Philodendron bipenniflolium Variegated

Philodendron Bipennifolium Variegated

Philodendron bipennifolium is native to South America, mainly Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina. Nowadays, it is grown across the globe in diverse settings. It adapts well to tropical, subtropical, and even warm temperate climates. With some training, it can adjust well to deep shade.

The lobed leaves of Philodendron bipennifolium are plain and large. Usually, they droop and hang on the thick stem. They can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in height. The deep shades can change hues, and even some variegated varieties are available.When Philodendron bipennifolium are growing in their natural climate, there is not much of a color change throughout the year. The stem is thick and woody and reaches maturity in about 20 years

What Is Philodendron Bipennifolium?

Lacy Tree Philodendron, Selloum, Horsehead Philodendron, and Fiddle Leaf Philodendron are its other names. The needs primary care. Give it water when it needs to be paired with well-drained loamy soil, and your Philodendron bipennifolium will grow fast The leaves of Philodendron bipennifolium resemble the shape of a horse head. Some take up the form of a violin as the vine begins to climb and grow bigger. The stem rolls around the structure for support; it can be a tree, a pole, or a wire.

The fast-growing Philodendron bipennifolium will wrap over anything it touches.

In its natural rainforest habitat, it likes to cling to trees for support and food. This makes it an epiphyte.

Philodendron bipennifolium also grows aerial roots. Both stem and roots help the plant grow and thrive. Small plants can be planted in hanging baskets or pots. Bigger plants will need large pots or a suitable place in the garden.

As a houseplant, it will need some kind of support structure to hold on to. Moss poles, bamboo sticks, or wire structures can be a good option. Philodendron bipennifolium is quite easy to grow. And apart from its stunning appearance, it also purifies the air and removes toxins from the indoor environment.

– Soil

Philodendron bipennifolium soil needs to be well-drained. If there is waterlogging or poor drainage, the roots will begin to rot and kill the plant. Ensure good drainage for your Philodendron bipennifolium to thrive  Root rot takes over the rooting system fast. It leaves your Philodendron bipennifolium weak and prone to disease and pest attack. Well-drained soil allows excess water to escape and keep the roots moist, not wet.

If the soil drains the water, the plants will dehydrate. This makes plants shrivel and weak. Philodendron bipennifolium needs balanced, well-drained potting soil. Loamy soil is a great base soil that you can use. It drains well, and that is why many house plants love it. The best thing about loamy soil is that it’s a mixture of sand, silt, and clay. This mix creates a perfect structure of soil for Philodendron bipennifolium to thrive. It also allows it to grow without getting dehydrated or waterlogged.

The soil pH between 5 to 6 is ideal for your Philodendron bipennifolium.

– Light

Philodendron bipennifolium likes to grow in indirect or partial sun. The leaves are sensitive to direct light and quickly scar. If the plants are put under the sun, leaves may all turn yellow or brown. These scorch marks can be permanent.

Place your Philodendron bipennifolium in an indirect bright or semi-shaded spot. This placement will also mimic the rainforest environment for your plants and make them happy. That is all the light it needs, which makes it perfect as a houseplant too.

Gardeners grow Philodendron bipennifolium under a tree in large gardens. In small gardens, Philodendron bipennifolium is placed on semi-shaded pathways or corridors. Both of these settings offer filtered light, which the plants love.

– Watering

Philodendron bipennifolium needs a balanced watering pattern. Water only when it needs it. You want to keep the soil moist, not dry or damp. You can find that balance by monitoring your soil for a couple of days.

Over-watering causes many problems and creates many risks for your Philodendron bipennifolium. Wet soil clogs oxygen to reach the root of your plants. It also causes root rot besides encouraging many pests to attack your plants.

Besides root rot, over-watering also discolor the leaves of your Philodendron bipennifolium. It stuns the plant growth and leaves you with a weak plant. The key to this is to observe how your soil drains.

Let the soil dry out between watering. But do not leave the soil dry for too long. To check if the soil is dry, feel it through your fingers. It will give you an idea if the soil is dry or moist. During winters, slow down the watering as the soil holds on to more moisture during the cold wave.

– Temperature

Your Philodendron bipennifolium likes to grow in 75-85 F. It will tolerate 65-70 F nighttime temperatures. It will not survive frost or freezing temperatures.

– Humidity

Philodendron bipennifolium is native to rainforests, and so it likes to be in a humid environment.

Here are some simple ways to create humidity around your Philodendron bipennifolium:

• Bring other plants close to Philodendron bipennifolium. It allows plants to contribute to and enjoy a humid environment for a longer time.
• Install a humidifier; this makes things simple and also saves you time.
• Spray water or mist your plants often, especially during dry, hot summer days.
• If you are using a pipe to water plants, feel free to wash the leaves once in a while.
• Place a tray under your pots to hold on to water. Make sure it doesn’t keep your soil damp.
• Place a bowl of water close to the plants.

– Fertilizer

Fertilizing Philodendron bipennifolium is not a hectic task. Fertilize your plant thrice a year, and they will be happy. Slow-release plant food is best for Philodendron bipennifolium. This allows the fertilizer to supply nutrients in small regular quantities. This fertilizer is all your plant needs to thrive.

If you use a liquid feed, then make sure you spray it five or six inches away from the base. Always water your plants before you fertilize them. The moisture allows the nutrients to spread across the rooting system. Fertilizers that are high in salt can contaminate your soil and harm Philodendron bipennifolium.

Propagation Philodendron Bipennifolium

Before you begin propagating Philodendron bipennifolium, let us look at its growing habits.

– Growth

Philodendron bipennifolium is a tropical plant that usually grows in full sun. It can tolerate shade and loves indirect light. The best environment for Philodendron bipennifolium to thrive is in rich, moisture-dense soil, which is alkaline.

It is sensitive to saline soils. You can check your soil for salinity and avoid fertilizers high in salts to keep plants healthy.

It will support itself even when it grows tall. Its epiphytic characteristics help it find support through clinging on to trees or other structures to survive. The stem sends down strong aerial roots to source food and water.

Philodendron bipennifolium covers the space with lush green leaves and long stems without any effort. In cooler climates, it will completely die if there is frost and freezing temperatures.

Philodendron bipennifolium plants can grow up to seven feet in height. In tropical regions, it grows even bigger. The supporting structure that you provide your plants can be covered. You can choose to keep the height of your plants as big as the moss pole or bamboo sticks or let them grow.

The leaves of Philodendron bipennifolium are broad and can grow up to 18 inches in length. The plant grows quickly and will wrap its stem around anything that it finds close by.

– Horsehead Philodendron Types

There are two types of Philodendron bipennifolium: climbers and non-climbers. The climbing variety will need support for its long, thick stem to wrap around. The supporting pole must be strong. This type will grow well only if there is good support.

The non-climbers spread and turn into big plants. These are more suitable for open spaces. Additionally, leaves are beautiful, large, and deeply lobed.

– Potting

Philodendron bipennifolium will need to be repotted only once in three years or if it becomes root-bound. The plants in hanging baskets will also take two to three years to mature. That is when the roots outgrow the existing pot and will need a bigger planter.

Transfer your Philodendron bipennifolium in a few inches bigger pots before their roots get too compact. Otherwise, the plant will be stressed and prone to disease. A pot that is much larger than the old one will also cause problems for the plant.