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Care video

Philodendron pedatum - red petiole

Watch how to care for your Philodendron pedatum – Red Petiole.

In this short video, Dirk shares practical care tips for our nursery-grown selection, from finding the right light and watering correctly to understanding its climbing growth habit and distinctive foliage.

Care guide

Philodendron pedatum - red petiole

Philodendron pedatum is a climbing tropical plant known for its distinctive, deeply lobed leaves and the way its foliage changes as it matures. Young plants often produce relatively simple leaves, while older plants can develop increasingly pronounced lobes, giving the foliage its characteristic shape.

Our nursery-grown selection is particularly recognisable by its reddish petioles — the stalks connecting the leaves to the main stem. These create an attractive contrast with the green foliage and give this selection its name: Philodendron pedatum – red petiole.

At Plantlovers, we propagate this selection from our own mother plants, maintaining its characteristic appearance and vigorous climbing habit.

Like many climbing Philodendrons, P. pedatum naturally grows upwards using aerial roots to attach itself to trees and other surfaces. Providing a moss pole or suitable climbing support indoors allows the plant to follow this natural growth pattern and can encourage the development of larger, more mature leaves.

The shape of the leaves can vary considerably as the plant develops. Younger leaves may look quite different from those produced by a mature, well-established specimen. This is a normal part of the plant's development and one of the most interesting aspects of growing Philodendron pedatum.

For healthy growth, provide plenty of bright, indirect light, an appropriate watering routine and stable climbing support. With suitable conditions and time, this Philodendron can develop into an impressive climbing plant with increasingly distinctive foliage.

Read on
Care tips

Light

Philodendron pedatum grows well in bright, indirect light, but our red-petiole selection also performs beautifully in medium light conditions.

In fact, under slightly less intense light, the foliage develops a particularly rich, deep green colour, creating a beautiful contrast with the reddish petioles. This is one of the characteristics we especially appreciate about this selection.

The plant still needs sufficient natural light to grow well. In conditions that are too dark, growth may slow down and new leaves may remain smaller.

Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh, direct sunlight, particularly during summer.

Water

Allow the soil to dry out well between waterings. Lift the pot to check how much moisture remains in the soil and only water when the pot feels noticeably lighter.

During spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing and receives more light, it will generally use water more quickly. In autumn and winter, growth slows down and the soil stays moist for longer, so water less frequently.

Avoid keeping the root ball constantly wet. Philodendron pedatum prefers a well-aerated root environment where excess water can drain freely.

Fertiliser

During the growing season in spring and summer, feed every 2–4 weeks with a balanced houseplant fertiliser. Regular feeding supports healthy climbing growth and the development of new leaves.

In autumn and winter, when growth slows down, reduce feeding significantly or stop fertilising temporarily.

Avoid overfeeding, particularly when the plant is receiving less light and growing more slowly.

Temperature

Philodendron pedatum thrives at temperatures between 18 and 28°C. Protect the plant from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Avoid temperatures below 12°C, as this tropical plant does not tolerate cold well.

Humidity

Philodendron pedatum appreciates higher humidity, ideally around 60% or more, but can adapt to average indoor humidity when other growing conditions are suitable.

Pay particular attention to humidity during winter, when indoor heating can make the air much drier.

Avoid misting the leaves, especially in cooler conditions. If you use a humidifier, don't place it directly next to the plant.

Grouping plants together can also help create a slightly more humid environment.

Extra tip

Philodendron pedatum is a natural climber and benefits from a moss pole or another suitable vertical support.

As the plant grows, gently guide and attach the climbing stem to its support, allowing the leaves to face the light. Avoid attaching individual leaves or petioles to the pole.

With sufficient light, support and time, new leaves can become larger and develop more pronounced lobes as the plant matures.

If the plant reaches the top of its moss pole, consider extending the support rather than allowing the stem to grow unsupported.

Downloadable care sheet 

Want to keep these handy tips?

The Philodendron pedatum - red petiole care sheet. Includes a summary, photos, and QR code to this page.

More plant care tips

Want to learn more about caring for your houseplants? Explore our practical guides on light, watering, potting soil, repotting and extending your moss pole.

How to water your houseplants

How to repot your houseplants

How to choose the right potting soil for your houseplants

How to use and extend a moss pole

How to find the right light for your houseplants