Philodendron bipinnatifidum 'Hope' (Hope Cut-leaf Philodendron, Hope Tree Philodendron)

Botanical Information

FamilyAraceae
GenusPhilodendron
Speciesbipinnatifidum
Cultivar'Hope'
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		All parts of the plant are toxic. When eaten, intense burning and swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, as well as difficulty speaking can occur.

Details

USDA Hardiness ZoneZone 9a - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-6.7) - (-3.9)
Temperature (°F)20 - 25
Height3 - 5 m if not climbing
Spread3 -5 m or more
GrowthFast

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA shrub-like tropical plant that has unique, green foliage with large growing, uniquely shaped leaves. With age, the leaves take on a deep-lobed pattern.
ShapeLoosely rambling and epiphytic in nature.
LandscapeHouseplant or as a feature in large indoor plantings such as shopping malls. In tropical zones it is used as a major landscape plant often in place of shrubs.
CultivationBest grown in partial to full shade with rich, moist soil. Does not tolerate salt build up so flush soil regularly or used distilled water for irrigation.
Notable SpecimensHarry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe trunk is relatively thick and woody with characteristic “eye-drop” leaf scars. It can produce aerial roots that absorb water and nutrients.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are simple, large, deeply lobed, and attached to long, smooth petioles. They can grow up to 1.2 m long. Leaves range from medium green to dark green.
Fruit DescriptionShowy, edible to birds.
Texture DescriptionThe leaves of this plant are significantly more toxic than the standard Philodendron if ingested, and is therefore not recommended to a household with pets that tend to chew on leaves. The sap may also irritate sensitive skin.

Photographs