Tree Philodendron: Facts, benefits, grow and care tips in 2023

What is Philodendron?

The tree philodendron, also known as Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, is a big plant that is indigenous to the tropical parts of South America. Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay are the countries where tree philodendron may be found naturally.

A popular choice for a houseplant, tree philodendron the tropical tree may also be found growing wild along the beaches of the East and Gulf of Mexico in the United States. The tree philodendron is a plant that is cultivated primarily for the big and distinctive leaves it produces. This plant is simple to care for and gives any area a sensation of the tropics. Tree philodendron  are some of the best ornamental plants. 

See also: Caladium bicolor: Know all about this houseplant

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Tree philodendron: Key facts

Tree philodendron: Features

• The leaves of tree philodendron are typically drooping, simple in appearance, huge in size, and deeply lobed. These can reach a length of up to 1.5 metres and are connected to petioles that are rather long and smooth.
• Tree philodendron have a dark green tint, and because these plants are produced in tropical climates, there is no discernible shift in their colouration that occurs in conjunction with the autumn season.
• The trunk of a T. bipinnatifidum tree is rather robust and woody, and it has leaf scars that are characterised as “eye drops.” T. bipinnatifidum needs around 15–20 years to grow to an adequate size and produce blooms in an indoor setting where space is restricted.
• The inconspicuous flowers of tree philodendron do not have petals and are located on a spadix that is encased by a spathe. In most cases, they have a white or pearly appearance.

Tree philodendron: Growing tips

• In order for the tree philodendron plant to thrive, it must be placed in an area that receives full or partial sunlight.
• Place the tree philodendron in the early light if you can, as this will prevent sunscald from developing on the enormous, attractive leaves.
• It is possible that protecting this easy-to-grow tree philodendron plant with shade in the afternoon will assist in preventing sunburns.
• If the leaves on your Philodendron selloum have brown spots or burned patches on them as a result of getting too much sun, some Philodendron selloum trimming may be able to assist in eliminating such damage.
• If tree philodendron seems to be outgrowing its space, further trimming of this tree philodendron may be able to preserve it at a more manageable size.
• It is not difficult to figure out how to cultivate a tree philodendron. Plant in a houseplant soil that is rich and has good drainage, and water as soon as the soil starts to dry out.
• Even though tree philodendron thrives best in bright sunlight, this plant may also be grown successfully indoors under the right conditions.
• Tree philodendron should be exposed to strong light, and a pebble tray, humidifier, or mister should be used to give enough humidity.

How to care for a Philodendron

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• The tree philodendron, like many other kinds of philodendron, is easy to care for and thrives as a houseplant since it can be grown inside. 
• If you want to grow a tree philodendron indoors, the best locations are sunny windows with a sheer curtain or window blinds to screen the light. 
• The leaves of a tree philodendron grow toward the source of the brightest light.
• Hence, it is important to rotate the tree philodendron plant on a regular basis to ensure that it continues to develop in a balanced manner.
• To support robust and healthy development of tree philodendron throughout the growing season, apply a balanced fertiliser once a month and do it consistently.
• Fertiliser burn may be avoided by refraining from fertilising the plant throughout the fall and winter months when the plant is in its dormant phase.
• When the top two inches of the soil on your tree philodendron get dry, give it some water. 
• The tree philodendron is sensitive to dry conditions and requires continuous irrigation to achieve optimal growth. However, under all circumstances, you should refrain from overwatering your tree philodendron, since this can cause the roots to rot if the soil is too damp.
• The tree philodendron cannot survive in soil that is either acidic or salty. 

Tree philodendron: Uses

It has been established that tending to plants and developing a relationship with the natural world and the wonders it contains are beneficial to our health in a number of different ways. 

• Philodendrons can help you sleep better.
• Philodendrons, in particular, are very effective in removing pollutants from the environment by snaring dust particles and producing oxygen. 
• It is believed that tree philodendron can induce emotions of both tranquillity and attentiveness in the user, increasing productivity.
• Philodendrons can reduce stress.
• Philodendrons are associated with wealth and health as per Feng Shui. They also bring positive energy to your house.
• Tree philodendron are widely used as an ornamental plant.
• Tree philodendron are natural sound proofers and can help increase the humidity levels in your house.

Air purification: 

• Philodendrons are known as the “Kings of Foliage,” and their veiny, spreading leaves are not only beautiful to look at but also very effective at removing carbon dioxide and other poisonous gases from the air. The space seems brighter and more refreshed thanks to the porous oxygenating leaves, and the air itself is purified. 

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• Due to the large surface area of the leaves of tree philodendron, the plant is able to improve its capacity for both respiration and photosynthesis.
• Dust may be effectively trapped and removed from circulation in the air by waxy leaves, such as those seen on many kinds of philodendrons. Simply giving the leaves of tree philodendron a quick wash down once each day will ensure that the dust is gone for good!
• If you give your philodendron a sprinkling of water once a week, it will help keep the air moist. It is believed that this can assist problems associated with dry skin as well as dryness-sensitive respiratory disorders.

Tree philodendron: Toxicity

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Crystals of insoluble calcium oxalate are present in the tree philodendron plant. These crystals are released when the tree philodendron plant is chewed or bit into, causing tissue penetration and discomfort to the mouth and GI system. Tree philodendron plants are toxic for dogs and cats.

Tree philodendron: Pests and diseases

Tree philodendron are easily affected by pests like mealybugs, aphids, fungus gnats, spider mites etc. One has to constantly keep an eye on the plant so that any pest on can be easily removed. Also, close monitoring will help in addressing any plant infection as early as possible.

Additionally, tree philodendrons are also prone to root rot that may be a result of soil being compact in the pot or because of not watering properly. Root rot can be identified if the stem of the tree philodendron become brown in colour and are mushy in nature and the leaves become dry. If such an instance is seen, it’s advisable to cut the part which has rotted and the remaining stem is propagated so that the plant survives and doesn’t die.

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