philodendrons are known for their large, lush leaves. Most varieties, such as Philodendron giganteum, has huge leaves with noticeable lobes. But some types, such as Philodendron hederaceumhas heart-shaped foliage and grows as climbing or trailing plants.
These tropical plants are native to tropical regions of Central and South America and the West Indies. Philodendrons have also been introduced to areas such as Africa, Asia, Australia and some Pacific islands. Most species are epiphytes, meaning they grow by clinging to other plants.
Philodendrons are popular houseplants thanks to their large, impressive foliage. They are also easy to grow and require very little maintenance.
The benefits of Philodendron Plants
1. Philodendron is good at cleaning the air
Nowadays, it is common knowledge that houseplants make the air cleaner. And according to NASA’s Clean Air Study, philodendrons are good at removing harmful VOCs like formaldehyde from the air.
Formaldehyde can irritate our eyes, lungs, skin and throat and can also lead to cancer. Worryingly, this dangerous chemical is often found in things like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. House plants such as philodendrons are an effective way to protect us from VOCs.
The researchers evaluated three types of philodendron during the study; elephant ear philodendron, heart leaf philodendron and split leaf philodendron. All three scored well for removing formaldehyde and purifying the air.
2. Philodendron can help us sleep better
Having plants in a bedroom not only cleans the air – it can also help you sleep better. In 2019, a team of Chinese scientists conducted an experiment with astronauts. They wanted to see if having something natural like a plant could help the astronauts get a good night’s sleep in space.
The experiment showed that the astronauts were less stressed when they could see or smell a plant. The data also showed that the astronauts’ central nervous systems appeared to be more regulated as a result.
Sounds like a great excuse to put a philodendron on that bedroom dresser!
3. Philodendron can help reduce our stress levels
These days, stress seems to affect almost everyone. Thankfully, plants like philodendrons could lend a helping hand. Several studies have shown that caring for or interacting with indoor plants can reduce our stress levels.
A 2015 study tested the stress levels of 24 young men during two tasks. Each participant spent time replanting a houseplant and doing some work on a computer. The results showed that the participants felt calmer and less stressed when replanting the plant.
Other experts have theorized that interacting with plants can positively affect the electrical activity of our brain. Plants also help promote less muscle tension and healthier heart activity.
4. Philodendron plants can stimulate better productivity
Working in a soulless, boring office can really hinder how much we get done. But plants like philodendrons can help us be more productive.
In 2014, two studies were carried out with offices in the Netherlands and Great Britain. Participants were tested once with plants present in the office and again with the plants removed to discover if plants increased productivity.
When plants were present, there was a noticeable 15% increase in productivity. Participants also reported that they felt more satisfied and less stressed in their surroundings. Add a philodendron to your home or workplace office for a productivity boost.
5. Philodendrons are great for Feng Shui
With its vibrant energy and gorgeous green color, the philodendron is one of the most versatile feng shui plants. Philodendron is primarily associated with the health and prosperity zones of the Bagua map. These plants usually do best in south or southeast areas of your home.
Philodendrons symbolize abundance in feng shui due to their vigorous growth habit. These plants also increase the energy of the fire element, which enhances fame and reputation.
Philodendrons also draw positive yang energy into your home thanks to their cheerful green foliage. This is why philodendrons are among the best feng shui plants for your living room.
6. Philodendron plants can produce fruit
This may sound surprising, but philodendrons can actually produce edible fruits. If you give philodendron the right conditions, you will get some white berries with a slight green tint.
Philodendron berries apparently taste a bit like bananas, although some species produce berries that smell like garlic. Philodendron berries are collected by indigenous tribes in the jungles of South America.
A word of caution, though – philodendron berries can be poisonous depending on the species and number of berries eaten. That’s because philodendron berries contain oxalate crystals that can cause stomach irritation.
7. Philodendrons are great ornamental plants
Few other houseplants can match the philodendron’s stunning presence and power. Most varieties have huge green leaves, making them excellent decorative items for any room.
