Felder Rushing
Family
Araceae
Botanical Name
PHILODENDRON bipinnatifidum
Plant Common Name
Cut-leaf Philodendron, Tree Philodendron
General Description
Evoking the exotic lushness of a tropical jungle, cut-leaf philodendron's huge elephant-ear like leaves are impressive. A tree-like evergreen shrub from southern Brazil and Paraguay, it is does not crawl or climb in a vine-like manner, as do most philodendrons. It does grow a tall semi-woody trunk-like stem that often sprawls or twists as the plant ages.
Its immense leaves are its glory. Borne on long stems at the trunk's apex, they are mid- to dark green, glossy and waxy. Each leaf is deeply incised with many wavy-edged lobes, giving it an antlered look. Mature plants sometimes flower when temperatures are warm and rainfall plentiful: a purplish bud emerges from the base of the leaves, unfurling to reveal a green spathe (a trumpet-like hood), which encloses a club-shaped spadix. Tiny stemless male or female flowers line the spadix. Plants also often bear aerial roots.
Grow cut-leaf philodendron in a fertile, moist but well-drained, non-alkaline soil in partial sun to full shade. It tolerates full sun and slight drought, but leaf scalding or tip browning is likely. It handles light freezes of short durations, and will sprout back from the roots once warmth returns. Often smaller plants, or pups, arise from the base of the plant, eventually creating a small cluster. It is beautiful as a foundation or courtyard plant outdoors, or as a bold accent in a mixed border. It may be grown indoors in a spacious atrium, conservatory or sunroom.
See http://www.floridata.com/ref/P/phil_bip.cfm for information on the toxic properties of this plant.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 4
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
6'-15' / 1.8m - 4.6m
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Width
6'-15' / 1.8m - 4.6m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
South America, Brazil
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Green
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Fruit Color
Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
