Hope Philodendron (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum)

Photo: © Daniel IseliPlantoScanImage: PlantoScan

Hope Philodendron Plant Care

Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (Schott) Sakur., Calazans & Mayo

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.

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Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect to low light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Hope Philodendron?

Plant Hope Philodendron in bright indirect to low light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.

Where Is the Hope Philodendron Native To?

Native range13 countries

What Is the Hope Philodendron?

Hope Philodendron (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum) belongs to the Araceae family within the Thaumatophyllum genus. Hope Philodendron is native to South America, namely to Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay. Hope Philodendron is also known as Cutleaf Philodendron, Lacy Tree Philodendron, Philodendron Selloum.

Hope Philodendron displays a large, upright foliage plant growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Hope Philodendron produces rarely flowers indoors, produces a spadix surrounded by a spathe.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Hope Philodendron?

Water a young or newly planted Hope Philodendron every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Hope Philodendron Need?

Hope Philodendron thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Hope 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 Hope Philodendron Prefer?

Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Hope 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 Hope Philodendron?

Well-draining peat-based mix with perlite and orchid bark. Good drainage is essential for Hope Philodendron to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Hope Philodendron?

Feed Hope Philodendron every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Hope Philodendron?

Choose a spot with bright indirect to low light and well-draining peat-based mix with perlite and orchid bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hope Philodendron is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Hope Philodendron?

Hope Philodendron can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Hope Philodendron?

Prune Hope Philodendron while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Hope Philodendron in Winter?

Hope Philodendron is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Hope Philodendron?

Hope Philodendron can be propagated through division, air layering, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to xanadu philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Hope Philodendron Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic (caution)

Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.

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 Hope Philodendron?

Hope Philodendron is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, 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 Hope Philodendron Need?

Hope Philodendron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Hope Philodendron is native to South America, namely to Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay. In cooler regions, grow Hope Philodendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Hope 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 Thaumatophyllum genus — compare its care with other Thaumatophyllum species on PlantoScan.

Thaumatophyllum is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.

Hope Philodendron copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (Schott) Sakur., Calazans & Mayo, family Araceae (first published in PhytoKeys 98: 60. 2018 [2 May 2018] [epublished]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Hope Philodendron is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: © Daniel Iseli, PlantoScan.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • 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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