Varieties such as cotyledon philodendron grows well in hanging baskets. Their heart-shaped leaves create a beautiful waterfall of greenery and a lush jungle atmosphere. These philodendrons can also be trained to climb moss stakes or other structures.
Some philodendrons, such as Philodendron birkin, produces striking patterns on its large leaves. You can turn any room or conservatory into your own part of the tropical jungle by collecting different varieties.
8. Philodendron plants are incredibly low maintenance
Even if you don’t have a green finger, you can still grow philodendrons without much hassle. These incredible tropical plants are incredibly low maintenance and can thrive in almost any location.
All philodendrons really need is a warm, moist environment. This sounds tricky to provide, but it’s a lot easier than you think. Philodendrons will be happy at average room temperature – somewhere between 60 and 80ºF (15 to 26.5ºC).
To maintain a humid environment, place your philodendrons in a steamy bathroom. You can also mist them every other day or put them on a stone tray.
9. Philodendron grows quite quickly
Philodendron plants are not only incredibly low-maintenance, but they can also grow quite quickly. As long as philodendrons have a warm, moist environment, most houseplant owners can easily achieve vigorous growth.
Some philodendron species can thrive when grown as climbing or trailing plants. These vine varieties are best grown with moss stakes. This adds some vertical interest to your space and is an easy way to see how quickly these plants can grow.
For novice plant parents, philodendrons provide dramatic foliage in a short amount of time, making you feel like a green-fingered guru.
10. Philodendron thrives in most light conditions
Philodendrons are not picky when it comes to sunlight, making them easy to grow in most spaces in your home. Older plants prefer partial shade, but younger specimens thrive in some bright, indirect sunlight.
Philodendron grows near the forest floor in tropical jungles. This means they are used to having most of the sunlight blocked by the trees above. Many philodendrons can make do with mottled shade. This makes them incredibly versatile when deciding where to place them in your home.
East facing rooms are best and avoid direct sunlight as it can burn the stunning leaves.
11. Philodendron plants are easy to propagate
Philodendrons are not only maintenance-free, but are also remarkably easy to propagate. This is usually done by stem cuttings. Almost anyone can turn a philodendron plant into an entire jungle.
In the spring, look over the plant for established leaves that have about three leaf nodes. These are the bumpy nodules that protrude from the stem. Make the incision below the third and remove some of the lower leaves.
Then place the cutting in well-draining soil. As simple as that! You can also place the cutting in a jar of water until it has developed some roots.
12. Philodendron plants can increase the humidity in your home
Just like philodendron plants, we need a certain amount of moisture in the air to stay healthy. It is recommended that we maintain 30 to 50% humidity in our homes.
If the air becomes too dry, it can trigger skin conditions such as eczema. Low humidity levels can also contribute to respiratory problems such as asthma.
Philodendron can act as a humidifier for your home, thanks to its large leaves. When you water the plant and mist the leaves, this water will begin to evaporate over time. This adds moisture to the surrounding air, which helps keep us healthy.
13. Philodendron can act as natural soundproofing
If you’re trying to concentrate on something, ambient noise can be an annoying distraction. However, having philodendrons in your home can actually create some natural sound insulation.
Research by a Korean team compared paper-based soundproofing to a puzzle plant and a peace lily. The researchers found that the plants surpassed sound insulation by absorbing sound waves through their leaves and fleshy stems.
Plants with larger leaves, such as philodendrons, are even more effective at absorbing sound. So not only can philodendrons reduce your stress levels, but they can also calm the environment around you.
The benefits of philodendron plants – the final word
Philodendrons are popular houseplants with low maintenance and stunning, lush foliage. But philodendrons also have a surprising range of uses and benefits that can help make your home happier. Philodendron can clean the air, reduce stress and help us get a good night’s sleep. They can even make us more productive and reduce noise in our homes.
If you’re looking for your next philodendron to add to your collection, see our in-depth guide to the best plant shops that supply philodendron plants across the country.
