Philodendron bipennifolium, also known as “bipen,” “Horsehead Philodendron,” or “Fiddleleaf Philodendron,” is a popular indoor plant. Its striking foliage makes it a distinctive addition. This tropical Aroid is known for its straightforward care, suitable for both novice and experienced plant parents.
Identifying Philodendron Bipennifolium (Horsehead Philodendron)
The most notable feature of Philodendron bipennifolium is its distinct leaf shape, which gives rise to its common names. Young leaves start somewhat oval or heart-shaped, but as the plant matures, they develop deep, prominent lobes. These lobes create an outline resembling a horse’s head or a fiddle, becoming more pronounced with each new, larger leaf.
Each leaf has a glossy texture and a rich, deep green color. Leaf size varies significantly, from a few inches on younger plants to over a foot on mature specimens.
Philodendron Bipennifolium Care Guide
Light Requirements
Philodendron bipennifolium thrives in bright, indirect light, similar to its understory habitat. Placing the plant near an east or north-facing window typically provides suitable illumination. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch its leaves, leading to discolored or burned patches. Insufficient light may cause leggy growth with elongated stems and smaller, less defined leaves.
Watering Practices
Allow the top two to three inches of soil to dry out between waterings before rehydrating. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Underwatering often results in drooping leaves and stunted growth.
Soil and Potting
An airy, well-draining soil mix is ideal for Philodendron bipennifolium. A suitable substrate often combines peat moss, perlite, and pine bark in roughly equal parts, providing both moisture retention and excellent drainage. Always choose a pot with drainage holes. Repotting is needed every one to two years, or when roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes, moving up to a pot that is only slightly larger to avoid overwatering.
Temperature and Humidity
Philodendron bipennifolium prefers warm and humid environments. An ideal temperature range is between 65°F and 80°F (18°C-27°C). Temperatures below 55°F (13°C) can cause stress and damage to the foliage. Maintaining humidity levels above 60% is beneficial, achievable by using a pebble tray with water, grouping plants, or employing a room humidifier.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is important during the active growing season, typically spring and summer. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, can be applied every two to four weeks. During the dormant cooler months of fall and winter, fertilization should be reduced or stopped entirely. Over-fertilization can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, which may burn the roots.
Common Issues and Solutions
Philodendron bipennifolium can encounter issues related to environmental factors or pests. Yellowing leaves, particularly lower ones, often indicate overwatering or a potential nutrient deficiency, requiring an adjustment to watering frequency or a balanced fertilizer application. Brown leaf tips or edges are a sign of low humidity or insufficient watering, suggesting the need to increase ambient moisture or check soil moisture more regularly.
Drooping leaves can stem from both under- and overwatering, so assessing the soil moisture is key to diagnosis. If the soil is dry, the plant needs water; if it’s soggy, root rot may be occurring, necessitating a check of the roots. Pests like spider mites and mealybugs can sometimes infest the plant, appearing as small dots or cottony masses on the leaves, and can be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil applications. Leggy growth, characterized by long stems and sparse foliage, indicates the plant is not receiving enough light and needs to be moved to a brighter location.
Propagation and Pruning
Propagating Philodendron bipennifolium is straightforward, commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section with at least two nodes and a few leaves, cutting just below a node. These cuttings can root in water or directly in a well-draining potting mix, with new roots typically emerging within a few weeks. The warmer months of spring and early summer are ideal for propagation, as the plant is actively growing.
Pruning serves multiple purposes, including managing the plant’s size, encouraging bushier growth, and removing any yellowed or damaged leaves. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make precise cuts just above a node or a leaf. Regular pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and health, directing the plant’s energy towards new, vigorous growth.