The Philodendron Pedatum, otherwise known as the Oak Leaf Philodendron, is considered one of the easiest Philodendron species to keep as an indoor plant. But while the Philodendron Pedatum may be easy to take care of, it still requires proper care practices to grow and thrive.
Follow this complete Philodendron Pedatum care guide to learn about everything you need to do to keep this low-maintenance plant healthy and satisfied.
What Is a Philodendron Pedatum?
Appearance: This species is known for its dark green and semi-glossy leaves. The leaves’ unique blade shape and reddish petioles also adds to its stunning appearance.
Origin: The P. Pedatum is a tropical species and originates in various regions of South America. Here are some of this species’ native countries:
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- French Guinea
- Colombia
- Ecuador
The plant is also part of the araceae family, and is considered an aroid just like all the other Philodendron species. An aroid plant is a plant that produces flowers from a spadix, which are protected by one of its leaves, also known as a spathe.
Rareness: This species is quite rare in areas such as North America where humid, hot climates are not common.
Other names: P. Pedatum and Oak Leaf Philodendron
Your Complete Philodendron Pedatum Care Guide
Even though an P. Pedatum is a tropical plant, it can thrive in indoor settings with the proper care. Take a look at this in-depth Philodendron Pedatum care guide to start learning what you can do to make your P. Pedatum feel at home.
Light: bright & indirect Soil: well-draining Watering: when soil is dry Humidity: 60% or higher Temperature: 60-85 F
Fertilizer: regularly during growing season (spring and summer)
1. Light
Like most Philodendrons, the P. Pedatum requires bright, indirect light. But what does this mean?
The words “bright” and “indirect” can be vague and are especially tricky for new plant owners to properly understand let alone gauge. Luckily, there are several inexpensive light metering tools on the market that help accurately measure the amount of light your plant is receiving. The Pedatum needs around 300-600FC (footcandles) to thrive.
If a light meter tool isn’t in your budget, then there are still ways to properly ensure your plant gets the type of light it needs. For a P. Pedatum, place it away from direct sunlight near a North or South facing window, but never in a West or East facing windowsill.
Too much sunlight indicator: Leaves start to turn a yellow or brownish color
Too little sunlight indicator: Leaves are droopy or curling
2. Soil
Your plant thrives in a well-draining soil mix that allows the plant to only retain the water it needs.
There are several options to choose from, but the best soil mix for your plant is one that is peat-based, including a mix of potting soil and perlite.
Here’s a DIY combo you can try to create a nutrient-rich and well-draining soil mix:
- 1 part coco coir
- 1 part sand
- 1 part perlite
3. Water
A Philodendron hates to be overwatered just as much as it hates to be underwatered. The key to keeping your plant happy is to strike a balance between the two.
You should frequently check the soil moisture be feeling the top layer with your hand. If the soil is moist, then plant doesn’t require more water, but if the soil is hard and dry, then it’s time to water.
Make sure the Oak Leaf Philodendron is watered frequently, but in small amounts.
Remember: always test the soil’s moisture before watering.
Signs of overwatering: Leaves are yellow and discolored
Signs of underwatering: Leaves are brown and crisp
4. Temperature
Your P. Pedatum hates the cold almost as much as it hates being overwatered. These plants are used to tropical climates and require a minimum temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 Degrees Celsius), but prefer an average 70 – 85 degree range (21-30 Degrees Celsius).
Always make sure to keep your plant away from any of the following:
- Air Conditioning units
- Fans and vents
- Radiators
- Windowsills
5. Humidity
Since a Philodendron Pedatum originates in tropical regions with hot and humid climates, it’s important to mimic the same conditions in your home.
I know what you’re probably thinking: my home isn’t a rainforest!
There’s no need to worry—a Philodendron is an adaptable plant that requires a minimum of 60% humidity at all times. There are also several at-home Philodendron Pedatum care methods you can try to give your plant extra humidity without making your house feel like a damp rainforest.
