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Lacy tree philodendron Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum

Lacy tree philodendron (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Araceae family, native to Southern Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia (terrestrial in forest and rocky ground). It grows 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.

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Lacy tree philodendron at a glance

TypePerennial shrub, evergreen
FamilyAraceae
Mature height1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft)
Mature spread1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft)
Spacing1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre
SunPart sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day
WaterModerate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low
Soil pH5.5–7
Cold hardinessAbout -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9)
Heat stressLikely above about 36 °C (97 °F)
Floweringfrom about June for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones)
Wind toleranceLow
Pollinator valueLow
EdibleNot grown as food
Native toSouthern Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia (terrestrial in forest and rocky ground)
Common in gardens of🇧🇷 Brazil

Is Lacy tree philodendron toxic?

Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause mouth and throat irritation, drooling and vomiting; the sap can irritate skin.

If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.

Companion planting: what to grow with Lacy tree philodendron

No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.

See Lacy tree philodendron in a botanical garden

It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:

Questions about Lacy tree philodendron

How far apart should I plant Lacy tree philodendron?
About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
Does Lacy tree philodendron need full sun?
Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
How much water does Lacy tree philodendron need?
Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
How cold-hardy is Lacy tree philodendron?
It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
When does Lacy tree philodendron flower?
From about June for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
Is Lacy tree philodendron poisonous to cats and dogs?
For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause mouth and throat irritation, drooling and vomiting; the sap can irritate skin.
What grows well with Lacy tree philodendron?
There is no well-documented companion pairing for Lacy tree philodendron. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).

Sources and evidence

Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).

Notes and assumptions

Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.

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