Philodendron bipennifolium
Philodendron bipennifolium
Horsehead Philodendron
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Taxonomy
Family Araceae · Genus Philodendron
Description
Philodendron bipennifolium is a sculptural climber with quirky horsehead- or violin-shaped leaves. Easygoing and rewarding, it thrives on a support in bright, indirect light and brings a bold, tropical look to indoor jungles.
Common Names
Horsehead PhilodendronFiddle-Leaf PhilodendronViolin Leaf PhilodendronHorsehead Vine
Context
nativeRegion
Tropical South America (Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, northern Argentina).
usdaZones
10–11 outdoors; commonly grown as a houseplant elsewhere.
companionPlants
Monstera deliciosa, Epipremnum aureum (Pothos), Scindapsus pictus, Syngonium podophyllum, Anthurium species
culturalUses
Ornamental foliage for interior design and tropical landscapes; trained on moss poles or trellises for dramatic leaves.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light; gentle morning sun is fine, avoid harsh midday rays.
WateringWater when the top 1–2 inches of mix are dry; keep evenly moist but never soggy. Reduce in winter.
SoilAiry aroid mix with good drainage (e.g., coco/peat + chunky bark + perlite + a bit of charcoal).
FertilizerBalanced, dilute feed every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer; minimal to none in winter.
HumidityPrefers 50–70%+; tolerates average indoor levels but grows best with added humidity.
Temperature65–85°F (18–29°C); avoid cold drafts and temps below 55°F (13°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitClimbing, hemiepiphytic aroid that attaches to supports with aerial roots.
Mature SizeVines 3–8 ft+ indoors with support (much longer outdoors); leaves commonly 8–24 in long.
Growth RateModerate to fast with warmth, humidity, and support.
BloomingRare indoors; produces spathe-and-spadix inflorescences but grown mainly for foliage.
DormancyEvergreen; growth slows in cooler, darker months.
Propagation
MethodsStem cuttings with at least one node, Air layering, Division of multiple growth points
DifficultyEasy to moderate
Best SeasonSpring to early summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningTip-prune to control length and encourage branching; remove yellow or damaged leaves; train to a pole for larger leaves.
RepottingEvery 1–2 years or when rootbound; move up one pot size and refresh the chunky mix; add or upgrade support.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and thrips. Root rot from overwatering/poor drainage; occasional bacterial or fungal leaf spots if leaves stay wet.
ToxicityToxic if ingested (calcium oxalate); can irritate mouth/skin of pets and people.
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