Giant Philodendron Failure Under Palms: Plastic Mulch and Water Competition

Giant philodendrons under 3-year-old royal palms with black plastic and stones are yellow and stunted; palms thrive. Expert: philodendrons need more water than palms. Yellow leaves = not enough water. Plastic blocks water entry. Plastic/ground cloth causes soil to rot and stink—unhealthy. Remove plastic; water philodendrons separately.

Fix

• Remove black plastic and stones.
• Water philodendrons deeply and regularly.
• Mulch with organic material (wood chips) instead.
• Fertilize lightly.

Different plants, different needs—even side by side.