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Saddle Leaf Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum

Previously known as:

  • Philodendron bipinnatifidum
  • Philodendron selloanum
Description

Split Leaf Philodendron is an upright evergreen shrub in the arum (Araceae) family that is native to South America. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide and becomes decumbent with age. In its native habitat they can reach 15 feet in height. This plant will climb with adventitious roots if given a support and send down aerial roots from the trunk to further support its large size.

Split leaf philodendron is desired for its large, glossy, lobed green leaves on long petioles. It is used as an indoor shrub specimen and is often used in the atrium of businesses. This plant can easily become too large for smaller homes. Low light and over-watering will cause leaves to be smaller with fewer or no lobes. It rarely blooms as a houseplant.

Grow this plant in moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter. It prefers high light and moderate humidity but tolerates low-light conditions. Plants can be placed outdoors in summer and bought indoors when temperatures dip below 60 degrees F. It does not tolerate salt build up 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.  

Quick ID Hints:

  • Leaves are GIGANTIC, glossy, and heart-shaped
  • Leaves are deeply lobed and have long petioles
  • Stem is short and stipules are large

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Relatively pest and disease free.  Aphids, mealybugs, scales, 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.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#houseplant#interiorscape#large leaves#winter interest#interesting leaves#spadix#fantz#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#tropical feel#contact dermatitis#container plant#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#houseplant#interiorscape#large leaves#winter interest#interesting leaves#spadix#fantz#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#tropical feel#contact dermatitis#container plant#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Thaumatophyllum
    Species:
    bipinnatifidum
    Family:
    Araceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    E. Bolivia to SE. & S. Brazil and NE. Argentina
    Dimensions:
    Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Ascending
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    12-24 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Orange
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Description:
    Fruits are a berry that is white to orange or red in color.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spadix
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Flower Description:
    Seasonal bloomer with white flowers with no petals arise on a spadix that is enclosed with a red-purple spathe. Flowers are unusual on indoor plants. Spadix is shorter than or equal to the spathe. The spathe forms a tube around the spadix and expands above the spadix to a hood. They are greenish-yellow in color. It can take 10-15 years for a plant to bloom indoors.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leathery
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Obtuse
    Pinnatisect
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Undulate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The heart-shaped glossy leathery leaves are shiny dark green, simple, large, deeply lobed, and attached to long, smooth petioles. They can be up to 4 feet long. Margins are wavy or entire. Stipules are large, free, and lanceolate.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Stems are stout, green, and have prominent leaf scars and adventitious roots.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Design Feature:
    Specimen
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses