As a proud plant parent, seeing brown leaves on your prized Philodendron imperial green is the worst thing that can happen. People love this tropical beauty for its big, shiny green leaves that bring a lot of color inside. But when those bright leaves start to turn brown, it’s a red flag.
Not to worry! Brown leaves on your Philodendron imperial green are common but they can be fixed with a few easy troubleshooting tips. In this article we’ll explore the various causes of browning leaves and provide actionable solutions to restore the health and beauty of your plant.
Common Causes of Brown Leaves on Philodendron Imperial Greens
Brown leaves on your Philodendron imperial green can be caused by a variety of factors Here are some of the most common culprits
Overwatering
Too much moisture around the roots leads to root rot, which manifests as brown, mushy spots on the leaves. Philodendrons prefer the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Check by inserting your finger into the soil before you water. If it’s damp down to your second knuckle, hold off on watering for a few more days.
Always ensure your plant has drainage holes too. Sitting in soggy soil suffocates the roots.
Underwatering
If you let your Philodendron imperial green dry out too much, it can also get brown, crispy spots on the leaves. This happens less often than overwatering. Check the leaves and soil before watering. Your plant needs a lot of water if the leaves are drooping or the soil is completely dry.
Excessive Sun Exposure
Too much direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, leaving behind brown sunburnt patches. Philodendron imperial greens thrive in bright, indirect light. An east or west facing window is ideal. If sunlight is hitting the leaves directly, move the plant to a shadier spot.
Cold Drafts
While these plants love warmth, cold drafts can shock the leaves and cause browning. Keep your imperial green away from drafty windows, external doors, and air conditioning vents.
Mineral Buildup
Long-term use of tap water that is high in minerals like fluoride and chlorine can turn the tips of leaves brown and crispy. If you can, switch to water that has been distilled, filtered, or collected from rain.
Pests
Other sucking bugs, like mealybugs and spider mites, can eat the leaves and leave marks and scars. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil right away on any infestations to stop them from spreading.
Fixing Brown Leaves on Your Philodendron Imperial Green
If your imperial green has developed brown spots, follow these tips to nurse it back to health:
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Adjust your watering schedule if you suspect over or underwatering issues. Check the soil moisture before watering and let the top few inches dry out more between waterings.
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Move the plant to a brighter, indirect light spot if you notice sunburnt patches. An east or west facing window is ideal.
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Inspect thoroughly for any pests like spider mites and treat with insecticidal soap. Quarantine the plant if bugs are found to prevent spreading.
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Switch to filtered, distilled or rainwater if your tap water contains high mineral levels. Stop any further damage.
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Trim off any severely damaged leaves using sterilized scissors. Don’t remove more than 20% of leaves at once.
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Consider repotting in fresh, well-draining soil if root rot is suspected. Trim off any mushy roots first.
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Maintain room temperatures between 65-80°F and increase humidity through misting.
With some attentive care and troubleshooting, your imperial green will be back to its vibrant self in no time!
Preventing Brown Leaves on Your Philodendron Imperial Green
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are some proactive tips to keep your imperial green healthy and avoid brown leaves:
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Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between thorough waterings. Check with your finger before watering.
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Water with room temperature filtered or distilled water if possible. Let water reach room temp before use.
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Keep the plant in bright, indirect light year-round. Some gentle morning or evening sun is great.
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Maintain ideal room temperatures between 65-80°F. Keep away from cold drafts.
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Mist leaves and increase local humidity through pebble trays. Philodendrons love humidity!
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Fertilize every 2-3 months during the growing season with a balanced houseplant food.
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Repot when rootbound into a pot that’s one size larger. Use fast draining soil.
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Inspect closely and wipe leaves once a month to prevent pest issues before they start.
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Propagate annually to maintain a younger, healthier plant. Take stem cuttings in water.
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Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves promptly to stop disease spread.
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Monitor for signs of stress like drooping or spotting, and adjust care accordingly.
With the right preventative care, your Philodendron imperial green will continue to grace your home with its spectacular green foliage for years to come!
When to Worry About Brown Leaves
While an occasional brown leaf here and there is normal, keep an eye out for these red flags:
- Multiple leaves rapidly turning brown or yellow
- Soft, mushy brown spots indicating root rot
- Visible webbing, insects, eggs or sticky residue on leaves
- Brown spots spreading quickly across multiple leaves
- Stems turning brown or soft
- Foul odor from the soil
- Drooping, unthrifty appearance
If you notice any of these issues, inspect the roots immediately for signs of root rot and treat any pest infestations. Severely infected plants can be difficult to bring back from the brink, so early intervention is key.
Enjoy Your Gorgeous Imperial Green
While occasional brown leaves are par for the course with any houseplant, following the care tips in this guide will help you keep your Philodendron imperial green thriving for years to come. Pay close attention to your plant’s needs and act promptly if any problems arise. With just a little TLC, you’ll enjoy huge, glossy green leaves that will be the envy of all your plant parent friends!
Keeping Pests at Bay
Pests are like that one uninvited guest at a party – they show up, and trouble follows. Keep an eye out for telltale signs of pests, such as sticky residue or visible critters on the leaves. People who don’t pay their way should be shown the door by a gentle wipe-down with soapy water or neem oil. Regular leaf inspections are your best defense, like a bouncer checking IDs at the door.
Uninvited Guests: Pest Problems
Pests are like that one guest who never knows when to leave. They can cause brown spots that are often accompanied by other signs of distress. Isolate your plant to stop the spread, and snip off affected leaves. Keep an eye out for improvement after adjusting your care routine. Its not just about the fix; its about the vigilant follow-up.
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FAQ
Why are the leaves on my Philodendron imperial green turning brown?
If your Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’ leaves are sporting soft, brown spots, it’s time to reassess your watering routine. The soil should not feel like a swamp; it should be moist, akin to a wrung-out sponge. Check the soil’s moisture before watering—if it’s damp, hold off on the H2O.
What does an overwatered Philodendron look like?
Overwatered Philodendron Symptoms of overwatering include wilted leaves, even though the soil is moist. New leaves may turn brown and soft. Another sign that overwatering might be the problem is a buildup of visible salts on the soil surface. These salts look like a white, crusty, crystallized layer.
How often should I water Philodendron imperial green?
Keep the soil moderately moist and allow the top to slightly dry out between waterings. When the top 1-2” of soil have begun to dry, then you should water. Be mindful that like most plants, the philodendron imperial green doesn’t tolerate being over-watered.
What is the disease in the Philodendron Imperial Green?
Fungal infections are a common adversary for the Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’. Leaf spot and anthracnose are the main culprits, each leaving their unique mark. Leaf spot appears as small, dark lesions, often encircled by a yellow halo. Anthracnose, on the other hand, creates larger, sunken spots.