The tree philodendron, which was previously generally known as the hope philodendron or philodendron selloum, is one among our FAVORITE houseplants. It’s a low-maintenance, tropical plant that provides tons of visible affect. It’s additionally a fantastic 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. Nevertheless, it isn’t even technically a philodendron anymore! In 2018 it was reclassified out of the genus Philodendron and into the genus Thaumatophyllum attributable to its dimension and DNA. Nevertheless, 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 can thrive in medium-to-bright areas of your own home. It’s an reasonably priced fast-growing plant that’s bought in a wide range of medium to massive sizes. It’s a fantastic possibility if you happen to’re in search of a high-impact houseplant that’s inexpensive and bushier than a fiddle leaf fig. We’ve additionally discovered them simpler to look after!

What As A Tree Philodendron Additionally Recognized 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 The “selloum” a part of this widespread identify is a holdover from one other outdated scientific classification.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-about a separate plant species, nevertheless 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 be generally known as a split-leaf philodendron or lacy leaf philodendron. The identify split-leaf philodendron is commonly blended up with a monstera deliciosa, however these usually are not the identical plant. We even noticed them mislabeled at our native backyard middle the opposite day! Each vegetation have break up leaves, however the tree philodendron’s leaves have a tendency to twist or “frill” alongside the sides extra. You’ll be able to see the variations under:

Tree philodendron is the present most well-liked identify as a result of it higher displays its means to develop tall and tree-like in its pure surroundings. As a houseplant, it can 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 finest to name this a tree philodendron, however bear in mind that there could also be outdated references to its different names on the market.

How one can Care For A Tree Philodendron

Tree Philodendrons add a tropical look to your own home however are much less choosy than different tropical houseplants, just like the notorious fiddle leaf fig. Right here’s what it is advisable find out about caring for one:

Tree Philodendron Placement

These vegetation do finest in rooms with medium-to-bright, oblique mild. 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 manner. Simply attempt to keep away from an excessive amount of direct daylight as a result of it will possibly trigger burn spots on the leaves. Additionally, because it grows in the direction of the sunshine supply, attempt to rotate your plant commonly for an excellent form.

Watering a Tree Philodendron

Tree Philodendrons desire barely moist soil, so give it a light-weight watering as soon as per week. It doesn’t tolerate drought, so strive to not let the soil absolutely dry out. Use your finger or a primary moisture meter to examine the highest 2 inches of soil. If it’s dry, give your philodendron a drink. Simply make certain your pot has correct drainage. Sitting in water could cause the roots to rot.

Dusting

Due to its massive huge leaves, you need to commonly mud your Tree Philodendron with a fabric or damp rag. Not solely does it hold your plant wanting its finest, nevertheless it additionally encourages the photosynthesis course of to maintain it wholesome. You too can buy plant wipes or spray to essentially make them shine!

Pruning

Take away yellow or brown leaves by reducing them off near the bottom utilizing sharp pruning shears. This retains your plant wanting its finest whereas permitting it to focus vitality on new progress. 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’d like it to get larger, repot it right into a vessel as much as 2″ bigger than its present one. If you’d like it to remain the identical dimension, you may put it again in the identical pot, however take the chance to trim useless roots and supply recent soil.

Different Tree Philodendron FAQs

How massive does it get?

An indoor tree philodendron can stand up to six ft tall and huge with leaf stalks as much as 3 ft lengthy, relying on the scale of its pot. It may be saved smaller by retaining it in a smaller pot. Planted exterior, they’re recognized to develop as much as 15 ft tall!

Can I Plant A Tree Philodendron Outdoors?

Sure, in sure climates. Tree philodendrons might be grown exterior in zones 9 – 11 (you may 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. Notice: the tackle numbers within the picture under have been altered for privateness causes.

Our out of doors tree philodendrons have completed nice, aside from the latest deep freeze that broken among the bigger leaves. All of them survived however might want to do some regrowing to regain their dimension. Listed here 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 at present $17 on the dwelling 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 on the age and dimension of the plant, however general they’re a fantastic possibility for a big plant that doesn’t drain your pockets.

What are different sorts of philodendrons?

There are almost 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 bushes 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.

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