Tree Philodendron: Your Complete Guide to Growing and Nurturing This Majestic Plant

In this blog post, you’re going to learn how to easily propagate and care for Tree Philodendron.

This is a comprehensive guide covering reliable information about different aspects of this cultivated variety.

In this post, I’ll cover:

Interesting Facts
Propagation
Repotting
Care
And

Solutions to Common Problems
So, if you are looking to propagate and care for Tree Philodendron, this guide is for you.

Fun Facts

This plant is an evergreen perennial that has large, deeply lobed leaves, making it famous for both interior and exterior decorations. It favors heat and humidity, which is characteristic of tropical plants. The tree philodendron is also effective in filtering out poisonous chemicals  in the air, so adding this plant to a home is more advantageous. 

It is worth mentioning that the tree philodendron growth period is quite slow as compared to many other tree species in the Philodendron group. Despite the annual growth of up to 2 feet, it can take several years for it to grow up to the maximum of 15 feet, especially if grown indoors.

The tree philodendron is not demanding when it comes to the environment, and it is easy to grow, but frequent irrigation and high humidity contribute towards its quicker growth.

Flowering and Fruits in Tree Philodendron

This plant is mainly recognized by its foliage and aesthetic appearance. They are rarely grown for flowering or fruiting.

However, the flowers and fruits are observed in favorable outdoor environments. The flowers are just like the family of its genus containing the spathe and spadix. The flower converts into a small berry-like, almost invisible fruit. They help to spread the seeds in the natural environment.

Benefits

Besides the aesthetic appearance, tree philodendron has the following realtime benefits;

Aesthetic Appeal

The tree philodendron, with its large, deeply lobed leaves, creates a tropical feel wherever it is located. It is used both indoors and outdoors as an impressive and exotic plant that adds to the beauty of offices, houses, and gardens. 

Air Purification

Just like many other members of the Philodendron genus, tree philodendron is also good at air purification indoors. It gets rid of dangerous components, including formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, making it the best specialty air filter.

Oxygen Production

A larger surface area of the leaves in tree philodendrons means that they can produce more oxygen in a building, hence creating a healthier room environment. This makes it useful for homes and offices as this clean air is healthy to breathe in, especially when one is busy at work.

Low Maintenance

There is a light variety of the tree philodendron which is identified to be healthy and can withstand various changes in the environment. It does well in minimal light conditions and is adaptive to fluctuating conditions of humidity.

Minimal Watering Needs

This plant should not be watered too often; this helps avoid water logging something widespread among most indoor plants. Tree philodendrons have thick and waxy leaves that can hold water; that’s why it can endure inadequate or irregular watering.

Stress Reduction

This suggests that it can be beneficial to have a tree philodendron in your living or working area since it can decrease stress and anxiety levels. Researches also indicate that areas with grass and trees help reduce stress by helping the human mind relax and become refreshed.

Increased Humidity

This plant example has small leaves, and it is useful in the release of moisture in the air through transpiration to boost indoor humidity. This can be of great help in areas with limited humidity or in winter when the indoor air is dry. It helps to improve respiratory and skin health.

Uses

Let’s explore some useful points about the tree philodendron;

Ornamental Plant: The tree philodendron also known as tree giant (Philodendron bipinnatifidum) is used as ornamental indoor plant because of its broad, rich and deeply lobed foliage. It affords a tropical feel to homes, offices and other buildings to enhance their decoration. 

Air Purification: Much like most other species of philodendrons, the tree philodendron is reputed for its air purging quality that eliminates hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from indoor air. 

Outdoor Landscaping: These plants can also be used in warmer regions of the world, in outdoor landscaping arrangements in gardens, by pools, or as parts of exotic tropic scenes. 

Large Spaces: Thanks to that, ponik is suitable for big rooms, reception areas, and atriums where its impressive appearance can be used. 

Privacy and Shade: The tree philodendron used when grown outdoors or in large containers, may be used to draw a curtain of foliage or possibly serve as a shade plant. 

Propagation

Followings are the major methods to propagate the tree philodendron;

1. Stem Cuttings               2) Air Layering             3) Division Method

Let’s explore all these one by one;

Stem Cuttings: Propagation of tree philodendrons may be carried through stem cutting. Choose a mature and vigorous stem at least 10 cm long and with one or more nodes and several leaves. Prune it below the node and eliminate the lower foliage. Cutting should be put in water or straight into a good draining medium until it strikes a root system. 

