The Philodendron bipennifolium, or ‘Bipenn’, is a distinctive houseplant known for its deeply lobed, horsehead-shaped leaves. Its striking foliage and manageable care make it a popular choice for adding a tropical touch indoors.
Caring for Your Bipenn
The Philodendron bipennifolium thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural understory habitat. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves, causing bleached or burnt spots. Insufficient light results in leggy growth and smaller leaves.
Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Overwatering suffocates roots and leads to fungal issues, while consistent underwatering causes wilting and stunted growth. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
A well-draining, aerated soil mix rich in organic matter is ideal for the Bipenn. A common mixture includes equal parts potting mix, perlite, and orchid bark. This blend promotes good drainage, retains adequate moisture, and supports healthy root development by preventing compaction.
The Bipenn prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C-27°C) and high humidity, ideally above 60%. Low humidity causes brown leaf tips and edges. Increase humidity by placing the plant near a humidifier, grouping it with other plants, or using a pebble tray.
Fertilize regularly during the active growing season to support vigorous growth. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every two to four weeks from spring through early fall. Reduce or cease fertilization during winter when growth naturally slows. This provides necessary nutrients for healthy foliage and vitality.
Propagating Bipenn
Propagating the Bipenn is commonly done through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section with at least two nodes, the small bumps where leaves and roots emerge. Make a clean cut below a node using sterilized pruning shears to minimize disease risk. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting to prepare it for rooting.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or a moist potting mix. For water rooting, place the cutting in a clear jar with submerged nodes, changing water every few days. For soil, insert the cutting into a well-draining, moist substrate, burying at least one node. Warmth and consistent humidity encourage root development within weeks. Once roots are several inches long, transplant the new plant into a larger pot.
Repotting Bipenn
Repot your Bipenn when it becomes root-bound or its growth slows. Signs of root-bound include roots circling the pot or emerging from drainage holes. The best time to repot is during spring or early summer, coinciding with the plant’s active growth. This allows for quick recovery from the disturbance.
When repotting, choose a new pot one or two inches larger in diameter. Carefully remove the plant, gently loosen circling roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil. Ensure the plant is at the same depth as before. Water thoroughly after repotting to settle the soil.
Common Issues and Solutions
Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering or underwatering. Overwatering saturates soil, depriving roots of oxygen and causing general yellowing, often with soft, mushy stems. Conversely, underwatering causes leaves to yellow and become crispy. Adjusting your watering schedule based on soil moisture levels resolves these issues.
Brown leaf tips or edges often point to environmental stressors like low humidity or inconsistent watering. As a tropical plant, the Bipenn thrives in high humidity; dry air causes leaf margins to crisp. Increase ambient humidity with humidifiers or pebble trays. Consistent watering, avoiding drought and prolonged wetness, also helps.
Pests can affect the Bipenn, though it is generally resilient. Common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs may appear, especially in dry conditions. Regularly inspect leaf undersides and axils to detect infestations early. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil according to product instructions.
A lack of new growth signals inadequate light or nutrients. Insufficient light results in stunted growth and smaller, paler leaves. Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect light to stimulate new development. If unfertilized, a balanced liquid feed during the growing season can boost renewed growth.