Try these tricks next time you need to give your plant an extra humidity boost:
Tip #1: Create a humidity dish
Fill a tray with rocks and water, then set the potted plant on top of the dish.
Tip #2: Mist
Simulate a nice tropical rain for your plant by filling a spray bottle with water and misting the plant’s leaves.
NOTE: Make sure to use purified water or rainwater since your plant may react negatively to the minerals found in tap water.
Tip #3: Buy a humidifier
While this method does require spending some extra money, it is the best way to make sure that your Oak Leaf Philodendron receives the correct amount of humidity at all times
6. Fertilizer
To encourage growth, regular application of a fertilizer is a must during growing seasons. Choose a fertilizer that is made from naturally occurring substances such as worm castings and manure to prevent root burn.
Always check the nutrients of the fertilizer, choosing one that sticks to the nitrogen to phosphorus to potassium ratio of 10-10-10.
Growth – What to Expect
How Big Does a Philodendron Pedatum Get?
A P. Pedatum can grow anywhere from 3-10 feet in height as a houseplant. It’s mature height as a houseplant depends on its growing conditions. Since it’s a climbing species, suppling the plant with a pole or other sturdy structure encourages the plant to climb and grow taller.
In different stages of growth, the shape and size of the leaves will vary, but when mature, the leaves tend to grow up to 8 inches in length.
How Do I Propagate a Philodendron Pedatum?
The best way to propagate a P. Pedatum is with the stem cutting method.
Step 1: Soak clippers in isopropyl alcohol to sanitize the blade.
Step 2: Cut leaves directly at the node.
Step 3: Set the cutting out for about 1-2 days to callous and dry. Provide it with the same humidity and temperature as a mature P. Pedatum.
Step 4: Place the calloused root in water, replacing water at the end of each week until roots grow several inches in length.
Step 5: Now plant! Place the roots in a pot of its own, adding soil and taking care of it like a full-grown Oak Leaf Philodendron.
How & When Should I Repot My Philodendron Pedatum?
An Oak Tree Philodendron doesn’t like repotting, but sometimes (though not often), it’s necessary. Here are two signs it’s time to repot:
1.Soil Is Too Compact
If you can’t move the top few inches of the potted soil, then it’s a good sign it’s time to repot your plant.
2.Exposed Roots
If you spot roots poking out from the draining hole of your plant’s pot, then it’s time to find it a new home.
To repot, find your plant a new pot that is at a minimum 3 inches wider AND deeper than your plant’s old pot, but no more than 5 inches. Too little and too much space for your Oak Leaf Philodendron to grow can be as equally harmful.
Does My P. Pedatum Need Pruned?
Your plant will not require much pruning. Only remove leaves when they are a dark brown, and always cut at the node with sanitized clippers.
Plant Toxicity
Human: highly toxic
Animals: highly toxic
The P. Pedatum is highly toxic to humans and pets when ingested. It can cause minor symptoms such as nausea, but also more severe symptoms such as a swollen throat, lips, and tongue.
Always place your plant out of reach and away from animals and/or small children.
Common Pests & Diseases
Some of the common pests and diseases your Oak Leaf Philodendron can fall prey to are…
- Spider mites
- Mealy bugs
- Root rot
Luckily, signs of infestation are easy to notice and can be resolved with proper care and patience. To get rid of spider mites and mealy bugs, fill a spray bottle with neem oil and mist the leaves and stem, targeting the white spots and clusters.
Root rot is identifiable by your plants yellowing and brown leaves. Try repotting your plant with a well-draining soil mix and trim away any black leaves or roots.
Philodendron Pedatum Care Guide FAQ
Q. Philodendron Pedatum vs. Philodendron Florida Ghost – What’s the Difference?
Both the P. Pedatum and the Philodendron Florida Ghost are part of the Philodendron species, but the P. Pedatum has smooth and green petioles, while the P. “Florida” has reddish petioles that have small bumps and are rough to the touch.
