Lacy Leaf Philodendron Care Instructions

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Tree Philodendron Houseplants: How To Grow A Tree Philodendron Plant

Outdoor Tree Philodendron Plant

Tree philodendron houseplants are long-lived plants that need only the simplest of care. In fact, too much TLC might make them grow so large you’re unable to move them indoors for the winter. Learn about tree philodendron care in this article.

About Tree Philodendron Houseplants

It should be noted that the plant, until recently, was classified as Philodendron selloum, but is now reclassified as P. bipinnatifidum. This Brazilian native has a stem that appears as a woody trunk when the plant is older, hence the common name, and may reach 15 feet (4.5 m.) in height and 10 feet (3 m.) across in maturity.

If you’re in warmer zones and able to leave your tree philodendron houseplants in the same spot year-round, by all means, repot and fertilize to increase its size. Tree philodendron care advises repotting into a larger container in late winter or early spring. If you want to keep the tree in its current pot, leave it alone, and it can only grow so large. If you have plenty of room and someone to help you lift the tree as it gets older (and bigger), go up a size on the container.

This interesting specimen may flower in maturity if grown outdoors. Flowers are enclosed in a spathe and create heat to attract pollinators. Flower temperatures rise to 114 degrees F. (45 C.) to draw the scarab beetle. Flowers last for a two day period and generally bloom in sets of two to three blooms during that time. Plants don’t bloom until they’re 15 or 16 years old. Pups, baby plantlets, sometimes grow at the base of the older plant. Remove these with sharp pruners and plant into small containers to start new plants.

How to Grow a Tree Philodendron

Growing requirements for Philodendron selloum include a full to part sun location for the plant. If possible, put it in the morning sun to prevent sunscald on the large, beautiful leaves. Providing afternoon shade is likely to help avoid such burns on this easy-to-grow plant.

If leaves have gotten a bit too much sun and have burned spots or browning tips on them, some Philodendron selloum pruning may help to remove such damage. Additional pruning of this tree philodendron may keep it sized down if it appears to be outgrowing its space.

Learning how to grow a tree philodendron is simple. Plant in fertile, well-draining houseplant soil and water as soil begins to dry out. Those located outside in the sunshine grow best, but this plant lives happily indoors as well. Keep it in bright light and provide humidity with a pebble tray, humidifier, or using a mister. Don’t allow it in temperatures that fall to below 55 degrees F. (13 C.).

Lacy Leaf Philodendron

The Lacy Leaf Philodendron is a low maintenance ornamental houseplant that creates an instant lush green look throughout the year. Keep is in its current pot to constrain its size, or re-pot it to let its green wings fly: Lacy’s can get nice and big.

This jungle giant has glorious foliage with glossy, dark green indented leaves. These big leaves tend to catch dust. To clean them, wipe gently with a damp cloth.

Native to South America, the stunning Philodendron is tree-like with sturdy stems that tend to lie horizontally as they age. Eventually they stretch to become twice as wide as they are tall. Make sure you leave ample room for them to spread out.

Over time, long roots may appear at the base of the plant. These can easily be tucked back into the pot.

NOTE: These plants are considered to be poisonous. Keep away from pets and children.

Common Symptoms

Brown and faded marks on the leaves may be as a result of being in direct sunlight. Move them to an area with bright but indirect light.
Yellow leaves are caused by overwatering. Water less frequently and ensure the soil is only moist.
Burnt leaf ends may be a sign of excess salt due to over-fertilization. Take a break from fertilizing until the leaves recover.
Pests: The Heart Leaf Philodendron is susceptible to a number of pests such as the Mealy bug, Scale, Aphids, and Spider Mites. If these infect your plant, spray it with warm soapy water and scrape them off with a child’s toothbrush.
Diseases: Bacterial plant diseases can be a problem for these plants, causing small green blotches on the leaves that expand rapidly. The leaves will eventually rot and die. Try to keep water off the leaves, avoid overwatering and remove infected leaves immediately.

Care Instructions

Origin: South America
Height: Up to 1.2 m indoors
Light: Philodendrons thrive on bright indirect light. No direct sunlight as this can cause the leaves to burn and fade.
Water: Keep the soil moist in Spring, Summer and Autumn. Water less often during Winter, keeping the soil barely moist and allowing the surface to dry out between waterings.
Humidity: Philodendrons love humidity. Mist the foliage occasionally with a spray bottle or use a humidifier if your home is very dry.
Temperature: These plants enjoy average to warm temperatures ranging between 16 – 27°C.
Soil: Rich soil that retains moisture and is slightly alkaline.
Fertilizer: Feed monthly during Spring, Summer and Autumn with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to ½ the recommended strength. Feeding it too much may cause the leaves to burn due to excess salt.
Repotting: It is time to report your Philodendron when the roots have filled the existing pot. Repot in Spring or early Summer. To prevent root rot, use a container with drainage holes.
Pruning: To control the size and shape of the plant, prune the leaves by cutting them off at the leaf stem. Wash your hands afterward to avoid getting sap in your eyes or mouth.
Propagation: Division. Use a serrated knife to cut through the thick roots and repot these separately..

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