Key Facts
- Tropical aroid commonly grown as a houseplant
- Climbing or trailing habit with large lobed leaves
- Prefers bright indirect light and higher humidity
- Grows more slowly in low light
- Rarely flowers when grown indoors
- Contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to pets and people if chewed
- Easily propagated by stem cuttings or division
- Does best in a rich well draining potting mix
Fiddleleaf Philodendron is a tropical climbing aroid grown for its large lobed leaves, valued as a dramatic houseplant that can also be trained to climb outdoors in warm climates. It prefers bright indirect light and higher humidity, and will slow its growth in lower light.
Identification and appearance
Large, glossy leaves are deeply lobed on mature plants, giving a fiddle like outline. The plant has a climbing or trailing habit and will cling to supports or spill from a container depending on how it is trained.
Where to grow and best uses
Keep as a container specimen indoors, trained on a moss pole, or use as a trained climber in frost free landscapes in USDA zones about 10 to 11. In colder areas grow it as a houseplant and bring it indoors before the first frost.
Light and position
Bright indirect light produces the best foliage. The plant tolerates moderate shade but will grow more slowly, and prolonged direct hot sun can scorch the leaves.
Soil and watering
Use a rich, humus rich potting mix that drains well. Avoid waterlogged soil because poor drainage leads to root rot and plant decline. Water so the root zone is moist but not saturated and allow excess water to drain away.
Humidity and temperature
Fiddleleaf Philodendron prefers higher humidity for fuller foliage, but it will survive at typical indoor humidity levels. Outdoors it performs best in warm, subtropical to tropical climates where frost is not expected.
Potting and containers
A mature container specimen commonly reaches a spread of about 2 to 6 feet and an indoor height of roughly 2 to 6 feet, depending on training. Use a pot with drainage and refresh the potting mix when it has broken down or the plant becomes root bound.
Propagation
Propagate easily from stem cuttings that include at least one node, rootable in water or a free draining potting mix. Division and air layering are effective for larger plants. Keep cuttings humid until roots form for the best success rate.
Toxicity and handling
The species contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic if chewed, causing oral irritation and gastrointestinal upset. Keep out of reach of children and pets and wear gloves if you are sensitive when handling or pruning.
Maintenance and control
Prune to control size and to remove damaged leaves, and train new shoots onto a support if you want an upright specimen. Because the plant can climb and spread when grown outdoors in suitable climates, keep an eye on its position and prune back if it approaches structures or other plants.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Fiddleleaf Philodendron grow?
- Growth rate is moderate, faster in bright indirect light, warmth and higher humidity, and slower in lower light.
- Will it flower indoors?
- It rarely flowers when grown indoors, though aroid type spathes can appear on plants grown outdoors in warm climates.
- Is it safe around pets?
- No, it is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, so keep it out of reach and monitor curious pets.
- What potting mix is best?
- A rich, humus rich, well draining mix is best, avoid mixes that stay waterlogged to prevent root rot.
- How should I propagate a large specimen?
- Take stem cuttings with a node, divide the rootball, or use air layering for large stems to produce new rooted plants.
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