The Philodendron Lickety Split is a captivating houseplant known for its distinctive foliage. This hybrid plant showcases large, glossy green leaves with deeply cut, ruffled edges, creating a striking tropical aesthetic. Its unique leaf shapes and lush appearance make it a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts.
Essential Care for Philodendron Lickety Split
Light
Philodendron Lickety Split thrives in bright to medium indirect light conditions. An east or south-facing window is often ideal. Lower light can slow growth. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves. Stretching or yellowing leaves indicate insufficient light.
Watering
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings, typically 1-2 inches deep. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot. When watering, thoroughly saturate the soil until excess water drains from the pot’s bottom, then promptly empty any standing water from the saucer.
Soil
A well-draining, aerated potting mix prevents waterlogging and root issues. A good mix includes peat moss, perlite, and pine bark for drainage and moisture retention. Regular potting mix amended with sand or a cactus mix also works. The soil should be rich in organic matter for nutrients.
Temperature and Humidity
Philodendron Lickety Split prefers consistent warm temperatures, ideally ranging between 60-75°F (16-24°C). Avoid temperatures below this range and cold drafts. While tolerating average household humidity, it thrives in higher levels, mimicking its native tropical environment. Increase humidity by misting, grouping plants, or using a pebble tray or humidifier.
Fertilization
During its active growing season (spring through summer), Philodendron Lickety Split benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer applied monthly is suitable. Consider using half the recommended strength to prevent over-fertilization and leaf burn. Reduce or stop fertilization during fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Repotting Your Philodendron Lickety Split
Repot every 1-2 years, or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound. Signs include roots emerging from drainage holes, water quickly flowing through the pot, or stunted growth. The best time to repot is in spring, at the beginning of the growing season.
Select a pot one size larger than the current one to give roots room to expand without excessive soil that could retain too much moisture. Remove the plant from its old pot, loosening any circling roots. Add fresh, well-draining soil to the new pot, position the plant at the same depth, and fill around the sides, lightly pressing to remove air pockets. After repotting, water thoroughly and place the plant in bright, indirect light, avoiding fertilizer for about a month.
Propagating Philodendron Lickety Split
Propagate Philodendron Lickety Split using stem cuttings. Identify a healthy stem with at least one node, the point where a leaf or aerial root emerges.
Cut below a node, ensuring the cutting has a few leaves. Place the cutting in water; roots typically form within a few weeks. Alternatively, plant the cutting directly into well-draining potting mix, maintaining consistent moisture to encourage root development. Once a healthy root system has developed, care for the new plant as a mature Philodendron Lickety Split.
Addressing Common Philodendron Lickety Split Issues
Common issues with Philodendron Lickety Split often signal care imbalances. Yellowing leaves frequently indicate overwatering or poor drainage, where roots sit in waterlogged soil. To address this, allow the topsoil to dry thoroughly before watering, and ensure the pot has adequate drainage. Brown leaf tips or edges suggest low humidity or underwatering, requiring increased humidity or more consistent watering.
Stunted growth points to insufficient light, lack of nutrients, or being root-bound. Resolve this by adjusting light, providing balanced fertilizer during the growing season, or repotting.
Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale affect the plant, causing yellowing or stippling. Isolate affected plants and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.