The Philodendron ‘Fun Bun’ is a popular houseplant known for its unique foliage and straightforward care. Originating from the rainforests of Central and South America, this plant brings a touch of tropical allure indoors. Its distinct appearance and adaptability make it a favored choice for introducing lush greenery and interesting textures to living spaces.
Understanding Your Philodendron Fun Bun
The Philodendron ‘Fun Bun’, also known as Philodendron goeldii or Thaumatophyllum spruceanum, features vibrant, glossy green leaves. Young leaves appear whole, maturing into a unique spiraling, finger-like structure. This gives the foliage a ruffled, hand-shaped appearance, earning it names like ‘Finger Leaf’ or ‘Hawaiian Finger’ Philodendron.
The plant grows upright and non-vining, forming a bushy, columnar shape. This compact form and unusual leaf structure provide a strong aesthetic appeal, differentiating it from many other philodendron varieties. Mature leaves can span broadly, adding volume and a tropical feel to any indoor setting.
Caring for Your Philodendron Fun Bun
Light
Philodendron ‘Fun Bun’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near a north-facing window or in a spot with filtered sunlight is ideal. While it tolerates lower light, growth may slow, and the plant might become leggy. Direct sunlight, especially harsh afternoon sun, can scorch its leaves, leading to discoloration or burn spots.
Watering
Water when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, ensuring the entire root ball is moistened. Discard excess water from the saucer to prevent the plant from sitting in standing water, which can lead to root rot.
Soil
Use a well-draining, aerated potting mix rich in organic matter. A good blend includes components like perlite, coco coir, orchid bark, and worm castings, which promote drainage while retaining moisture. A loose, chunky mix, similar to those for aroids, prevents the soil from becoming too dense and waterlogged. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 5.0 and 6.0.
Temperature and Humidity
Philodendron ‘Fun Bun’ prefers warm conditions, with an ideal temperature range of 18-29°C (65-85°F). It is sensitive to cold drafts, so position it away from open windows or air conditioning vents. While it adapts to average household humidity, it appreciates higher humidity, ideally above 60%. To increase humidity, mist the leaves regularly, place the pot on a pebble tray, or group it with other plants.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring through summer), Philodendron ‘Fun Bun’ benefits from regular feeding. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 formula, diluted to half strength, monthly or every other watering. This supports lush foliage growth. During autumn and winter, when growth slows, reduce or cease fertilization.
Repotting and Propagation
Repot your Philodendron ‘Fun Bun’ every two to three years, or when it shows signs of becoming root-bound. Indicators include roots emerging from drainage holes or a noticeable slowdown in growth. When repotting, choose a pot one to two inches larger in diameter than the current one to prevent overwatering. The best time for repotting is in spring, using a fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Propagate Philodendron ‘Fun Bun’ through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section four to six inches long with at least two leaves. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node using a sharp, sterile knife or shears. Root the cutting in water, changing the water every few days, or plant it directly into a well-draining potting mix. Roots develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be potted.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves often indicate improper soil moisture, usually overwatering. Allow the topsoil to dry between waterings and ensure proper drainage. Underwatering can also cause yellowing, often with wilting or browning leaf tips. Low humidity contributes to browning leaf tips, which can be addressed by increasing ambient moisture around the plant.
Pest infestations, such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids, can affect Philodendron ‘Fun Bun’. Inspect the plant regularly for small insects or fine webbing. Treatment involves wiping affected leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil. Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and sparse foliage, indicates insufficient light and can be corrected by moving the plant to a brighter, indirect light location.