Origin

Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, often referred to as the Split-leaf Thaumatophyllum or Split-leaf Philodendron, is a beautiful glossy-leafed tropical houseplant that gets its name from the fact that it has characteristic slits in its leaves. It's often confused with the Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa), which is a similar-looking plant but they're both totally different.

Split-leaf Philodendrons are native to South America, namely Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina.

In the wild, the plant can grow impressively large - up to 10 feet (3 m) tall and 15 feet (4.5 m) wide. In fact, each leaf can become as long as 3 feet (1 m) long. As a houseplant, it will typically stay smaller than this (not exceeding around 6 feet or 1.8 m tall), but can still make a striking corner plant due to its size.

Care

These plants like bright, indirect light, so the ideal spot is somewhere a little ways away from a south- or east-facing window where the light is filtered by blinds or a sheer curtain. This will help protect your Split-leaf Philodendron from harsh, hot midday sunlight, which can burn the leaves. If you start to notice scorch marks appear on your plant, try moving it to a more shaded area.

In their native environment, Split-leaf Philodendrons enjoy warm, humid conditions. Average indoor house temperatures are generally suitable for this plant, but most homes naturally have dry air (whereas a humidity over 40% is preferable), so you'll likely need to help boost the humidity around your plant by regularly misting and / or using a pebble tray.

Split-leaf Philodendrons also love water! Try to keep the soil consistently moist, although make sure to avoid overwatering - no plant likes to sit in heavy, waterlogged soil. You can water again once the top layer of the soil feels dry.

Other

Split-leaf Philodenrdons have been used by various South American cultures for many years. The berries they produce are used medicinally and as a food source, and the roots have been utilized to make a binding material.

UnlikeMonstera deliciosas, Split-leaf Philodendrons are self-heading, meaning that they don't need support in order to grow upwards as they form their own support trunk. Their splits also run from the edges inward, whereas the holes in aMonstera deliciosadon't reach the edges.