The tree philodendron, which was previously generally known as the hope philodendron or philodendron selloum, is one in all our FAVORITE houseplants. It’s a low-maintenance, tropical plant that provides tons of visible affect. It’s additionally a terrific different to a fiddle leaf fig.
What Is A Tree Philodendron?
The tree philodendron (Thaumatophyllum Bipinnatifidum) is a big tropical plant native to South America, primarily Brazil. Nonetheless, it isn’t even technically a philodendron anymore! In 2018 it was reclassified out of the genus Philodendron and into the genus Thaumatophyllum as a consequence of its dimension and DNA. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless colloquially known as a philodendron. You should still discover it listed as a Philodendron Hope or Philodendron Selloumm, however Tree Philodendron is now the popular identify.
It’s recognized for its distinctive break up leaves and lengthy stalks. Like all tropical vegetation, it enjoys heat and humid environments, and when used as an indoor plant, it’s going to thrive in medium-to-bright areas of your private home. It’s an inexpensive fast-growing plant that’s offered in a wide range of medium to massive sizes. It’s a terrific possibility should you’re on the lookout for a high-impact houseplant that’s inexpensive and bushier than a fiddle leaf fig. We’ve additionally discovered them simpler to take care of!
What As A Tree Philodendron Additionally Identified As?
Earlier than the tree philodendron was reclassified, it was popularly generally known as philodendron hope selloum. The “selloum” a part of this widespread identify is a holdover from one other outdated scientific classification. Philodendron selloum was as soon as thought of a separate plant species, however it was later mixed with Philodendron bipinnatifidium earlier than being wholly reclassified to Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum in 2018. Complicated, proper?
Tree Philodendron vs Monstera
The confusion doesn’t cease there although! This plant can also be typically known as a split-leaf philodendron or lacy leaf philodendron. The identify split-leaf philodendron is usually combined up with a monstera deliciosa, however these will not be the identical plant. We even noticed them mislabeled at our native backyard heart the opposite day! Each vegetation have break up leaves, however the tree philodendron’s leaves have a tendency to curve or “frill” alongside the perimeters extra. You may see the variations under:
Tree philodendron is the present most popular identify as a result of it higher displays its potential to develop tall and tree-like in its pure surroundings. As a houseplant, it’s going to probably stay compact and bushy like most species of philodendron, which is why it nonetheless retains philodendron in its widespread identify. Backside line: it’s greatest to name this a tree philodendron, however bear in mind that there could also be outdated references to its different names on the market.
Tips on how to Care For A Tree Philodendron
Tree Philodendrons add a tropical look to your private home however are much less choosy than different tropical houseplants, just like the notorious fiddle leaf fig. Right here’s what it’s good to find out about caring for one:
Tree Philodendron Placement
These vegetation do greatest in rooms with medium-to-bright, oblique gentle. They thrive in sunny dappled rooms, however we’ve seen them survive in medium-light areas too. They’re much less needy and fickle than different tropical vegetation on this means. Simply attempt to keep away from an excessive amount of direct daylight as a result of it might probably trigger burn spots on the leaves. Additionally, because it grows in direction of the sunshine supply, attempt to rotate your plant often for an excellent form.
Watering a Tree Philodendron
Tree Philodendrons choose barely moist soil, so give it a lightweight watering as soon as per week. It doesn’t tolerate drought, so strive to not let the soil totally dry out. Use your finger or a primary moisture meter to verify the highest 2 inches of soil. If it’s dry, give your philodendron a drink. Simply be certain that your pot has correct drainage. Sitting in water may cause the roots to rot.
Dusting
Due to its massive vast leaves, it is best to often mud your Tree Philodendron with a fabric or damp rag. Not solely does it preserve your plant trying its greatest, however it additionally encourages the photosynthesis course of to maintain it wholesome. You can too buy plant wipes or spray to essentially make them shine!
Pruning
Take away yellow or brown leaves by chopping them off near the bottom utilizing sharp pruning shears. This retains your plant trying its greatest whereas permitting it to focus power on new development. It’s a hardy plant that may also be pruned to keep up a sure dimension or form.
Repotting
Tree Philodendrons might have repotting after 12-24 months, relying on their dimension and your targets for the plant. If you would like it to get greater, repot it right into a vessel as much as 2″ bigger than its present one. If you would like it to remain the identical dimension, you’ll be able to put it again in the identical pot, however take the chance to trim useless roots and supply recent soil.
Different Tree Philodendron FAQs
How huge does it get?
An indoor tree philodendron can stand up to six ft tall and vast with leaf stalks as much as 3 ft lengthy, relying on the scale of its pot. It may be stored smaller by protecting it in a smaller pot. Planted outdoors, they’re recognized to develop as much as 15 ft tall!
Can I Plant A Tree Philodendron Outdoors?
Sure, in sure climates. Tree philodendrons will be grown outdoors in zones 9 – 11 (you’ll be able to discover your Plant Hardiness Zone right here). We stay in Zone 9a and have a number of Tree Philodendrons planted in our yard and on our porch. Be aware: the deal with numbers within the photograph under have been altered for privateness causes.
Our out of doors tree philodendrons have carried out nice, other than the latest deep freeze that broken a few of the bigger leaves. All of them survived however might want to do some regrowing to regain their dimension. Listed below are the steps we took to defend our vegetation from the freeze.
Are they costly?
For his or her dimension, tree philodendrons are a pleasant budget-friendly houseplant. For reference, a 2-gallon philodendron is presently $17 on the residence enchancment retailer. A similar-sized fiddle leaf fig is $25 and in some fancier backyard facilities may even be $99+. Tree philodendron costs usually rely upon the age and dimension of the plant, however total they’re a terrific possibility for a big plant that doesn’t drain your pockets.
What are different kinds of philodendrons?
There are practically 500 species of philodendrons and plenty of are well-liked houseplants as a result of they thrive in typical family temperatures and humidity ranges. Philodendron loosely interprets to “tree lover” as a result of many species climb timber within the wild. Right here is an efficient round-up of varied philodendrons it’s possible you’ll acknowledge. Most are small-to-medium-sized tabletop vegetation with distinct tropical leaves.
Extra Plant Guides
When you’re on the lookout for extra info on a few of our favourite vegetation (actual and fake!) try a few of these posts under:
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