Photo: Training DataPlantoscanImage: PlantoScan
Split Leaf Philodendron Plant Care
Philodendron bipinnatifidum Schott ex Kunth
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Philodendron bipinnatifidum, synonyms including Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum and Philodendron selloanum, is a plant in the genus Philodendron, in the family Araceae. The species is native to South America, namely to Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay, but is also cultivated as a landscape plant in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to low light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Split Leaf Philodendron?
Water Split Leaf Philodendron every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Split Leaf Philodendron Native To?
What Is the Split Leaf Philodendron?
Split Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum) belongs to the Araceae family within the Philodendron genus. Split Leaf Philodendron is native to South America, namely to Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay. Split Leaf Philodendron is also known as Tree Philodendron, cut-leaf philodendron, split-leaf philodendron.
Split Leaf Philodendron displays a vining, climbing growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Split Leaf Philodendron produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Split Leaf Philodendron?
Philodendron bipinnatifidum requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Split Leaf Philodendron Need?
Split Leaf Philodendron thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Split Leaf Philodendron in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Split Leaf Philodendron Prefer?
Philodendron bipinnatifidum grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Split Leaf Philodendron prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Split Leaf Philodendron?
Well-draining, aerated potting mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Split Leaf Philodendron to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Split Leaf Philodendron?
Feed Split Leaf Philodendron every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Split Leaf Philodendron?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Split Leaf Philodendron?
Split Leaf Philodendron can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to heartleaf philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Split Leaf Philodendron Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Philodendron species (which includes Split Leaf Philodendron). View the ASPCA entry
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Split Leaf Philodendron?
Split Leaf Philodendron is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Split Leaf Philodendron Need?
Split Leaf Philodendron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Split Leaf Philodendron is native to South America, namely to Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay. In cooler regions, grow Split Leaf Philodendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 13b
Keep exploring plants
Split Leaf Philodendron is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Philodendron genus — compare its care with other Philodendron species on PlantoScan.
Philodendron is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Split Leaf Philodendron copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Philodendron Species
Other Philodendron species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Philodendron bipinnatifidum Schott ex Kunth, family Araceae (first published in Gen. Pl. 1(3): 237 (1837)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Philodendron species (which includes Split Leaf Philodendron) as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Training Data, Plantoscan.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 13b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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