Q. Philodendron Pedatum vs. Philodendron Bipennifolium – What’s the Difference?
Both the P. Pedatum and the Philodendron Bipennifolium are part of the Philodendron species, but the P. Bipennifolium has thicker leaves and less lobes than a P. Pedatum, as well as several other varieties.
FAQs
How often should you water a philodendron Pedatum? ›
How often to water your Philodendron Pedatum. Philodendron Pedatum needs 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when it doesn't get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5.0" pot.
How can I make my philodendron grow faster? ›Do you want your philodendron to grow faster? Does your plant look a little leggy? Give your plant a bit more light and you'll see the difference. While this generally unfussy plant can survive in low light, it grows faster (and will stay healthier) in bright indirect light.
Is philodendron Pedatum rare? ›Philodendron pedatum is a rare houseplant with multi-lobed medium to dark green leaves native to tropical Southern America. It is easy to grow, purifies the air, and will give your home a charming tropical vibe.
Is philodendron Pedatum a fast grower? ›Philodendron pedatum has a fast growth rate, so you will need to repot it once a year. The best time to do this is in spring or summer, the plant's growing season. Use a pot that's one size larger than the previous one, and make sure that the container has drainage holes at the bottom.
Is Miracle Grow good for philodendron? ›Plant philodendrons in Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Begin feeding with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food a month after planting.
How do you make a philodendron happy? ›- Water your plant every seven to 14 days. ...
- Prune your philodendron regularly. ...
- Employ propagation to control the size of your plant. ...
- Keep an eye on pests. ...
- Fertilize your plant monthly. ...
- Keep your plant away from children and pets.
Overwatered Philodendron
Symptoms of overwatering include wilted leaves, even though the soil is moist. New leaves may turn brown and soft. Another sign that overwatering might be the problem is a buildup of visible salts on the soil surface. These salts look like a white, crusty, crystallized layer.
Normal household humidity is fine for your Philodendron Birkin, but higher humidity encourages larger leaves. Your plant will benefit from regular misting. Your plant will grow well in temperatures between 70-80 degrees during the day and above 55 degrees at night.
What fertilizer is best for philodendron? ›SUSTENANCE FOR PHILODENDRONS: Nitrogen fertilizer is a liquid plant food that provides philodendron support. 3-1-2 miracle ratio delivers nutrients to soil and roots, optimizing the growth of live plants.
How do philodendrons get new growth? ›Philodendrons are most easily propagated by cuttings. To take tip cuttings, cut two to three inches from the end of a stem. You may also cut off a 10-inch or longer piece and then cut it into two- to three-inch sections. Cuttings should be made directly at or under a leaf node.
Where do you cut philodendron for new growth? ›
It's best to make your cut just above another leaf on the stem. This allows the rest of your plant to neatly produce more shoots and leaves from that point, and your cut stem will also have plenty of room for forming new roots.
Is philodendron Pedatum same with glad hands? ›Philodendron Pedatum Glad Hands aka Quercifolium is a cultivar of Philodendron Pedatum with a thinner lobed leave shape. It's petiole extend to 30cm with leaves that grow to 30cm in length.
Is philodendron Florida and Pedatum the same? ›Philodendron 'Florida' is a cross between p. pedatum (smooth petioles) and p. squamiferum; a very different plant. Philodendron squamiferum is easy to recognise by the combination of very hairy and red petioles, with a unique leaf shape.
What is the rarest philodendron? ›What is the rarest Philodendron? The rarest Philodendron on this list is the Philodendron Spiritus Sancti. With only a handful of these unique foliaged beauties in the wild, this endangered species is the rarest Philodendron variety. This plant is also one of the most expensive Philodendron varieties available.
How can I make my philodendron grow thicker? ›If you want the plant to look fuller from the top, you should take your shears and then cut the stems that are growing out and falling downward. This is going to direct the new growth toward areas at the top, and you will notice a fuller, better looking plant.
Why is my philodendron growing so slowly? ›Slow growth and small leaf size is the plant's way of telling you that it isn't getting enough fertilizer. Pale new leaves usually indicate that the plant isn't getting enough calcium and magnesium, which are essential micro-nutrients for philodendrons.
