Tree philodendron care guide
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
Also known as: Philodendron selloum, Philodendron bipinnatifidum
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Leaves, stems, and aerial roots contain calcium oxalate; chewing causes mouth pain, swelling, drooling, and vomiting, so keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian, or a doctor for a child, if eaten.
How often to water Tree philodendron
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 5 days
- Water thoroughly when the topsoil dries, as a guide; the big leaves transpire a lot, so in midsummer the soil dries quickly.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- Generally water two to three days after the soil dries, widening the gap as temperatures fall.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 10 days
- Water sparingly about four to five days after the soil dries; a drier regime helps it stand the cold.
Light and placement for Tree philodendron
A bright window is about right for this sun-loving plant; only midsummer sun scorches it, and in dim spots the leaf stalks stretch and flop.
Overwintering Tree philodendron
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
Fairly cold tolerant: it generally overwinters in a bright room down to around 5°C if kept on the dry side and given sun on mild days.
Fertilizing and repotting Tree philodendron
Fertilizer
Slow-release fertilizer about every two months from May to September; feed less if you want to limit its size, and stop from October.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Tree philodendron
- Too little light makes the leaf stalks long and thin and the plant flops over.
- Overwatering in winter softens and rots the base of the trunk.
- Old leaves drop from the trunk and only the top stays leafy, giving an awkward shape.
Tips for growing Tree philodendron
- Guide the aerial roots into the potting soil rather than cutting them, and the plant stands more steadily.
- Cut old lower leaves at the base of the stalk to show the patterned trunk and tidy the shape.
- It grows large, so avoid moving it up to ever-bigger pots beyond what your space allows.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
