A Guide to Split-Leaf Philodendron Plant Care

A split-leaf philodendron is a low-maintenance tropical plant belonging to the Araceae family which grows large, green leaves with splits in their edges. It is commonly confused with the Monstera deliciosa (also known by the common name “Swiss cheese plant’) though they are different plants. The Monstera deliciosa has leaves with perforations (or fenestrations) that don’t reach the leaf’s edges, giving it a slightly different look than the split-leaf philodendron’s characteristic gapped-leaves.

Split-leaf philodendrons are high humidity tropical plants that thrive in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11. If you’re planting these common houseplants indoors, they can be planted at any time. They can also be planted outside in their proper hardiness zones, as long as the temperature doesn’t drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can propagate split-leaf philodendron plants using a number of methods, from growing your plant from seedlings to air layering. However, one of the quickest ways of propagation is to grow your plant from stem cuttings. Here is a quick guide on how to grow split-leaf philodendron from stem cuttings.

1. 1. Make your stem cuttings. Find an already established split-leaf philodendron, and cut six-inch stems from it. Angle your cuts so that you’re cutting your stems from the outside-in.
2. 2. Prepare your potting soil. Fill a container with potting soil, and moisten it with water until it is just damp. Use a pencil to make a few small holes in your soil, with a little bit of space between each hole. These holes will be where you plant your cuttings.
3. 3. Plant your cutting. Gently dip the bottoms of your stem cuttings in rooting hormone, and plant them in the holes that you’ve made in your potting soil. Tamp the stems down into the soil so that they stick upright.
4. 4. Cover your cuttings. Use a container covering or plastic wrap to completely cover your container, forming a small greenhouse to trap in moisture and stimulate growth.
5. 5. Check your plant for rooting. Your cuttings should take around three weeks to fully root. In that time, you should periodically check your plant to see its rooting progress. Do that by gently pulling on the stem to see whether or not the root ball is forming. Once it has rooted, you can transplant your plant into a new, larger container with drainage holes. When you do this, take care not to damage the plant’s root ball.

Split-leaf philodendron care follows many of the same guidelines as plant care for other indoor palms. Here are a few care tips to follow to make sure that your plant grows hardily.

1. 1. Give your plant the right amount of light. Split-leaf philodendrons prefer bright indirect light, so any room with a south or east-facing window is a suitable place for your plant. If the leaves of your plant begin to yellow, it may be getting too much direct sun.
2. 2. Keep your potting soil moist, but not drenched. Overwatering split-leaf philodendrons can lead to root rot and yellow leaves. Use a humidifier near the plant or in the room to keep it from wilting, and mist with a spray bottle for even more moisture.
3. 3. Be vigilant of pests. While the split-leaf philodendron is immune to most plant pests, mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites are known to appear if the plant is neglected. Spray your plant with a solution of soap and water to ward off pests.

Split-leaf philodendron plants are sometimes grown as indoor palms, but they are highly toxic to animals (and humans, to a lesser extent). Its leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause vomiting and swelling of the throat if ingested. When propagating or repotting split-leaf philodendrons, be sure to wear gloves to avoid the irritant.

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