Taxonomy and care

This plant has, as usual, a number of names- you may have heard it called Philodendon bipinnatifidum. In the same species are Lacy Tree Philodendron, or Horsehead Philodendron- this cultivar is commonly referred to as Philodendron ‘Super Atom.’

Philodendrons are easy to care for, and are great for beginner plant lovers. This species is native to Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay.

It doesn’t need direct light, or a very bright room. It is best in a sunny room away from the window. These plants are slow growers, and will eventually reach the size of my plant (pictured in the white pot).

Philodendrons enjoy the occasional misting, but don’t require particularly humid conditions. They need to stay above 15 degrees Celsius in temperature but will cope with the odd chilly night over winter, and enjoy the summer heat. My Philodendron Selloum lives in the (unheated) bathroom all winter, and I water it every few weeks to a month.

What else?

If they’re rootbound in their pots, and the pot isn’t tiny, they may also give you a flower! I’m trying to convince mine to grow upwards like it's’ viney species siblings.

What about my pets?

Philodendrons as a genus are toxic to rats and mice if eaten. If you have any free-range rat buddies at your house, and they enjoy nibbling on your plants, this is not the plant for you. There is conflicting evidence to suggest that Philodendrons are toxic to cats if eaten, I wouldn’t recommend it, but cats don’t seem too interested in this cultivar.