Philodendron bipennifolium variegata

Origin of Philodendron bipennifolium variegata

This is a variegated cultivated selection of Philodendron bipennifolium. Where it first appeared in cultivation is not known.

In nature, P. bipennifolium grows in southern Venezuela, Suriname and parts of northern, northeastern and southeastern Brazil, climbing trees in warm rainforest.

Balancing growth and variegation

• Give the variegation plenty of light: Choose a bright position with filtered light, keeping white and cream areas away from strong direct sun.
• Keep the vine climbing: Attach the stem to a stable surface so the roots that form along the vine can take hold and later leaves have room to mature.
• Water after the upper mix begins to dry: Soak the whole pot, let it drain and wait for the top layer to dry again before the next watering.
• Repot in small steps: Move up one pot size when the roots are crowded or the mix no longer drains well, and keep the replacement mix coarse and airy.
• Feed lightly while new growth is forming: A standard foliage fertiliser is sufficient; heavier feeding cannot make white or cream sections green.

Variegation decisions for Philodendron bipennifolium variegata

• Pale sections turn brown while the rest of the leaf stays firm: Look for strong sun, heat, dry patches in the potting mix or overfeeding, then correct whichever cause fits the conditions.
• Several new leaves are almost completely green: Give the vine a few more leaves before pruning. If the pattern continues to fade and you want to favour variegated growth, cut back to a healthy earlier node—the point where a leaf joins the stem—that showed a better balance of green and pale variegation. New growth can still vary.
• A new leaf is less divided than the one before it: Simpler leaves can appear after pruning or when the vine loses good climbing support. Restore the support and judge the shape of later growth.
• Repeated cream or white leaves leave the shoot noticeably weaker: If the shoot is losing strength after several very pale leaves, cut back to a healthy part of the stem with clear green tissue.

Philodendron bipennifolium variegata 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.

Where does the name Philodendron bipennifolium come from?

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.