Philodendron ‘Hope’

Philodendrons are more tolerant of drought than their tropical appearance would suggest. Once they're established outdoors, they can even survive in a shady spot without additional water, though the leaves will be fewer and smaller, giving them a little crown instead of a big lush crown. To keep them looking their best, give them water every week or two once established, or more if they are inland or in some sun.

Indoors this plant wants water when the top of the soil is dry, but you can still feel moisture just below the surface. This plant will often fall into a once-a-week watering cycle, but remember that your watering should be based on the moisture left in the soil, which will depend partly on the moisture in the room and the weather outside. The soil surface goes a bit deeper for larger pots; for example, a plant in a 14-inch diameter pot should dry out a couple of inches deep before you water it, while a plant in a 4-inch pot will only want to dry out in the top half inch or so of soil.

Drooping leaves or a small crown with dwarfed leaves are signs of underwatering.