Philodendron bicolor

Natural range and habitat of Philodendron bicolor

Philodendron bicolor is native to northern Peru, where it grows in warm, rainy lowland forest. Around Pebas in Loreto it grows below about 200 m, climbing tree trunks and other woody vegetation.

Growing Philodendron bicolor indoors

• Repotting: Move the plant on when either the root system has filled the pot or the support can no longer be kept steady. Move the plant up one small pot size and re-fix its support so the plant remains steady.
• Leave room below and around the leaves: Train the stem upward, but keep the narrow leaves clear of walls and hard edges so they are less likely to bend or crease.
• Choose a well-lit spot: Keep the plant out of harsh sun that can bleach or scorch the long leaves.
• Water thoroughly, then allow some drying: Soak the root ball, let the excess drain and wait until the top layer feels partly dry before the next watering.
• Use a loose, free-draining mix: Choose a chunky aroid mix that drains freely and does not stay wet for long periods.
• Keep it warm: Keep Philodendron bicolor around 18–29 °C. Do not expose it to long runs of temperatures under 15 °C. Avoid cold draughts and do not leave the roots sitting wet in a chilly position.
• Humidity: Target roughly 50–60% in the growing area.
• Feed during periods of new growth: A regular houseplant fertiliser at a normal dose is enough while fresh leaves are developing.
• Propagation: A firm stem section with an active node can be rooted; select a piece with an aerial root where available.

Colour and damage checks for Philodendron bicolor

• A fresh leaf opens violet or purple: This is normal. The top surface can become greener as the leaf hardens.
• A leaf bends sharply in one place: Check for a wall, support, packaging crease or another leaf trapping it. Free the leaf and give new growth more space; an old crease will remain.
• Fine pale speckling appears underneath: Check the purple underside for spider mites and fine webbing. If mites are present, move it away from other plants, rinse or wipe the foliage and use a mite treatment made for houseplants.
• Yellowing comes with a heavy pot that stays wet: Extend the time between waterings and check the drainage. If the plant also wilts, look through the roots, cut away decayed sections and repot in fresh mix if needed.

Philodendron bicolor is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

What does the name Philodendron bicolor mean?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Bicolor is Latin for two-coloured.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Philodendron in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.

Thomas Bernard Croat, David Scherberich, Martha Marcela Mora, and Geneviève Ferry first described Philodendron bicolor in 2012 in Aroideana, volume 35, page 29.