A very decorative species that originates from the south of South-America. There it grows as an epifyt in trees, where its abundant air roots are used to take up water and nutrients. The elegant, deeply incised leaves have long stems that can get very long; in the tropics they can easily be longer than a metre. With growth the bottom leaf drops  and leaves an eye-catching scar on the woody stem that increases in size. After a few years the plant can flower with a white inflorescence that is characteristic for the Araceae family. The inflorescence consists of a spade and spadix, and it gives off a sweet smell that attracts beetles for pollination. It is an easy houseplant that will do well in the shadow. A light spot is also suitable, but the plant does not like direct sunlight. Additionally the plant likes a well draining soil and watering regularly, although it is good to let the soil dry out between watering times.

Sowing description: Sow in sowing mix and cover seeds with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil lightly moist and cover with plastic or glass (to keep the heat and moisture in) and keep at 23-30 degrees Celsius. Germination can take 1 to 2 months.

Family: Araceae
Scientific name: Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
Common name: Tree Philodendron
Native to: South America

Sowing time: Whole year  
Difficulty: Intermediate    
Minimum temperature: 0 degrees Celsius