If you like the look of oak tree leaves, you’re going to love Philodendron Panduriforme. Its deep green leaves have a shape that’s very similar to oak leaves — but with a softer, heart-like touch. Just a heads-up: many garden stores label it as Philodendron Bipennifolium. But if you look closely, Panduriforme has rounded top lobes on its leaves. That’s the easiest way to tell them apart.
The good news is this plant is beginner-friendly. You don’t have to fuss over it much. Just give it the basics, and it will reward you with beautiful growth.
In this guide, I’ll show you everything you need to know to care for it — from light, watering, soil, and even how to propagate it.
Let’s dive in!
You May Also Like: Philodendrons repotting tips
About the Plant
Philodendron Panduriforme is a climbing plant. If you give it something to climb — like a moss pole or a sturdy stake — it can grow up to 6 feet tall.
The bigger the plant gets, the larger the leaves become. On mature plants, the leaves can grow up to 15 inches long. On smaller plants, they usually stay between 8 to 10 inches.
If you want those big, bold leaves, your focus should be on giving it the best care possible. Here’s exactly how to do it.
Light Needs
Like most philodendrons, this one can tolerate low light. But if you want lush, shiny leaves, bright indirect light is the way to go.
It’s happy in less bright corners of your home, but avoid direct sunlight. Its leaves are soft, and too much sun can dry them out fast. Once the leaves lose moisture, they get damaged permanently.
I always suggest keeping it a few feet away from a sunny window. That way, it gets plenty of bright light without any harsh rays..
Potting Soil
This plant likes fast-draining soil that doesn’t stay soggy. If the soil holds too much water, root rot can quickly become a problem.
The best mix is light and airy. Look for ingredients like perlite and coco coir. Here’s the soil mix I use for my Panduriforme:
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part peat moss
- 1 part coco coir
- A handful of homemade compost
This mix drains well, holds just enough moisture, and keeps the roots happy. I don’t recommend using pre-fertilized soil for this plant. Making your own mix works better and lowers the risk of fungus.
You May Also Like: Peperomia Fosteri care guide
How to water?
Philodendron Panduriforme likes its soil to stay evenly moist, but not soggy. Too much water can damage the roots, especially if your pot doesn’t have a drainage hole.
Here’s my watering method that works every time:
I stick my finger about 1 inch into the soil. If it feels dry, I water the plant. Once water starts coming out of the bottom hole, I stop watering and let the pot drain fully. After about 30 minutes, I empty any extra water from the saucer.
If you follow this, you’ll avoid both overwatering and underwatering — which can show similar symptoms at first (like yellowing or drooping leaves).
Fertilizing
Fertilizers give your plant the nutrients it needs to grow strong. But Philodendron Panduriforme is not a heavy feeder, so go easy.
I fertilize mine once every 30 days during spring and summer. No need to fertilize in winter.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, but always dilute it more than the label says. This plant’s roots are soft, and they can get burned by too much fertilizer. Extra salts from fertilizers can also build up and block the roots.
Less is more here.
Temperature & Humidity
Normal room temperatures are perfect. Just make sure it doesn’t drop below 55°F (13°C).
When it gets too cold, the roots can go into shock. The soil loses its warmth, and the plant stops moving water and nutrients properly. That’s when leaves start wilting and drooping.
Average home humidity (50% to 65%) is just fine. If you live in a dry area and your humidity drops too low, using a small plant humidifier can help. Mine thrives just fine in normal household humidity.
Toxicity
Yes — like all philodendrons, Panduriforme is toxic to pets and humans. Every part of the plant contains calcium oxalate crystals.
If eaten, it can cause vomiting, mouth irritation, and skin rashes.
Always wear gloves when handling or repotting it. And keep it out of reach of pets, especially if they like to chew on plants.
When to repot?
You only need to repot when you see roots coming out of the drainage holes or poking up through the soil.
When you repot, choose a pot that’s just one size bigger. Avoid oversized pots — they hold too much soil and water, which can hurt the roots.
I prefer plastic pots with two or more drainage holes. They’re lightweight, easy to move, and don’t break like ceramic pots.
How to propagate Philodendron Panduriforme?
The easiest way to multiply this plant is by stem cuttings. It has a success rate of over 95%.
Here’s how I do it:
- Find a healthy stem and cut it just below a node.
- Remove the lower leaves, but leave a few at the top.
- Plant the cutting directly into moist potting soil. (Soil works better than water for this one.)
- Keep the soil slightly moist and place the cutting in bright, indirect light.
In about 15 to 20 days, it will develop roots about 1 inch long. When you see new leaves starting to grow, it’s ready to move to its own pot.
Conclusion
Philodendron Panduriforme is easier to care for than many other philodendrons. If you master the watering technique and give it the right soil mix, it’ll thrive.
Support it with a moss pole and let it climb — once it reaches 5 to 6 feet, you’ll see those big, bold leaves start to appear. It’s a beautiful plant that’s well worth growing.
FAQ about Philodendron Panduriforme
Is Philodendron Panduriforme rare?
Yes, it’s considered a rare philodendron. You won’t usually find it in regular plant shops. Most people get it from specialty plant sellers or online shops. The good news is, once you have one, it grows fast and is easy to propagate.
How fast does Philodendron Panduriforme grow?
It grows fairly quickly, especially during spring and summer. If you give it good light, the right soil, and regular watering, you’ll see new leaves every few weeks. Adding a moss pole also speeds up the growth.
Does Philodendron Panduriforme climb?
Yes, it’s a climbing plant. It loves to grow upwards when you give it something to attach to, like a moss pole, stake, or trellis. If you don’t give it support, it can start sprawling sideways.
How do I make Philodendron Panduriforme leaves bigger?
The secret is bright, indirect light and regular feeding during the growing season. Giving it a moss pole also helps because when it climbs, the leaves naturally get larger. Make sure the soil drains well, and avoid overwatering — that can stunt leaf growth.
Can Philodendron Panduriforme grow in low light?
It can survive in low light, but it won’t grow as fast or produce big leaves. If you want the plant to thrive and look its best, place it in a spot with bright, indirect light.