Air Layering: The next commonly applied technique is named air layering. A portion of the stem is girdled (a small ring of bark is peeled off) and then covered with wet sphagnum moss and plastic foil. The stem can be cut below the new roots after they have developed in the moss and planted after that. 

Division: Some of the philodendrons that can easily be propagated are those that are larger tree philodendrons through division method. This is done by gently un-potting of the plant or if grown in the ground, you may use a spade to dig it out and then tease or cut the root ball to form new sections each with a stem and roots. Transplant each section in to a proper container or another appropriate place in the garden.

From all the above-discussed methods, the stem cuttings are the most common and have more success rate than others.

Repotting

A philodendron needs repotting when you observe the following signs: 

• The roots of the plant start sprouting from the holes of the pot. 
• The roots accumulate in the bottom of the pot. 
• The quantity of the soil is less than the size of the roots. 
• The plants start wilting and yellowing. 
• The growth of the plant slows down. 

Moreover, the repotting ensures the quantity of nutrients in the soil. 

You can report the tree philodendron in the following simple way:

1. Wet the soil in the plant pot to soften it a day before. 
2. Take a new pot of larger size than the previous one. 
3. Prepare the mixture of the soil. 
4. Start removing the soil from the older pot with the help of a knife. 
5. Then, slightly remove the plant from the pot. You have to ensure that the roots of the plant are not damaged. 
6. Now, trim the dead and damaged roots. 
7. Place the plant in the pot containing a new potting mix
8. Fix the plant to the same depth as the previous pot.
9. Start proper care. It will help the plant recover from shock speedily.

Care

Following are the important care parameters that should be known to any tree philodendron gardener;

Pruning

Trimming is just crucial in the shaping and in taking care of a tree philodendron. Prune off the yellow or bad leaves and cut off the stem tips to contribute to fullness of the plant. Clean and sharp pruning shears should be employed to cut plants just below a leaf node. Do not trim them too often because this will make the plant stressed. 

Soil 

Tree philodendrons grow best in soil that has good drainage, and which contains organic nutrients. A good substrate recipe which can be used is 3 parts potting soil, 2 parts sphagnum peat moss and 2 parts perlite. 

This way the plant is provided with adequate drainage and at the same time, enough water for the roots. Also avoid excavation of garden soil because it may be compacted, and causes water logging. 

Pot 

Select one that has holes on the bottom and avoid using pots that hold water around the roots since this causes rotting of the roots. When tree philodendrons get too massive, choose a pot that has the ability to bear their weight. 

Syngonium podophyllum requires to be repotted after intervals of two years or when the roots of the plant start to spread beyond the pot. 

Water 

It is recommended to water the tree philodendron when the top layer of soil, about 2 to 3 cm, are dry to the touch. These plants however require soil that is moist most of the time, but not waterlogged. 

Learning on the importance of avoiding over watering as this causes root rot ensure the soil dries for some time before the next watering. In winter it is recommended to water the plant very sparingly since the plant is not growing as it does in warmer months. 

Light 

Tree philodendrons grow best under conditions of bright light, but this should not be direct sunlight. Although plants of this kind are able to grow in low light conditions, it is notable that their growth rate may greatly be affected while the leaves may not unfailingly grow to their optimum size. 

It should not be exposed directly to sunlight as the leaves end up getting burnt. If grown indoors, the plant should be placed next to an east or north facing window as the plant prefers plenty of sunlight. 

Fertilizer 

Fertilize your tree philodendron with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer, every 4-6 weeks. This should be done in the fall and winter when growth is minimal for the plant. Fertilizer application also has some side effects; one of them is the accumulation of salts in the soil if one applies more fertilizer than what is required, which again should be used as per the instructions given on the pack. 

Placement

The tree philodendron needs to be in a area where the temperatures remain constant and should be around 65-80 degree F ( 18-27 degree C). They are comfortable in areas with high humidity though they can adapt to normal indoor humidity. 

Do not put the plant near the window sill, on the heater or air conditioning vent as the change of temperature affects the plant greatly. Also, it is important to plant it where it has enough room because of the large leaves and the vining habit of the plant itself. 

Common Problems

The common problems that can be with your tree philodendron are;

Pests 

Tree Philodendrons are strong-stomached in a way, but they are not immune to pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealy bugs. These pests normally feed on the plant sap, which makes the plant predisposed and results in the yellowing, curling, or dropping of the leaves. 

