Plant Passport
Tree Philodendron
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
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Water7-10d
PetCheck
PP THAU MATO PHYL
Issued 2026 · Valid while cared for
Tree Philodendron
Boomphilodendron
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
Also known as Philodendron bipinnatifidum, Philodendron selloum
“I am not a shelf plant; I am furniture with leaves.”
large statement plantstatement planttropicalbright indirectair purifyinglarge plant
- Light
- Medium light
- Water
- Let dry between waterings
- Pet safety
- Mildly toxic
- This month
- Finish the strongest growth flush with one more light feed. Review support or pruning needs for the spreading shape before tired leaves hide pests Cue: Huge deeply cut green leaves on thick stems.
August care tip
Finish the strongest growth flush with one more light feed. Review support or pruning needs for the spreading shape before tired leaves hide pests Cue: Huge deeply cut green leaves on thick stems.
Quick Care Summary
- Light
- Medium light
- Water
- Let dry between waterings
- Placement
- Bright indirect light with room to spread. Tolerates gentle morning sun, not hot midday sun.
- Temperature
- 13–32°C
- Humidity
- moderate
Free printable Plant Passport card
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Plant Passport
Tree Philodendron
LightBright
Water7-10d
Botanical stake card
- Format
- 150 x 25mm
- Best for
- Slim plant stakes and gift pots
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View holders →Detailed Care Guide
Watering Method
Water deeply around the whole root ball, then wait until the top 5 cm is dry. Empty heavy saucers promptly.
Soil Mix
Fertile but draining mix: houseplant soil, bark, perlite, and compost for structure.
Repotting
Repot young plants every 1-2 years; top-dress mature heavy plants when moving them is impractical.
Pruning
Remove yellow lower leaves close to the trunk. Do not cut the central growing point unless reducing a damaged plant.
Pot Preference
A broad, heavy pot with drainage holes. Avoid narrow lightweight pots that tip under the leaf crown.
Fertilizing
Feed monthly from April to September with half-strength balanced fertilizer. Large plants benefit from fresh compost in spring.
Draft Sensitivity
More tolerant than many aroids, but cold nights below 13 C mark leaves and slow roots.
Sources consulted
- powo.science.kew.org
- www.aspca.org
- www.missouribotanicalgarden.org
Room Placement
Window Direction
East or west window with space; south works set back from the glass.
Best Room
Bright living room corner, conservatory, or wide office atrium where leaves can spread without brushing walls.
Monthly Care Calendar
Aug (now)
Finish the strongest growth flush with one more light feed. Review support or pruning needs for the spreading shape before tired leaves hide pests Cue: Huge deeply cut green leaves on thick stems.
Sep
Start reducing fertilizer and stretch watering as nights cool. Move Tree Philodendron closer to bright filtered light before autumn light drops Cue: Huge deeply cut green leaves on thick stems.
Oct
Stop feeding and prepare for heating season. Keep temperature steady and avoid cold drafts Cue: Huge deeply cut green leaves on thick stems.
Nov
Winter risk check: test soil before watering, inspect huge deeply cut green leaves on thick stems, and keep the pot draining freely while growth slows Cue: Huge deeply cut green leaves on thick stems.
Watering Schedule
- Summer
- Every 7 days
- Winter
- Every 14 days
Check the upper 5 cm and the weight of the pot; water when the surface is dry and the pot feels lighter.
Common Problems
Propagation
divisionstem sectionhardspring
Propagation is much harder than vining philodendrons. Offsets can be divided from mature plants in spring if they have their own roots.
Pests & Diseases
Scale insects
Early signs
Small brown bumps along thick stems and leaf ribs with sticky residue nearby.
Treatment
Wipe off with alcohol on a cotton pad and repeat weekly; inspect leaf ribs carefully.
Root rot
Early signs
Wilting large leaves despite wet soil and a sour smell from the pot.
Treatment
Let the root ball dry, remove rotten roots if possible, and repot into a draining mix.
Buying Tips
Measure the mature spread before buying. Choose firm crowns and avoid plants with black soft bases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fun Facts
Botanists moved this plant out of Philodendron into Thaumatophyllum; many shops still use the old name.
Origin & Natural Habitat
Warm South American forest margins and open woodland, where it forms a sturdy trunk-like base.
Plants with similar care
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