Plant size: Single plant (2 leaves) | Pot Included | Free Shipping
Light: Bright & indirect
Soil: Well-draining
Watering: When top inch of soil is dry
Humidity: 60% or higher
Temperature: 70-85°F (21°C-29°C)
Fertilizer: yes, occasionally
1. Light
The Fiddleleaf Philodendron does best with 5-8 hours of bright, yet indirect sunlight.
If the leaves are directly exposed to harsh sunlight, irreversible damage can occur. Keep your plant situated in an area where it will receive equal parts shade and indirect sunlight on a daily basis, ideally near a window facing north or east.
2. Soil
The Fiddleleaf Philodendron needs a well-draining soil mix. It relies on mixtures that are generally…
o Acidic (pH between 5 and 6)
o Clay (outdoors only)
o Sand (outdoors only)
o Loam (outdoors only)
You can buy a pre-made philodendron mix (usually coco coir, perlite, and charcoal) or make it yourself. If you choose the DIY route, here’s a simple but effective recipe:
50% coco coir
30% perlite
10% vermiculite
10% activated charcoal
3. Water
For a Fiddleleaf Philodendron, make sure to only water it when the soil is becoming dry. Don’t let the soil become bone-dry, but test its wetness by regularly feeling the soil with your hand.
If the soil feels like it’s borderline dry, then it’s a telltale sign your Philodendron Bipennifolium needs watering.
Note that in the winter months, your Philodendron Bipennifolium will need less water. Again, always test the soil with your fingers, feeling for moisture, before watering.
4. Temperature
The ideal temperature for your plant is between 70-85° Fahrenheit (21°-29°C) but it can tolerate the occasional temperature drop (think nighttime) of 60-70° Fahrenheit (15°-20°C) weather.
Never leave your Philodendron Bipennifolium in temperatures below 60°F (15°C) as frost is deadly to this tropical beauty.
5. Humidity
Fiddleleaf Philodendrons require a minimum of 60% humidity at all times, but can leech moisture from any one of the following DIY at-home humidity Philodendron Bipennifolium care methods:
o If you have other plants, try moving them closer to one another for a shared humid environment (grouping technique)
o Try misting your plants with a spray bottle of water.
o Invest in a humidifier. While this may be the pricier option, it’ll pay off in the long run as it’s the best way to ensure your plant gets the right amount of humidity.
6. Fertilizer
The Fiddleleaf Philodendron benefits from the use of a high-quality fertilizer.
Add slow-release plant food about 3-4 times a year or every 6-8 weeks during growing season (spring/summer). If you choose to use a weak liquid fertilizer, spray it at the base of the plant at least 6 inches away—only AFTER you’ve watered your plant.
Never add anything stronger than slow-release fertilizer or weak liquid fertilizer to the soil. Since a Philodendron Bipennifolium is salt intolerant, a stronger fertilizer contains unnecessary, salt-based nutrients that will cause root and leaf burn.
7. Growth – What to Expect
This species is suitable for growing in indoor settings whether in a pot or a hanging basket. The average size of its leaves will range from 12 to 18 inches in length, but its stem can reach up to 3 feet in height as an indoor plant, and 7 feet as an outdoor plant.
