The Lickety Split Philodendron, with its distinctive deeply lobed leaves and vibrant green hue, is a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts. Its unique foliage adds tropical elegance to any interior space. This plant offers a straightforward care routine, making it a thriving and long-lasting addition to a home.
Understanding Lickety Split Philodendron
The Lickety Split Philodendron (Philodendron ‘Lickety Split’) is a hybrid cultivar known for its striking, glossy green leaves. As they mature, the leaves develop deep, intricate lobes, often resembling an oak leaf or a series of splits. Unlike many vining philodendrons, this variety exhibits a compact, bushy growth habit, suitable for smaller spaces or as a floor plant. Its unique, heavily dissected foliage makes it a desirable ornamental indoor plant.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Light
Lickety Split Philodendrons thrive in bright, indirect light. Place the plant near an east-facing window or a few feet from a south or west-facing window. Direct sunlight, especially midday, can scorch leaves, causing bleached or burned spots. Insufficient light may result in leggy growth, smaller leaves, or reduced lobe development.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important, but overwatering can be detrimental. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Watering frequency depends on temperature, humidity, and pot size, typically every 7-10 days. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Yellowing leaves and a soft stem base often indicate overwatering, while drooping leaves can signal either too much or too little water.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil mix should be airy, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. A suitable blend includes standard potting mix amended with perlite, orchid bark, and coco coir or peat moss. This combination promotes good aeration around the roots, prevents compaction, and helps retain moisture without waterlogging.
Temperature and Humidity
These tropical plants prefer average room temperatures, generally 65°F to 80°F (18°C-27°C). Protect them from cold drafts from windows, doors, or air conditioning units. High humidity is beneficial, mimicking their natural tropical environment. To increase humidity, place the pot on a pebble tray, use a room humidifier, or group plants together.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize regularly. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength, applying it every two to four weeks. This provides nutrients for robust leaf development and plant vigor. In fall and winter, when growth slows, reduce or stop fertilization.
Maintenance and Pruning
Repot when the plant becomes root-bound, evidenced by roots circling drainage holes or emerging from the soil. Other indicators include stunted growth or soil drying too quickly. Repotting is best done in spring, moving the plant to a pot one or two inches larger. This allows space for root growth without excessive moisture that could lead to root rot.
Pruning maintains shape, encourages bushier growth, and removes unhealthy foliage. Promptly remove yellowing, brown, or dead leaves at their base using clean, sharp shears or scissors. This improves appearance and directs energy towards new, healthy growth. Regularly wiping leaves with a damp cloth removes dust, allowing better light absorption and photosynthesis.
Propagation Techniques
Propagation is most commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section with at least one or two nodes (small bumps where leaves or roots emerge). Make a clean cut just below a node, ensuring the cutting is 4-6 inches long with at least two leaves at the top. Remove any leaves from the bottom portion that would be submerged.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a well-draining potting mix. For water rooting, place the cutting in a clear glass, ensuring the node is submerged, and change water every few days to prevent bacterial growth. For soil propagation, insert the cut end into a moist, light potting mix. Warmth and elevated humidity (e.g., covering with a plastic bag) encourage faster root development. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can enhance success.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Leaf Issues
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, where roots are deprived of oxygen due to saturated soil. Brown leaf tips or edges can signal low humidity or consistent underwatering. Drooping leaves might point to either extreme: severe underwatering causing wilting, or overwatering leading to root damage. Slow or stunted growth, along with smaller leaves, can be attributed to insufficient light or a lack of nutrients.
Pests
Despite being relatively resistant, Lickety Split Philodendrons can occasionally get common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites manifest as tiny webs on leaf undersides with a gritty texture. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses in leaf axils and along stems. Scale insects are small, immobile bumps that attach to stems and leaves, feeding on plant sap. Early detection is important. Treatment involves wiping affected areas with rubbing alcohol, applying insecticidal soap, or using neem oil. Consistent monitoring prevents widespread infestations.