To control pests, check frequently for infestations on the leaves, particularly at the bottom of the foliage, and wash the plant with water and a little soap. In worse cases, insecticidal soap or neem oil must be used on the plants and the area where they are located. 

Fungal Diseases 

Tree Philodendrons are vulnerable to fungal diseases that may occur due to high humidity or over-watering. Some of the problems are root rot and leaf spot diseases. A root rot is widely attributed to either water logging or over-irrigation, and its symptoms include brown, soft, blackened roots and wilting foliage. 

Fungal diseases lead to the appearance of brown or black spots on the foliage – this is called ‘leaf spots.’ Pest and fungal disease control measures include; ensuring the plant grows in good drainage, watering it moderately and ensuring there is a good airflow around the plant. 

Brown Tips 

Sometimes, Tree Philodendron’s leaves develop brown at the tips, and this is usually caused by low humidity, irregular watering, or salt accumulation on the potting mixture. If the humidity is low in the room or house, the edges of the plant’s leaves can wither and brown. 

Some of the things that cause the accumulation of salts include over-fertilization or using hard water, which results in the formation of leaf tip burn. To this, a water sensor should be installed, distilled water should be used, and the foliage should be rinsed with water to wash out the salts. 

Curling Leaves

The tree philodendron needs to be in a area where the temperatures remain constant and should be around 65-80 degree F. They are comfortable in areas with high humidity though they can adapt to normal indoor humidity. 

Do not put the plant near the window sill, on the heater or air conditioning vent as the change of temperature affects the plant greatly. Also, it is important to plant it where it has enough room because of the large leaves and the vining habit of the plant itself.

Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves may be due to a number of reasons. But, It is a sign of the dress. Plant may be facing the lack of nutrients, low light or non-managed watering. To overcome this problem try to maintain all the condoning points of the plant.

Varieties & Similar Plants

Here are a few varieties of the tree philodendron;

Philodendron ‘Hope’ 

Philodendron ‘Hope’ or Philodendron bipinnatifidum ‘Hope’ is one of the hybrids of Tree Philodendron. It has the same deeply lobed leaves as the previous type but bred to remain more compact and neat which are good for indoor growing. 

It continues with the self-heading growth habit as stated in the parent species; it is widely used in ornamental plants. 

Philodendron’ Prince of Orange’ 

It is not as closely related but is usually categorized with the Tree Philodendron due to its large, theatrical foliage, which is Philodendron’ Prince of Orange’. However, this plant has the most attractive feature of the striking orange color of its foliage, which becomes green as the plant grows older. 

It is a self-heading philodendron that possesses a compact growth form and, hence, can be used in interior decoration. 

Philodendron’ Rojo Congo’ 

It has reddish new leaves that mature to deep green, giving the variety the characteristic name of dark green. While it bears a close resemblance to the Tree Philodendron in as much as the large leaf structure, ‘Rojo Congo’ grows upright, more so less vining than the others. 

‘Rojo Congo’ is self-heading and grows as an erect clump, most different from the Tree Philodendron, spreading structure. 

Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’ 

The next is a self-heading or erect Philodendron, known as Imperial Green, which has large, glossy, and deep green foliage. It is generally a less developed type of plant and has a neater appearance than the Tree Philodendron. 

It has a slow growth rate and this makes it ideal for use is compact areas or in a desk top plant.

Now, we’ll discuss the similar plants to the tree philodendron;

Monstera Deliciosa

Also called the Swiss Cheese Plant, it is quite easy to confuse this plant for the Monstera Deliciosa since it bears bright green leaves and is very large with deeply lobed leaves like a philodendron. It is similar to the Tree Philodendron but has bigger perforated leaves and vining rather than the erect growth habit of its Philodendron cousin.

Monstera Deliciosa is a climbing plant and requires support, such as a moss pole, to grow upward. It is well-suited to indoor environments and can grow large under the right conditions.

Alocasia’ Polly’

With its arrow-shaped leaves and distinctive white veins, Alocasia’ Polly’ shares the dramatic foliage of the Tree Philodendron. However, it is much smaller and has a different leaf shape.

Alocasia’ Polly’ is a compact plant growing up to 2 feet tall, making it ideal for small spaces. It prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity.

Anthurium Andraeanum

Known for its shiny, heart-shaped leaves and bright spathes, Anthurium Andraeanum is often compared to philodendrons for its bold foliage. However, it is more closely related to the peace lily.

It grows as a compact, upright plant and thrives in humid environments with bright, indirect light.

Frequently Asked Questions