About
Philodendron bipinnatifidum, the horsehead philodendron, is a large, evergreen, tree-like perennial from South America producing enormous, deeply lobed, glossy, dark-green leaves on long stems from a stout, upright trunk. An architectural and dramatic foliage plant for a large, heated conservatory or tropical garden.
About the genus
Philodendron are mostly large, tropical, evergreen perennials or climbers with very large, often deeply lobed or divided, glossy leaves. Among the most dramatic of all tropical foliage plants, grown in heated glasshouses, conservatories and as houseplants.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toS America
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 12673,philodendron-crassinervium,Philodendron crassinervium,thick-veined philodendron,Philodendron crassinervium
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright filtered light with shade from hot sun, mist daily. When in growth water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Water sparingly at other times. See Philodendron and houseplant cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 11 in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed surface sown at 19 to 24°C in spring or layer in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free