Rock Philodendron Plant Care

Rock Philodendron (Thaumatophyllum saxicola) belongs to the Araceae family within the Thaumatophyllum genus. Rock Philodendron is native to the seasonally dry tropical biome.

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

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Rock 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.

Rock Philodendron thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Rock Philodendron in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Thaumatophyllum saxicola tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Rock Philodendron prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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

Feed Rock 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.

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

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.

Rock 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.

Rock 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.

Prune Rock 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.

Rock 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.

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

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Rock 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.

Rock Philodendron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Rock Philodendron is native to the seasonally dry tropical biome. In cooler regions, grow Rock Philodendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.