Philodendron Green Congo Care & Grow Tips for a Healthy Plant

Are you planning on bringing a Philodendron Green Cargo plant into your home but not sure how to properly care for it? Well, you have come to the right place. We have all of the tips, tricks, and information required to properly educate you on how to raise your Philodendron the right way, helping it thrive for years to come.

What is a Philodendron Green Congo?

The Philodendron Green Congo is a durable plant that can grow to four feet at full maturity. As it grows up, it also grows out, creating a luscious array of deep, dark, shiny green, tough leaves. It is a tropical plant that is easy to maintain and requires very little in the way of care to thrive indoors, making it a popular pick amongst homeowners.

Because these guys can grow big and rather quickly, it is a good idea to make arrangements for a good living space before you bring it into your home. Your Green Congo is going to require a lot of room to expand and will require a pot of at least one foot in diameter.

Native to South America, this plant is accustomed to dryer temperatures and plentiful humidity, and it does very well in the average household elements.

How to Grow a Healthy Philodendron Green Congo

If you are interested in growing a Philodendron Green Congo plant inside your home, you will be pleased to hear it is actually quite simple, and maintenance isn’t something this plant requires a lot of.

Here are some tips for growing a happy, healthy Philodendron Green Congo.

Water

Philodendron Green Congos are very sensitive to overwatering due to them being epiphytes with aerial roots. The best way to water these plants is to give them a good amount of water, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again.

Once your plant’s soil is dry about two-to-three inches down, then you will want to water it again. This typically means about 7-10 days between every drink.

Soil

Because the Philodendrons are so sensitive to overwatering, a quick-draining soil is required for optimal, healthy growth. You may also want to consider adding in your own natural materials such as mulch or woodchips to help aid in extra drainage.

Temperatures

As we mentioned, the Philodendron Green Congo is original from an area where humidity and temperatures are pretty high. These plants do well with heat, but not so much with the cold.

Keeping your home at a temperature between 70°F-85°F is ideal for these plants, preferably nothing lower. During the hot summer months, keep your Philodendron away from any air conditioners. During the winter, protect them from any cold drafts.

Humidity

Your Philodendron will love you if you add a humidifier to its room or give it a few sprays of mist every now and again. It will show you how grateful it is by growing bigger, greener, and stronger.

Fertilizer

Giving a growing Philodendron Green Congo food once a month while it is in its growing stages is a good idea. Any quality, evenly balanced house plant fertilizer will do just fine at half dilution.

Light

While this plant will do well without a ton of lighting, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t require any at all. Giving your Philodendron access to indirect lighting in some fashion will be beneficial to your plant’s growth.

What to Watch For

While a Philodendron Green Congo is a low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for plant, it can become infected with diseases or attacked by insects.

If your plant is having any health issues, it will let you know. Just watch them closely, and if something seems wrong, it probably is.

Root Rot

The main cause of root rot is when you overwater your plant or your soil is not draining well enough.

When the roots of your Philodendron become submerged in water for a long period of time, they will end up suffocating from not getting enough oxygen, and they will die. When this happens, the dead roots will get moldy, eventually spreading disease throughout the plant.

If you suspect root rot in your plant (yellowing, droopy leaves, stunted plant growth), you can correct the issue before it gets too bad with a bit of peroxide.

To do this, simply allow your plant to completely dry out by not watering it and placing it in the sun. Once the soil is dry, combine one part water with one part hydrogen peroxide and water the plant directly near the roots.

This is going to kill the bacteria infecting the plant and will allow for new roots to begin growing.

Spider Mites

Spider Mites can be a big problem for your indoor plants, and the Philodendron Green Congo is one these pests like to munch on.

You can easily tell if spider mites are attacking your plant if you notice little holes throughout the leaves. Luckily, there is an easy solution to this problem.

To rid your plant of spider mites, you can find quality pesticides in specialty stores, or even department and home goods stores.

Mealy Bugs

Mealy Bugs are another bothersome insect that can cause health issues with your Philodendron plant.

You will notice mealy bugs surrounding the steam of your plant’s leaves. They are white and have soft bodies, and they huddle together.

You can simply remove these bugs with a quality insecticide and by picking them off by hand.

Philodendron Green Congo and Your Pets

Some of the chemicals found in the leaves and stems of the plant are toxic to humans and animals. If chewed on or digested, you will notice painful irritation, swelling, and rashing or welts around the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat.

Eating a large amount of the plant can result in digestive issues, respiratory complications, and other issues. Keep this plant away from pets or children, and wear gloves when handling if you have sensitive skin.

Summing Things Up

The Philodendron Green Congo is an excellent option for a household plant. It is beautiful and easy to maintain. It will bring a tropical feel to any room and, with the proper care, it will last for a very long time.