Philodendron tripartitum

Tropical American range and natural climbing habit

Philodendron tripartitum comes from Mexico through tropical America. In wet tropical forest it can climb from the ground or grow on trees, with stems that may extend for several metres along their support.

Growing Philodendron tripartitum

• Light: Give it bright indirect light, including along the lower part of the climbing stem. Acclimatise it gradually to any direct sun.
• Watering: Water when the upper layer has dried while the deeper substrate still holds some moisture. Let excess water drain fully.
• Temperature: Keep it in the 18–27°C range, with nights staying above 15°C. Avoid sharp temperature swings.
• Humidity: Aim for about 50–60% humidity. Keep conditions reasonably steady while larger divided leaves are developing, with some gentle airflow around the plant.
• Substrate: Use a loose aroid mix that drains freely and stays open around the roots.
• Climbing support: Keep new nodes close to a broad pole, plank or moss pole so the climbing roots can attach as the stem lengthens.
• Propagation: Take a stem cutting with a healthy node and root it in water or a light propagation medium. Pot it once the new roots are established.

Leaf discolouration and thrips damage

• Silvery streaks appear on new leaves: Look closely for tiny dark specks and slender moving insects around fresh growth. If those signs are present, isolate the plant, remove visible insects and use a houseplant treatment labelled for thrips, repeating it at the label interval until no fresh damage appears.
• Several leaves turn yellow while the mix remains damp: Check drainage and the root system before watering again. Dark, mushy roots or a sour smell point to rot; use our root rot guide if the roots are affected.

Philodendron tripartitum 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 tripartitum?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Latin tripartitum means divided into three parts, referring to the central and two lateral lobes joined within one blade.

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

Nicolaus Joseph von Jacquin first described it as Arum tripartitum in 1797 in Plantarum Rariorum Horti Caesarei Schoenbrunnensis, volume 2, page 33. Heinrich Wilhelm Schott later placed it in Philodendron as Philodendron tripartitum in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.