What are the cultivation methods and precautions for Philodendron bipinnatifidum?
Philodendron bipinnatifidum, also known as Philodendron selloum, is a perennial evergreen herbaceous foliage plant of the genus Philodendron in the Araceae family. Its feather-like leaves are huge, with coarse, deeply pinnatifid lobes, dark green and glossy. The petioles are long and sturdy, and the plant form is elegant. It is suitable for decorating hotel lobbies, indoor gardens, offices, and home living rooms, studies, and other places. Let's take a look at the cultivation methods and precautions for Philodendron bipinnatifidum!
Growth habits of Philodendron bipinnatifidum
Philodendron bipinnatifidum prefers a high-temperature and high-humidity environment. It is not strict about light, is not cold-tolerant, tolerates shade, and prefers fertile, loose, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It dislikes strong light. It prefers a warm, humid, semi-shaded environment and fears severe cold. The overwintering temperature should not be lower than 5°C. The optimum growth temperature is 20-30°C, and it begins to grow at around 10°C. It is not strict about soil, but grows best in sandy loam rich in humus and well-drained. For potted plants, a nutrient soil mixed with peat and perlite is often used.
Propagation methods of Philodendron bipinnatifidum
Propagation of Philodendron bipinnatifidum can be done by division or cuttings. Generally, healthy and robust plants can produce tillers at the base, which can be removed and planted separately after they take root. Alternatively, the upper part of the plant can be cut off and propagated as a cutting, and the base of the old plant will sprout several young shoots, which can be used for propagation. In tropical regions, fresh seeds can also be used for propagation, with an optimum germination temperature of 25-30°C.
Cultivation methods of Philodendron bipinnatifidum
1. Soil: Philodendron bipinnatifidum is not strict about soil. Sandy loam rich in humus and well-drained is relatively good. For potted plants, a mix of peat and perlite is generally used.
2. Watering: Philodendron bipinnatifidum likes a humid environment and has a relatively large demand for water. During the growth period, the potting soil needs to be kept moist, especially during the high-temperature period in summer when it cannot lack water. However, it should not be overwatered either, as water accumulation in the potting soil can easily cause root rot and death of the plant.
3. Sunlight: Philodendron bipinnatifidum is not strict about light, but it does not tolerate long-term shaded environments, otherwise the leaf color will become lighter, the petioles will become longer, and the leaves will droop. It also cannot be exposed to direct strong light, otherwise the leaves are prone to dry tips, scorched edges, whitened leaf color, and loss of gloss.
4. Fertilizing: During the vigorous growth period, Philodendron bipinnatifidum needs sufficient fertilizer, preferably nitrogen-based fertilizer. At the same time, be careful not to apply too much fertilizer at one time; it is best to apply thin fertilizer frequently. After autumn, pay attention to controlling the amount of fertilizer, and stop fertilizing when the temperature is below 20°C.
5. Pests and diseases: Diseases of Philodendron bipinnatifidum include leaf spot, anthracnose, etc. Carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl, zineb, and others are generally used for prevention and control, with relatively obvious effects. Pests mainly include red spiders, scale insects, etc., which can be controlled by spraying, while also strengthening the management of the maintenance environment.
6. Pruning: After Philodendron bipinnatifidum has been cultivated for a period of time, yellow leaves, withered leaves, scorched leaves, and other conditions will begin to appear. At this point, it is necessary to check. If it is not caused by diseases but simply by metabolism, then old leaves need to be pruned in time to reduce the loss of plant nutrients.
Precautions for cultivating Philodendron bipinnatifidum
1. Philodendron bipinnatifidum likes a warm climate. The cultivation temperature needs to be maintained at around 20°C and cannot be lower than 10°C. At the same time, it should also be protected from heating, air conditioning, and cold wind.
2. Philodendron bipinnatifidum has a relatively large demand for water. The air humidity should be maintained between 50-75%. Below 50%, leaves tend to turn yellow and dry at the edges. Air humidity can be increased by spraying or sprinkling water.
3. Watering for Philodendron bipinnatifidum is best done when the surface of the potting soil appears dry. During the high-temperature period in summer, it can be kept moist. In winter, if the ambient temperature is below 15°C, watering should alternate between dry and wet.
4. Philodendron bipinnatifidum likes light but dislikes direct strong light. The maintenance environment is best in a semi-shaded place or one with sufficient scattered light, and it should not be kept in a shaded environment for a long time.
5. Fertilizing Philodendron bipinnatifidum follows the principle of thin fertilizer frequently, mainly nitrogen fertilizer, and thin fertilizer applied more often is best. Apply a small amount of fertilizer every week (or longer), so as not to cause fertilizer damage.
6. Ventilation is very important for Philodendron bipinnatifidum, but remember not to ventilate excessively, because indoor plants are different from outdoor-grown plants, just as greenhouse plants cannot immediately adapt to the external environment.