How to Grow Tree Philodendron (Split Leaf Philodendron)

Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (previously Philodendron selloum syn. P. bipinnatifidum)

The philodendron houseplant is such a dependable previous pal and so commonplace that you simply may are likely to overlook it in favor of extra outstanding species.

However then alongside comes the tree philodendron, typically referred to as lacy leaf, cut up leaf, or horsehead philodendron, a species so massive and daring you’ll be able to’t assist however take discover.

It goes by numerous different widespread names as properly, together with panda or fruit salad plant.

This tropical species has huge inexperienced, shiny, heart-shaped leaves which can be deeply lobed, with cuts so deep they attain virtually to the middle vein.

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This plant is well confused with one other jumbo-size, bodacious tropical, Monstera deliciosa, which additionally has divided leaves and grows massive and tall.

However these Swiss cheese crops can also have enclosed holes on their leaves, whereas T. bipinnatifidum has the deeply lower lobes solely.

In USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 13, this foliage plant will develop open air year-round, both in massive containers or planted in a backyard or border.

Its tall stature is tree-like, and crops will generally lose their backside leaves, leaving the central stalk uncovered.

Wish to develop this massive, daring magnificence in your personal house? I’ve loads of suggestions to assist yours thrive, from propagation to taking good care of pests and stopping illness.

Right here’s the lineup:

Native to southern Brazil and the areas of Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay which can be close by, tree philodendrons are tropical.

Outdoor or within the wild, they’ll develop in extra of 15 toes tall with an upright behavior, and unfold 10 toes or extra.

Mature crops, usually of not less than 20 years of age, can also produce flowers.

However these are minute, masking a spadix that’s protected inside a spathe earlier than it blooms, like what you will note on anthuriums and peace lilies.

Indoors, the crops can nonetheless attain eight to 10 toes tall and unfold six toes or extra in ultimate situations, although you’ll be able to restrict this development by planting them in containers no bigger than 12 inches in diameter.

Vining philodendrons are typical, however T. bipinnatifidum was as soon as categorized as one of many much less widespread, “self-heading” sorts.

Members of the Meconostigma group of philodendrons – which have since been moved to their very own genus – produce leaves that develop very shut collectively, with all of them rising from a single clump on the crown and no branching.

As they grow old, these crops will develop a woody trunk of as much as 4 inches in diameter and start to shed their decrease leaves, sporting leaf scars that resemble a watch with a darker pupil on the heart the place the foliage has fallen.

I just like the offbeat look, however should you don’t, you’ll be able to at all times restrict the dimensions of the crops earlier than the trunks develop, merely by proscribing the pots to 12 inches in diameter or so.

As self-headers, these crops additionally develop aerial roots that can develop from the lengthy stem all the way down to the bottom. These roots assist the plant because it grows taller.