Split Leaf Philodendron Philodendron bipinnatifidum Play pronunciation

Tree philodendron, a member of the arum family (Araceae) is an upright, perennial, woody, broadleaf evergreen shrub in its South American native habitats, but it is grown as a houseplant in most of North Carolina. It can grow 4 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide and reclines or creeps with age. It will climb with adventitious roots if given support and send down aerial roots from the trunk to further support its large size. The specific epithet, bipinnatifidum, references the pinnatifid leaves (lobes with sinuses that are halfway or more into the main leaf).

Grow this plant in moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter. It prefers high light and moderate humidity but tolerates low light conditions. It does not tolerate salt buildup, so flush soil regularly, allow it to get rained on, or use distilled water for irrigation. It can produce aerial roots that absorb water and nutrients. 

Tree philodendron is desired for its large, glossy, lobed green leaves. Low light and over-watering will cause leaves to be smaller with fewer or no lobes. It rarely blooms as a houseplant.

It is used as an indoor shrub specimen or in a container outside in warm weather and moved indoors when temperatures dip below 60 degrees F. It may become too large for smaller homes. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves are gigantic, glossy and heart-shaped.
• Leaves are deeply lobed and have long petioles.
• The stem is short, and the sheathing stipule-like structures are large.
• The stem bears distinctive leaf scars surrounded by stiff scales.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, mealybugs, scales, banded greenhouse thrips and spider mites are occasional problems. Root rot can occur in overly damp soil though they do not tolerate drought and full sun can cause leaf scorch.

More information on Philodendron.