Plant care guides
Tree philodendron care guide Philodendron bipinnatifidum
How to grow and care for Tree philodendron at home. Large, deeply lobed leaves.
- Light
- Medium / indirect light
- Watering (summer)
- Every 7 to 10 days
- Watering (winter)
- Every 14 to 21 days
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Scientific name
- Philodendron bipinnatifidum
- Origin
- South America
- Humidity
- 60-80%
Fun fact
A wild flower spike heats itself to 46 °C to attract beetle pollinators — one of the few plants on Earth that thermoregulates.
When and how much water
Water Tree philodendron when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that’s typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
- Every 14 to 21 days
- Every 7 to 10 days
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can’t see: the actual light at the plant, the pot’s size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly’s app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
How bright a spot it needs
Tree philodendron thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed Tree philodendron every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp — feeding dry roots can scorch them. When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Tree philodendron is comfortable between 18 and 28 °C. Below 12 °C the leaves start taking damage, so keep it clear of cold drafts and unheated rooms.
It does best at 60–80% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Most Tree philodendron problems trace back to watering — here’s how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for
- Yellowing lower leaves
- Soft trunk base
- Root rot
- Sour soil smell
Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for
- Drooping leaves
- Crispy leaf edges
- Curling leaflets
- Slow growth
Water a little more often and don’t let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Toxic to pets?
YesToxic to pets.
The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Tree philodendron out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Christmas cactus, Areca palm, or Parlor palm.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light: Christmas cactus, Areca palm, Parlor palm. See all pet-safe alternatives →
Pet-safety information for catalog plants uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Propagation
Grow more Tree philodendron from a cutting.
- Choose a healthy stem with at least one node and one or two leaves.
- Cut just below a node using clean, sharp scissors or a knife.
- Remove any leaves from the bottom 5 cm so they don’t rot in water or soil.
Common questions
How often should I water a Tree philodendron?
Water your Tree philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum) when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that’s typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter, slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Botanicaly’s app tunes this further based on your home’s actual light, pot size, and local weather.
How much light does a Tree philodendron need?
Tree philodendron thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is Tree philodendron safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Tree philodendron out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Christmas cactus, Areca palm, or Parlor palm.
Why are my Tree philodendron’s leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Tree philodendron, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering — watch for yellowing lower leaves, soft trunk base, or root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If you see drooping leaves, crispy leaf edges, or curling leaflets instead, it’s likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly’s Plant Doctor can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
Botanicaly
A schedule that reads your room.
You don’t need to work out your Tree philodendron’s care from scratch each time. Botanicaly uses its saved setup and care history for the next step. Identifying is free. Pro adds Plant Doctor and Weather-smart care.
Still wet
Check again in 2 days
Botanicaly updates the next step when the soil isn’t dry.
