Philodendron bipennifolium

Natural range and habitat of Philodendron bipennifolium

Philodendron bipennifolium grows naturally from southern Venezuela and Suriname through large parts of northern and eastern Brazil. It is a warm, wet forest vine that climbs tree trunks and branches as it grows upward.

Caring for Philodendron bipennifolium

• Give the vine something substantial to climb: A pole, board or trellis gives the vine and the roots that form along its stem a stable surface as the leaves become larger.
• Keep it well lit without prolonged direct sun: Strong indirect light supports better climbing growth; increase exposure in stages after a move.
• Wait for some surface drying: Water the root ball thoroughly, allow it to drain fully and tip out any water left in a saucer or outer pot.
• Keep the potting mix chunky: Coarse ingredients help the roots get air and keep the pot from staying waterlogged for long periods.
• Climate: Aim for 18–29 °C, keeping the plant clear of prolonged chilling below 15 °C. Keep humidity around 50–60%.
• Feeding: During a flush of new climbing growth, apply complete houseplant fertiliser at moderate strength; then taper the feed as the plant slows down.
• Repotting: Repot the plant when root space becomes tight or the pot no longer holds the plant and its support securely.
• Propagation: Take a healthy stem section with at least one viable node; an existing aerial root can help it establish.

Leaf-shape and health checks for Philodendron bipennifolium

• A mature vine starts making smaller, simpler leaves: This can happen after pruning, loss of climbing contact or a drop in light. Re-establish the support and watch the next few leaves.
• Fine pale dots or webbing appear between the lobes: Check the leaf undersides for spider mites. If mites are there, separate the plant, clean the foliage and use an indoor-plant treatment intended for spider mites.
• Leaves begin yellowing and the pot is slow to dry: Let the mix dry further and check that the drainage holes are clear. If the plant continues to decline, inspect the roots and replace broken-down potting mix.

Philodendron bipennifolium 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.

Why is it called Philodendron bipennifolium?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Bipennifolium combines bi-, meaning two, penna, meaning feather, and folium, meaning leaf.

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

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described Philodendron bipennifolium in 1855 in Österreichisches Botanisches Wochenblatt, volume 5, page 289.