Philodendron Bipennifolium - Teak And Terracotta

A unique aroid, the Philodendron Bipennifolium is known for its uncommon leaf shape and makes a beautiful centerpiece to your plant collection we cover all you need to know about care and propagation..

Philodendron Bipennifolium Care Summary

Light needs:	Bright indirect sunlight.
Watering needs:	Check weekly, water when top 50% of soil is dry.
Fertilizer:	A balanced feed every two months in the summer.
Soil:	Well draining perlite based mix.
Humidity:	50% o more.
Temperature:	24-29°C (75-85°F).
Where to buy:	Try our list of Rare Plant Shops.
Other names:	Horsehead Philodendron.
Common issues:	Overwatering.

Introduction

With very similar care needs to other Philodendrons, the Bipennifolium is a simple, unique plant that is native to the rainforests of Brazil and Argentina. This is a very rare plant in the wild and can also be a bit tricky to get your hands on as a houseplant. Bipennifolium grows between three and seven feet or around 1-2 meters in height by using a moss pole. The leaves themselves can grow large and get up to 10-18 inches or 25-45 cm.

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Philodendron Bipennifolium Light Needs

Bright indirect light will be perfect for the Philodendron Bipennifolium. Like other Philodendrons with lighter colored, thin green leaves, it cannot handle direct sunlight. Slightly away from a south or west facing window will be the perfect ratio of light. Or, it can also thrive right in front of a large north or east facing window that doesn’t receive direct sunlight.

How Often To Water

When you water, it is important to thoroughly and evenly let the water saturate all of the soil in the pot. Make sure that the soil mixture you made lets the majority of the water provided exit the pot through the drainage hole so that you are left with only moist soil. Make sure that the soil is not too wet. Allow around 50% of the pot to dry out completely before watering. You can simply stick your finger or a longer chopstick into the soil and see if it sticks onto the object you are putting into the pot. You may need to water more often in the summer when the plant is actively growing faster compared to the winter months.

Fertilizer

This is a Philodendron that does not prefer a lot of fertilizer. They’ll fine without, but it ou like you can feed them every couple of months in spring and summer. Also be sure to choose a slow-release fertilizer over a liquid one so that you do not shock the plant with a big influx of nutrients. A good tip is to water right before you fertilize so that the fertilizer does not burn the plant’s roots.

Soil

For the Philodendron Bipennifolium a well draining soil is recommended. The soil should contain dryer ingredients such as perlite or sand, and drainage materials. These ingredients should make up around 40% of the soil contents. This way, the soil will not retain too much water for a long period of time. The soil will stay moist without being dense and soaked. A mixture of peat and perlite will work well along with orchid bark.

See also: Ph ilodendron Soil.

When to Repot

Check them yearly but a good time frame to repot a Philodendron Bipennifolium is between 2-3 years. This could be a shorter amount of time or a longer period depending on how big or small your original pot is. Repot when the roots have filled the entire pot, but before they become compacted or too thick. For the new pot, choose one that is only about 1 inch or 2.5 cm larger.

For more on philodendrons see our philodendron category with all our philodendron care guides.

Philodendron Bipennifolium Humidity

This plant is native to the rainforests of South America, so it prefers higher levels of humidity. Anywhere above 50% will be perfect. However, they can adapt to growing moderately well in household levels of humidity. If you notice the tips of their leaves turning brown and crispy, consider adding a humidifier nearby.

Temperature

Definitely do not expose your Philodendron Bipennifolium to any frost or temperatures below 60 degrees fahrenheit (15.5 degrees celsius). It is native to South America where temperatures are higher. However, it grows below large trees so it will not do well in extreme heat. The best temperature is between 75-85 degrees fahrenheit or 24-29 degrees celsius.

How to Propagate Philodendron Bipennifolium

To propagate the Philodendron Bipennifolium, you can either take cuttings along the stem or air layer. To take a viable cutting, cut in the area between a node. A node is anywhere in which a leaf and a root are growing from the stem. The best cuttings have at least 1 or 2 leaves that can fuel the growth of new roots. Let the end of this cutting callus or cure over by letting the cutting sit out for a day or so. This is a preventative measure for root rot. Then, you can either stick this cutting directly into a fresh pot of soil, or you can grow some roots on it first by placing it in water, wet sphagnum moss, or wet perlite.

For more on propagating philodendrons, see our guide: How To Propagate Philodendron.

Is Philodendron Bipennifolium A Climber Or A Crawler?

It is a climbing philodendron.

Is It Toxic To Cats?

They are toxic to cats if eaten, and can cause vomiting and numbness. So seek vets advice immediately if your pet eats any.

Philodendron Bipennifolium USDA Zone

They can grow outdoors year-round in zones 10-11.

Other Names

The Philodendron Bipennifolium is also known as the “Horsehead Philodendron” since the leaves can resemble the shape of a horses head. Another name that you’ll see it referred to by is the “Fiddle Leaf Philodendron.” This is because the leaves can also look like a fiddle. Another name it can go by is “Golden Violin” because younger leaves can appear golden as they are hardening off.

Where To Buy

Try our list of Rare Plant Shops.

FAQ’s

The Philodendron Bipennifolium reaches maturity at around 12 to 15 years old. When it reaches this age, it can reproduce.
The Philodendron Bipennifolium is not safe for pets to eat. In fact, it can prove deadly for them, so be sure to keep your Bipennifolium in a place where your furry friends can not reach it.

Philodendron Bipennifolium Common Pests, Issues, and Treatments

The Philodendron Bipennifolium is not easily prone to pests or diseases. The most common insects that prefer to munch on this plant are scale and aphids. These pests can be treated through the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil. Be sure to dilute or follow manufacturer instructions so that you do not end up damaging your plant along with the pests.

The biggest cause of disease for the Philodendron Bipennifolium is excess moisture. Getting your soil mixture perfected will greatly reduce any chance of illness in this area. Root rot and fungal infections can occur if your plant’s roots are sitting in too much water. To treat issues caused by too much water, you’ll want to cut off any affected mushy areas and treat the roots with an antifungal such as cinnamon. Then, make a drier, airier potting mixture and make sure that you water at the correct intervals.