Philodendron ‘Hope’ (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum)

With its deeply lobed, tropical leaves and sturdy presence, Philodendron Hope brings the energy of grounded optimism and quiet strength. Spiritually, this plant helps clear emotional heaviness and reminds you to root into what nourishes you. It has a protective, stabilizing feel and is perfect for spaces where you want to cultivate both calm and courage. It holds the vibration of legacy — the energy of planting deep roots for the long haul.

Care:
Prefers bright, indirect light but will tolerate lower light. Water when the soil is almost dry and bottom water to maintain root health. This plant likes room to spread out, so choose a pot that allows for broad growth over time. Clean the leaves occasionally and rotate for balanced shape.

Potting Up: Choose the Right Size

When repotting, bigger isn’t always better. Overpotting can lead to soggy roots and sad plants. If your plant comes in a 3-inch nursery pot, go up to a 6-inch pot — this gives the roots room to grow without staying wet too long. If it's in a 6-inch pot, an 8-inch pot is a perfect step up. This pacing gives you time before the next repot and helps prevent common beginner mistakes like root rot.

DIY Potting Mix: Clean, Light, and Pest-Resistant

If you want to minimize the chance of bringing fungus gnats and other pests into your home, skip the bagged indoor potting soil — especially the kind labeled for gardens. Instead, make your own clean mix using:

Place your coco coir brick in a bin and pour the boiling water (a little at a time) over it to soften and expand it. Once broken down, stir in the vermiculite. This will yield about 2.5 cubic feet of light, airy mix — enough to pot up several plants. This mix has excellent drainage, but keep in mind: it contains no nutrients, which is why feeding matters.

Feeding: Keep It Simple and Consistent

For gentle, balanced nutrition that encourages healthy foliage, use Super Thrive Foliage Pro at ¼ strength every time you water. This keeps nutrient levels consistent and supports slow, steady growth without overwhelming the roots. Your plants will tell you they love it — you’ll see deeper greens, stronger stems, and more resilient growth.

Watering/Feeding: Use a Moisture Meter and Bottom Water First, Then Mist or Treat Top Layer

Bottom watering is the best way to avoid overwatering because it allows the plant to absorb only what it needs through its roots. To get an accurate moisture reading, insert the moisture meter all the way to the bottom of the pot—this is where the roots are actively taking in water. Many people mistakenly check only the top few inches of soil, which dry out much faster due to air exposure. This leads to unnecessary watering when the bottom is still moist, causing root rot and fungus issues over time.

Just because the top layer feels dry doesn't mean your plant is thirsty. In fact, repeatedly watering when only the surface is dry leads to overwatering because the lower portion of the pot never has a chance to dry out. Always rely on your meter’s reading from the bottom of the root zone before deciding to water again.

 Once you've determined if you need to water, fill a tray or bowl with nutrients and let your pots soak for about 20–30 minutes, allowing the roots to drink from the bottom. To make watering/feeding even easier invest in self-watering pots or round plastic saucers that fit your pot bottoms.  Only water from the top (lightly) if the soil is extremely dry or if you're applying treatments.

To keep gnats away — which can show up even in clean soil — use:

  • Plug-in sticky traps: Place one near each plant or group of plants to silently trap adult gnats. They’re discreet and surprisingly effective.
  • Captain Jack’s Spinosad: This is an organic option that works great for fungus gnats although they aren't listed on the packaging. Mix 4 tablespoons per gallon of water in a spray bottle or pump sprayer. Lightly mist the top layer of mulch or soil once or twice a month, or more often if gnats appear. If you're an experienced gardener who's battling fungus gnats, treat your plants once a week for 3-5 weeks to break up the life cycle. 

Mulching: The Final Layer of Protection

Mulching your houseplants helps retain moisture and suppress gnats, but don’t use mulch straight from the garden bag. Here’s how to sanitize your mulch first:

  1. Place mulch in a heat-safe bin or bucket.
  2. Pour boiling water over it (sterilize in small or large batches and use enough water to completely cover the mulch).
  3. Let soak for an hour, then pour off the water.
  4. Spread it out to dry (or use a bucket with holes and clip a fan to it).
  5. Once dry, apply a thin layer on top of your potting mix.

This extra step gives you peace of mind that you’re adding clean material on top of your clean soil.

When you create an indoor gardening setup with intention, you don’t just grow healthy plants — you cultivate an environment that heals, nourishes, and reflects the energy you want to live in.

BACK