Annie's Garden
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
Bring instant rainforest drama to your space with the Lacy Tree Philodendron. Its giant, sculptural leaves turn any corner into a premium focal point—ideal for living rooms, receptions, and modern offices. It’s forgiving, fast to impress, and easy to maintain with bright filtered light and sensible watering. A true statement plant that looks expensive, grows confidently, and upgrades interiors in days.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Lacy Tree Philodendron
Botanical Name: Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
Former Name: Philodendron selloum
Plant Type: Foliage houseplant (Aroid)
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0155
Alternative Names:
Tree Philodendron
Horsehead Philodendron
Hope
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Thaumatophyllum
Species: bipinnatifidum
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to tropical South America, including Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay.
Widely introduced as an ornamental and grown indoors across North America, Europe, and Asia.
4. Visual Characteristics
Evergreen perennial with large, deeply lobed pinnatifid leaves reaching up to 90 cm in length on upright petioles.
Leaves are bright to deep green with a glossy surface; mature foliage displays multiple lobes creating a lacy appearance.
Stems are thick, erect, and arise from a subterranean rhizome; new leaves unfurl tightly rolled.
Juvenile leaves may exhibit fewer lobes and a slightly different shape.
5. Size & Dimensions
Indoor mature height: 1.5–2 m; spread: up to 1–1.5 m.
Leaf length: 50–90 cm; petiole length: 60–90 cm.
Overall footprint depends on light and pot size; can be controlled by pruning or repotting.
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in bright, indirect light for best leaf development.
Tolerates moderate shade but will grow more slowly and produce smaller leaves.
Avoid direct midday sun to prevent leaf scorch.
7. Watering Needs
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Reduce frequency in winter when growth slows.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a rich, well-draining aroid or tropical potting mix composed of peat moss or coco coir, perlite, and orchid bark.
Ideal pH range: 5.5–7.0.
Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound, dividing rhizomes as needed.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature: 18–29 °C.
Do not expose to temperatures below 15 °C.
Prefers high humidity (60–80%) for vigorous growth; tolerates typical indoor levels (40–50%) but may show brown leaf edges.
10. Fertilization
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) at half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer.
Cease or reduce feeding in fall and winter.
Optional: apply slow-release granules at potting time.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Low to moderate care level.
Prune away yellow or damaged leaves to maintain appearance.
Provide a stake or moss pole for support if desired.
Wipe foliage occasionally to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
12. Growth & Propagation
Grows from underground rhizomes that produce new shoots.
Propagate by division: separate rhizome sections with at least one growth node during repotting.
Alternatively, take stem cuttings with an aerial root node and root in water or moist substrate; roots form in 2–4 weeks.
13. Common Problems
Pests: spider mites, mealybugs, scale – inspect leaf undersides and new growth.
Diseases: root rot from overwatering, bacterial leaf spot.
Symptoms: yellowing leaves (overwatering or low light), brown crispy edges (low humidity or direct sun), leggy growth (insufficient light).
14. Benefits & Uses
Striking architectural focal point in homes, offices, and lobbies.
Adds tropical ambiance and texture to interior design.
Known to improve indoor air quality by filtering pollutants.
Easy-to-grow statement plant that elevates décor.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; toxic if ingested.
Can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting in pets and humans.
Wear gloves when handling if sensitive; wash hands after contact.
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
Bring instant rainforest drama to your space with the Lacy Tree Philodendron. Its giant, sculptural leaves turn any corner into a premium focal point—ideal for living rooms, receptions, and modern offices. It’s forgiving, fast to impress, and easy to maintain with bright filtered light and sensible watering. A true statement plant that looks expensive, grows confidently, and upgrades interiors in days.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Lacy Tree Philodendron
Botanical Name: Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
Former Name: Philodendron selloum
Plant Type: Foliage houseplant (Aroid)
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0155
Alternative Names:
Tree Philodendron
Horsehead Philodendron
Hope
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Thaumatophyllum
Species: bipinnatifidum
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to tropical South America, including Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay.
Widely introduced as an ornamental and grown indoors across North America, Europe, and Asia.
4. Visual Characteristics
Evergreen perennial with large, deeply lobed pinnatifid leaves reaching up to 90 cm in length on upright petioles.
Leaves are bright to deep green with a glossy surface; mature foliage displays multiple lobes creating a lacy appearance.
Stems are thick, erect, and arise from a subterranean rhizome; new leaves unfurl tightly rolled.
Juvenile leaves may exhibit fewer lobes and a slightly different shape.
5. Size & Dimensions
Indoor mature height: 1.5–2 m; spread: up to 1–1.5 m.
Leaf length: 50–90 cm; petiole length: 60–90 cm.
Overall footprint depends on light and pot size; can be controlled by pruning or repotting.
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in bright, indirect light for best leaf development.
Tolerates moderate shade but will grow more slowly and produce smaller leaves.
Avoid direct midday sun to prevent leaf scorch.
7. Watering Needs
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Reduce frequency in winter when growth slows.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a rich, well-draining aroid or tropical potting mix composed of peat moss or coco coir, perlite, and orchid bark.
Ideal pH range: 5.5–7.0.
Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound, dividing rhizomes as needed.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature: 18–29 °C.
Do not expose to temperatures below 15 °C.
Prefers high humidity (60–80%) for vigorous growth; tolerates typical indoor levels (40–50%) but may show brown leaf edges.
10. Fertilization
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) at half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer.
Cease or reduce feeding in fall and winter.
Optional: apply slow-release granules at potting time.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Low to moderate care level.
Prune away yellow or damaged leaves to maintain appearance.
Provide a stake or moss pole for support if desired.
Wipe foliage occasionally to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
12. Growth & Propagation
Grows from underground rhizomes that produce new shoots.
Propagate by division: separate rhizome sections with at least one growth node during repotting.
Alternatively, take stem cuttings with an aerial root node and root in water or moist substrate; roots form in 2–4 weeks.
13. Common Problems
Pests: spider mites, mealybugs, scale – inspect leaf undersides and new growth.
Diseases: root rot from overwatering, bacterial leaf spot.
Symptoms: yellowing leaves (overwatering or low light), brown crispy edges (low humidity or direct sun), leggy growth (insufficient light).
14. Benefits & Uses
Striking architectural focal point in homes, offices, and lobbies.
Adds tropical ambiance and texture to interior design.
Known to improve indoor air quality by filtering pollutants.
Easy-to-grow statement plant that elevates décor.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; toxic if ingested.
Can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting in pets and humans.
Wear gloves when handling if sensitive; wash hands after contact.