Philodendron Bipennifolium is also called Horsehead Philodendron or Fiddle leaf philodendron. Actually, it produces long green leaves that look like horsehead or fiddle.
The glossy surface of the leaves gives Bipennifolium a nice shine even in low light conditions.
This philodendron has a climbing nature. If you want a climbing plant with unique features then Bipennifolium Philodendron will be the best choice.
Below is my growing experience with this plant. All of its growing needs are well-explained in this article. Read till the end and grow it without facing the problems that I have faced.
About the plant
Fiddle leaf philodendron is native to South Brazil and Argentina. There it grows in tropical jungles. It has beautiful glossy green leaves.
It produces long stems and aerial roots that help the plant climb on nearby trees.
When growing it indoors it remains 3 feet tall with a leaf size of 8 to 12 inches. Keep it away from the reach of your pets because it is mildly toxic.
Partial sun, slightly acidic soil, warm weather, and moderate watering are the few basic care requirements.
To prevent it from flopping over you should use a moss pole to support its structure.
Light Needs
While choosing the ideal spot for your plant make sure the place is bright. The light has to be an indirect bright light.
Do not let the direct sun rays fall on your plant. The delicate leaves cannot handle the sharpness of sun rays. The leaves will start turning yellow.
In some conditions, you may observe brown burned leaf tips.
Place it near the east or north-facing window. This will protect it from harsh sun rays and also full fill its light needs.
No need to use grow lights because the normal light in your house is enough for the plant. Because in its natural place it gets indirect bright light.
And we all have bright lights at home, just turn them ON for 10 hours per day. If you do not have a sunny window.
Potting Soil
The soil prevents root rot like deadly diseases. Therefore, always choose the best soil for your lovely plants.
Generally, for philodendrons, I recommend orchid and African violet mixes. These minxes have perlite, peat, and other fast-draining ingredients.
The soil formula is well-draining but this does not mean it cannot hold enough water. The perlite in the formula holds most of the water for your plant. It has the ability to store moisture in its tiny pores.
Well-draining soil is necessary to save plants from overwatering. But overwatering is possible even with fast-draining soils. To prevent it you need to learn the right watering technique.
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Watering
You can grow Philodendron Bipennifolium in water. But it does not like to sit in wet or waterlogged soil.
So, when growing in potting soil you need to limit the watering applications.
There is a watering technique that I called the smart watering technique. In this method, I insert my finger in the potting soil to check the moisture.
If the soil feels moist, I do not water it.
On the next day, I check it again and if it feels dry, I water it with high-quality water. From quality water, I mean water that is suitable for drinking purposes and is free from heavy minerals.
Fertilizing
Fertilize your Fiddle leaf philodendron 3 times in a single year. For fertilizing it chooses the active season means spring to summer.
Then use a liquid fertilizer that is made for normal houseplants. No special type of nutrient supplement is required.
Bipennifolium is not a heavy feeder. It just needs a little boost to produce healthy disease-free leaves.
I use Miracle-Gro general-purpose houseplant fertilizer. It is easily available online buy it from Amazon.
If you already have general houseplant fertilization of any other brand you can use that one. No need to specially buy Miracle-Gro products.
Because every brand has good general fertilizer. The reason is it contains few ingredients that are inexpensive and easily available. Therefore, making it easy for every company.
Temperature & Humidity
60 to 85 degrees F is the recommended temperature range for the good health of the Philodendron Bipennifolium.
Under no circumstances allow the temperature to drop below 60 degrees F.
Because your fiddle leaf philodendron is a tropical plant. It cannot handle cold or frost. Protect it from cold winds and place it in a warm location.
In the winter season give it nice warmth to keep it alive.
Keep the home humidity above 50 % and your plant will never get dry and turn yellow.
In case of low home humidity, you can place the pebble tray under your plant pot. Or you can use a home humidifier to increase the air moisture level.
Repotting
Repotting is needed in 2 to 3 years. For repotting use a plant pot with draining holes. There must be 1 or more draining holes at the bottom.
Do not use plastic pots because they are not ideal for growing philodendron plants. Plastic does not allow air to pass through and to freshen the roots.
Plant roots need fresh air to stay healthy.
Use 2 inches bigger pot and fresh soil for repotting the plants. Also, check the roots for any kind of infection.
If you see roots are damaged then remove the damaged part and replant it in the new pot.
Propagation
Stem cutting and air layering are the two propagation methods.
Stem cutting is easy and has a higher success rate. Choose the healthy stem and cut below the node, then plant it in the new potting soil and keep the soil moist.
Use a spray bottle for watering the stem cutting.
Keep the pot in a warm and humid place, you will see the new roots will develop in a few days.
In the air layering, make a cut just below the node and cover it with sphagnum. Then wrap it with a plastic cover to support it and spray water on the sphagnum to keep it moist. Within a few days you will see the new roots coming out of the node.
Once the roots grow 1 to 1.5 inches long then cut the stem from the plant and place it in the new pot.
Conclusion
Philodendron Bipennifolium needs a little bit of attention from its growers. All you need to do is take care of its basic needs and it will thrive for years.
Everything is covered in this article you will only need to follow the caring steps. For more information on plants visit our houseplant section.
