Philodendron bipinnatifidum

RHS Plant Profile

horsehead philodendron

RHS 2003

Other common names

fiddle-leaf philodendron, panda plant

Synonyms

Philodendron selloum

Conservatory Greenhouse Shrubs

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An evergreen shrub with long-stalked leaves to 1m in length, pinnately divided into narrow, undulate, dark green lobes. Purple and cream spathes 30cm in length appear occasionally

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 2.5-4 metres
Max Height: 2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or East–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H2

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Araceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Potentially harmful: Harmful if eatenskin/eye irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eatenskin/eye irritant/allergen - For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus: Philodendron can be shrubs, trees or climbers, with glossy, leathery, evergreen, simple to pinnately divided leaves, and tiny flowers borne within arum-like white, green or reddish spathes
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: S America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright filtered light with shade from hot sun, mist daily. When in growth water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Water sparingly at other times. See Philodendron and houseplant cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed surface sown at 19 to 24°C in spring or layer in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Patio and container plants
Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 11 in spring

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free