What is the easiest philodendron to grow? ›Sometimes known as the sweetheart plant, heart-leaf philodendron (Philodendron cordatum) is one of the easiest houseplants to grow. Give it low light, low humidity and/or irregular watering, and it just keeps right on growing. It's a goof-proof houseplant that vines.
Do philodendrons like moist or dry soil? ›Philodendrons grow in moist yet porous and well draining soil in their native environment and they do not tolerate compacted soil or soil without an aerated structure as this prevents the roots from functioning properly. Plant philodendron in around 3 parts ordinary potting soil to 1 part perlite.
Are philodendrons slow growers? ›Quick growers
What is this? Philodendron plants are very quick growing plants. Its vines can grow up to 10 cm per week if it's in the growing season. While growing its vines, it'll also start to grow leaves and aerial roots along with those vines.
Promotes Nutrient Intake
Use 1 tablespoon in 1 gallon of water and use it on plants once in 3-4 weeks. You can also spray the solution on the foliage to maximize absorption. Plants like pothos and philodendron benefit the most from it.
How do I know if my philodendron is healthy? ›
If you see it wilting, examine the soil to see if it needs water. If the plant is light in weight when you lift it up, it could be time to water. Yellow leaves can also be related to watering habits. So if you see a wilted philodendron or yellow leaves, assess soil moisture.
Do philodendrons like big pots? ›Philodendrons are very happy in a small pot. In the wild, these plants will be found growing on/around larger trees, and so will have limited soil space. To help climb and find resources, Philodendron roots will often spill over the pot, as well as aerial roots that occur higher up the plant, searching for stability.
How do you know when your philodendron needs water? ›Watering Your Philodendron
Plants that live in soil should be watered when half of the soil is dry. As with most plants, yellow leaves indicate over-watering, and brown leaves indicate under-watering. You can tell when a philodendron needs water because its leaves will appear wilted.
Philodendron
If you are not careful with philodendron watering, then the foliage may become yellow or green. Bottom watering helps to keep them thriving without any fuss and spot-free!
Philodendron scandens is a South American native that doesn't require much light to thrive. It likes its soil to be kept damp, and while it will tolerate dry conditions, it's a high-humidity plant, making it perfect to keep in a low-light bathroom.
How many times a week should I water a philodendron? ›Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Increase frequency with increased light.
Should I let my philodendron climb? ›Start with houseplants that love to climb
This versatile houseplant can grow in hanging baskets or climb a totem or trellis. Many of the traditional Philodendron varieties are vines that happily grow on a moss pole or up a trellis.
If your philodendron is the vining type, use pruning shears or simply pinch the tips of vines. This quickie type of pruning will neaten up the plant and encourage bushier, healthier growth. Always cut or pinch growth just above a leaf node, which is the point on a stem where a new leaf or stem grows.
Does philodendron do well in full sun? ›When planting philodendrons in the garden, or when situating your philodendron container outdoors, you need to consider that philodendrons are forest dwelling plants that are best served in a location that provides shade and indirect sunlight. Full sunlight will cause yellow sunburnt leaves, and you don't want that.
How much sun do I give my philodendron? ›Light: Philodendrons grow best in medium light and bright indirect sunlight. Older leaves turn yellow naturally. However, if you notice several yellow leaves at once, it could be an indicator that the plant is getting too much sun.
How do I get my philodendron to flower? ›
The first option is to pollinate the philodendrons by hand. This involves rubbing pollen on the female part of the spadix (the bottom, plumper half) in the middle of the night, when the flower is most likely to reproduce.
How long do philodendrons live for? ›Philodendrons don't have a short and easily defined lifespan. Some have been known to grow for 20 years as houseplants, others up to 40. In their native habitats, species can easily live past 100 years if not more.
How long does it take for a philodendron to grow a new leaf? ›Philodendron gloriosum grows leisurely, often taking a month or two to produce a new leaf.
