Philodendron polypodioides

A deeply divided climber of tropical South America

Philodendron polypodioides is a synonym of Philodendron pedatum, a deeply divided climber native across Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela. It grows mainly in wet tropical forest and attaches itself closely to trees.

Root and foliage care for climbing aroids

• Light: The change from simpler young leaves to deeply divided mature foliage needs bright indirect light. Increase exposure slowly.
• Water: Let the top of the mix begin to dry, then soak the full root zone and allow free drainage.
• Support: Warm, even conditions suit this tropical South American climber.
• Feeding: While new leaves are developing, use a moderate feed; heavy fertilizer can leave the growth soft and weak.
• Repotting: Once the roots fill the container, choose a pot only slightly larger and protect the finely cut leaves from snagging during the change.

Root, stem and leaf problems in Philodendron polypodioides

• Missing or torn sections: Regular narrow divisions have smooth outlines. Jagged missing tissue calls for a search for slugs, snails, caterpillars, beetles or snagging on nearby objects.
• Maturing leaf divisions: Young or recently propagated stems can carry simple leaves before deep divisions return. Increasing lobe number across successive climbing leaves is normal development.
• Pests among narrow divisions: Thrips cause local silvering, black specks and uneven expansion; mites create fine stippling and webbing. Examine each narrow division and the spaces between them with magnification. Keep the vine apart and use a houseplant treatment that lists the identified pest.
• Fine lobes caught while opening: Fine lobes may catch when roots are dry, air is very dry or the leaf rubs against its support. Do not pull them apart; restore steady moisture and give the new leaf clearance.
• Simpler, smaller growth: Weak light, lost support contact or damaged roots can delay mature division. Improve climbing conditions and inspect roots before increasing fertiliser.
• Yellowing and loss of division: If new leaves become simpler while older ones yellow above a persistently wet pot, inspect the roots as well as the support. Remove soft or hollow roots, change dense mix and restore drainage around the entire root ball.

Philodendron polypodioides is toxic to pets

• Philodendron polypodioides is toxic to cats and dogs.
• Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause immediate mouth pain, drooling and difficulty swallowing.
• Contact a veterinarian promptly after suspected chewing, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Love and tree in Greek and resembling Polypodium

Polypodioides means resembling Polypodium, a fern genus, and refers to the deeply divided, fern-like mature leaves. Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.”