Philodendron Bipennifolium Care Guide
Philodendron bipennifolium is a climbing species known by several common names including horse head philodendron and fiddle leaf philodendron, a reference to the multi-lobed shape of its mature leaves. Juvenile leaves are simple and heart-shaped, closely resembling other vining philodendrons. As the plant matures and begins to climb, the leaves develop a distinctive lobed shape with three to five lobes and a characteristic pinched or waisted midsection. The more vertical support and height the plant achieves, the more dramatically lobed the mature foliage becomes.
Quick Reference
| Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Water | Allow top 2 to 3 cm to dry between waterings |
| Humidity | 60 percent or above preferred |
| Temperature | 18 to 27 degrees Celsius |
| Soil | Well-draining aroid mix |
| Fertilizer | Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, spring through early autumn |
| Support | Moss pole required for mature leaf development |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested |
Mature Leaf Development
The multi-lobed leaves that make this species recognizable do not develop until the plant is climbing and has reached a certain maturity. A newly purchased juvenile plant with simple, heart-shaped leaves will begin producing transitional foliage with partial lobing after several months of growth on a support, and eventually fully lobed mature leaves. Providing a tall, sturdy moss pole from an early stage gives the aerial roots something to attach to and accelerates this transition. Without vertical support, the plant produces juvenile-type foliage indefinitely regardless of age.
Light, Water, and Soil
Bright indirect light supports the fastest growth and best leaf development. The same watering approach applies as across the philodendron genus: allow the top two to three centimeters of potting mix to dry before watering thoroughly. A well-draining aroid mix prevents waterlogging. Humidity at 60 percent or above is beneficial, particularly for the large mature leaves which can be more sensitive to dry air at their edges.
Propagation
Stem cuttings with at least one node root reliably in water or sphagnum moss. Cuttings taken from stem sections that have already begun producing lobed foliage are more likely to continue that pattern in the new plant, though juvenile cuttings will also eventually develop mature leaves with appropriate support and age. The full propagation technique is in the philodendron propagation guide.