How do you encourage branching philodendron? ›Snip off stems that are falling downwards. It will ensure the plant grows fuller on the top. Also, cutting right above the node will help it grow two more stems, making it bushier over time.
How do I know if my philodendron needs to be repotted? ›Signs Your Philodendron Needs a Bigger Pot
A sign that your philodendron is overdue a pot is when the roots start to poke out at the base of the pot or when leaf tips start to prematurely brown. The best time to repot your plant is in spring.
Leaf color
Philodendron Pedatum has green petioles that are smooth, and the leaves are dark green with almost no variegation. The color of its leaves darkens over time. Philodendron Florida produces small, white leaves that usually get darker and variegated as the plant matures.
Philodendron Mamei is a magnificent tropical creeper that grows as ground cover or creeps up to trees in it's natural environment.
What is a self heading philodendron? ›Although most philodendron are distinctly vine-like, a number of species and cultivars have leaves spaced so close together that the stem is not visible until some of the lower (older) leaves abscise (fall off). Using the foliage industry language, plants in the latter category are called self-headers.
Is philodendron Florida fast growing? ›This is a low maintenance, fast growing philodendron known for its beautiful large foliage and red stems. It can hang from a basket or climb up a trellis. Enjoys a well-drainging, chunky soil mix and can tolerate a range of humidity levels from low to high.
Can philodendron grow outside in Florida? ›The deeply divided, usually drooping, medium green leaves grow up to three feet long and 12 to 18 inches wide, appearing on long, smooth petioles. It can be grown outside in central and south Florida, and in a protected area in Gainesville or Jacksonville.
Can I grow philodendron Florida in water? ›
Philodendron Florida Ghost Propagation. It is relatively easy to propagate the Philodendron Florida Ghost. Most people propagate the Florida Ghost directly into their potting medium, but you can do this in water, too.
What is the most popular philodendron? ›Philodendron hederaceum is probably the most popular philodendron type you can find worldwide. People love this species for its heart-shaped leaves and vivid colors. Compared to other species from the genus, the hederaceum one does not require high maintenance.
What is the rarest plant in the world 2022? ›1. Attenborough's Pitcher Plant. It is estimated that this carnivore, which grows on mountains in the Palawan region of the Philippines, is very rare with only a few hundred plants left.
What is the darkest philodendron? ›Philodendron 'Dark Lord' has some of the darkest leaves around. The leaves are triangular and emerge a beautiful bronze color, but quickly harden off the jet black. For those who love dark plants, this is the philodendron for you.
Do philodendrons like being misted? ›Normal household humidity is fine for your Philodendron Birkin, but higher humidity encourages larger leaves. Your plant will benefit from regular misting. Your plant will grow well in temperatures between 70-80 degrees during the day and above 55 degrees at night.
How often should I water my philodendrons? ›Water. Your Philodendron enjoys weekly watering sessions, allowing its soil to completely dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. During the winter months feel free to water your Philodendron less frequently, adjusting to let it dry out fully.
How often should you mist a philodendron? ›Mist the philodendrons leaves twice per week to increase humidity. Water philodendrons once every 10 days during Winter months. Always water philodendrons with a generous soak so that excess water trickles from the base of the pot to ensure that the soil is evenly moist.
How do I know if my philodendron needs water? ›Watering Your Philodendron
Plants that live in soil should be watered when half of the soil is dry. As with most plants, yellow leaves indicate over-watering, and brown leaves indicate under-watering. You can tell when a philodendron needs water because its leaves will appear wilted.
When planting philodendrons in the garden, or when situating your philodendron container outdoors, you need to consider that philodendrons are forest dwelling plants that are best served in a location that provides shade and indirect sunlight. Full sunlight will cause yellow sunburnt leaves, and you don't want that.
How do I know if my philodendron is getting too much sun? ›Philodendrons that receive too much light will show symptoms of sun-scorch, that include pale-yellowed foliage, crispy brown patches and stunted growth. Alternatively, situations that don't boast enough light will result in slowed or elongated growth, mould developing on the soil and a heightened risk of root rot.