overwatering and Philodendron Green Congo
Quick answer
If overwatering is what's going on with your Philodendron Green Congo, the most likely cause is: Philodendron 'Congo' is a non-climbing, mounding hybrid in the same tissue-cultured family as P. auriculatum, P. bipinnatifidum, P. deflexum, and P. selloum; in a pot its broad, spade-shaped leaves do not transpire fast enough to dry a heavy or peaty mix, so saturated soil drives root oxygen out of the root zone and the roots begin to suffocate and rot, which is the leading cause of houseplant death in this group.
Start here:
- 1. Let the top inch of the potting mix dry to the touch before watering, and tip out any water that collects in the saucer or cachepot so the root ball is never sitting in standing water.
- 2. Repot into a free-draining mix of regular potting soil amended with perlite and a little coco coir so air can re-enter the root zone, and use a pot with multiple unobstructed drainage holes.
Why overwatering happens to Philodendron Green Congo
philodendron green congo
Philodendron 'Congo' is a non-climbing, mounding hybrid in the same tissue-cultured family as P. auriculatum, P. bipinnatifidum, P. deflexum, and P. selloum; in a pot its broad, spade-shaped leaves do not transpire fast enough to dry a heavy or peaty mix, so saturated soil drives root oxygen out of the root zone and the roots begin to suffocate and rot, which is the leading cause of houseplant death in this group.
How to correct overwatering on Philodendron Green Congo
- 1
Let the top inch of the potting mix dry to the touch before watering, and tip out any water that collects in the saucer or cachepot so the root ball is never sitting in standing water.
- 2
Repot into a free-draining mix of regular potting soil amended with perlite and a little coco coir so air can re-enter the root zone, and use a pot with multiple unobstructed drainage holes.
Keep overwatering from repeating on this Philodendron Green Congo
Water on a consistent weekly schedule rather than small daily splashes, ease back on watering as days shorten in autumn, and move the plant to brighter indirect light so the soil uses moisture faster between drinks.