Philodendron bipennifolium · Fiddleleaf philodendron (Horsehead philodendron)

The leaves show a hastate/three-lobed shape with a large forward-pointing central lobe and two backward-pointing basal lobes, which is typical of the Philodendron bipennifolium/pedatum/'Florida' hybrid group rather than P. squamiferum. The petioles here appear smooth and reddish rather than covered in the reddish bristly trichomes that are diagnostic of P. squamiferum, which helps rule that species out. New growth emerges as a curled, deep red-orange cataphyll/leaf, consistent with many Philodendron species in this hastate-leaved group. However, I can't be fully certain of the exact species because the leaf lobing is somewhat variable in this photo (some leaves look more simply sagittate, less deeply lobed than typical P. bipennifolium), and hybrids like 'Florida Green' or 'Florida Ghost' (bipennifolium x pedatum) have very similar foliage. A clearer photo of a fully mature, unfurled leaf showing the depth and angle of the basal lobes, plus a close-up of the petiole surface (smooth vs. hairy) and stem/cataphyll texture, would help confirm species-level identification versus these look-alikes.

Generated 2026-08-24 23:01 by anthropic (claude-sonnet-5).

Light

Bright, indirect light; will tolerate medium light but leaf fenestration (the violin-shaped lobing) develops best with brighter conditions. Avoid direct hot sun which can scorch leaves.

Water

Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, typically every 7-10 days; let it dry out a bit more in winter to avoid root rot.

Nutrients

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength monthly during spring through fall; skip feeding in winter.

Repotting

Repot every 1-2 years in spring, or when roots emerge from drainage holes or the mix breaks down; this vining aroid also appreciates a moss pole or trellis to climb as it matures.

Soil media

Chunky, well-draining aroid mix -- potting soil amended with bark, perlite, and a bit of charcoal.

Temp & humidity

65-80F; moderate to high humidity (50%+) is ideal -- mist regularly or use a pebble tray/humidifier in drier rooms.

Temperature range

🌡️ 65-80F

Humidity range

💦 50-70%

Care group

🏷️ Bright & Humid

Toxicity

Contains calcium oxalate crystals; toxic if chewed or ingested by pets or people, and sap can irritate skin and eyes. Keep away from curious pets and small children, and wear gloves when pruning.

Pests & diseases

Generally hardy; watch for spider mites and mealybugs in dry air, and scale occasionally. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot.

Propagation

Stem cuttings root readily in water or moist chunky mix -- take a cutting with at least one node and aerial root attached.

Generated 2026-08-24 23:02 by anthropic (claude-sonnet-5).