Philodendron bipinnatifidum, the tree philodendron
Philodendron bipinnatifidum
- Exposure
- Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 9a (-6.7°C ≤ T° < -3.9°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Araceae
- Genus
- Philodendron
- Species
- Philodendron bipinnatifidum
Other names:Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, Arum pinnatifidum, Philodendron pygmaeum, Philodendron selloum, Philodendron sellowii, Sphincterostigma bipinnatifidum
When we think of a Philodendron, we most often imagine a climbing houseplant with delicate foliage, such as philodendron 'Silver Queen. But Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina are home to a very different kind of philodendron: Philodendron bipinnatifidum. This variety of the Araceae family is distinguished by its giant leaves and woody stem.
How to recognize Philodendron bipinnatifidum?
Philodendron bipinnatifidum is a shrub with a spreading habit. In its natural habitat, the dry tropics, it reaches four meters in all directions. Its growth is much more modest when grown in pots in our latitudes. It can nevertheless grow to over a metre in height.
Philodendron bipinnatifidum has a thick, branched stem. The base lignifies over the years. It eventually forms a trunk up to 15 cm in diameter. The light-brown bark is covered with leaf scars.
A long, smooth petiole, up to 120 centimetres long in mature plants, supports the cordate or sagittate leaf. Bright green, it is deeply lobed and drooping. Some blades reach 1.50 m in length.
Philodendron bipinnatifidum grows rapidly, but it can take years, sometimes 20 years, before it flowers. The plant then produces a fragrant pink or cream inflorescence, consisting of a spadix and a spathe.
If the flower is pollinated, it gives rise to a cluster of fleshy, white or yellow berries.
Philodendron bipinnatifidum is toxic to animals if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause digestive problems. Contact with the sap can also cause skin allergies in humans.
Our care tips
Philodendron bipinnatifidum are not very difficult to grow. In some regions with mild winters, you can even plant them outdoors.
Watering
Philodendron bipinnatifidum likes humidity, but not at root level. Water only when the rootball has dried to a depth of two or three centimeters.
Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater, at room temperature. If you've placed your houseplant on a dish, empty the stagnant water each time it appears.
Misting
Brumisez le feuillage avec une eau non calcaire améliore l'hygrométrie et lutte contre les attaques de nuisibles.
Repotting
Every year in the spring, repot your Philodendron bipinnatifidum to give it more space.
Choose a container large enough to allow roots to develop.
To promote drainage, make sure the bottom of the pot is perforated. Place a layer of clay balls or gravel, followed by potting soil for green plants. You can even mix in some perlite.
Place your Philodendron bipinnatifidum in this new pot and water.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Philodendron bipinnatifidum, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Apply green plant fertilizer in addition to watering.
Planting
When the risk of frost has passed, it's time to plant.
Soak the rootball of your Philodendron bipinnatifidum. Meanwhile, dig a hole two or three times as large.
Plant your specimen in the center and fill in with your garden soil. You can add sand to improve drainage and compost to enrich the substrate. Water generously.
You can then mulch the base to protect it from the cold in winter and keep the soil cool in summer.
Taking cuttings
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Take a portion of stem with three or four nodes. Remove the leaves at the base.
Cut your cutting with a clean, sharp tool, such as secateurs or scissors.
In a pot with drainage holes, pour in potting soil for houseplants. Make a small hole using a pen or a stick. Plant your cutting in the center
Gently firm the soil to remove air pockets and water with room-temperature water to encourage rooting.
Place your cutting in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposure
- Half-shade
- Substrate
- Humus soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubs
- Tags
- Large potToxic
- Origin
- South America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 9a (-6.7°C ≤ T° < -3.9°C)
- Leaf color
- Dark green
- Flower colors
- RoseCream
- Fruit colors
- WhiteYellow
Discover plants from the same family
Philodendron Brasil
Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil'
Philodendron Lemon Lime
Philodendron hederaceum 'Lemon Lime'
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
