Care of the plant Philodendron pinnatifidum or Comb-leaf philodendron |
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The genus Philodendron, family of the Araceae, comprises 120 species native to Brazil, Guyana and Colombia. Some species are: Philodendron pinnatifidum, Philodendron giganteum, Philodendron selloum, Philodendron scandens, Philodendron speciosum, Philodendron Birkin, Philodendron verrucosum, Philodendron andreanum, Philodendron hastatum, Philodendron sanguineum, Philodendron goeldii. Common name: Comb-leaf philodendron. This species is native to Venezuela and Brazil. They are tropical plants with long petioles that reach 50 cm (19.68") in height in a pot but extend in width. The large elegant pinnate leaves are glossy green. They produce white spadices (inflorescences) in spring but do not usually flower in pots. These easy-to-grow plants are used as houseplants and greenhouses. In tropical regions it is used in undergrowth and borders. They are toxic plants by ingestion, even for pets. The Philodendron pinnatifidum needs a filtered or semi-shaded light exposure avoiding direct sun in the central hours of the day. The safety temperature is 14 ºC (57.2 ºF). The soil can be a commercial potting mix for houseplants with a bit of coarse sand to improve drainage. Water regularly with lime-free water so that the substrate never dries out but without flooding; it is advisable to wait until the surface of the substrate has dried. They need a medium-high environmental humidity; spray the leaves periodically in summer with lime-free water and place a tray with damp pebbles under the pot. Fertilize with mineral fertilizer for indoor plants once a month in spring and summer. Prune the dry leaves in any season of the year. They can be attacked by aphids and mealybugs if the environmental humidity is low and ventilation is poor. They are propagated by separating suckers in early spring. |
Images of the plant Philodendron pinnatifidum or Comb-leaf philodendron |
 Philodendron pinnatifidum  Philodendron pinnatifidum |