frankielove

I was wondering if the tree philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum) grows from a bulb or corm like an elephant ear? And can it be stored dormant for winter? I know I can grow it as a houseplant, but with my new musa friends I don't have the room. Thanks in advance!

pmurphy

As the tree philodendron grows into a large, semi-woody shrub I'm assuming it would develop a good root system and not from a bulb or corm.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 9 - 11. This is one of the hardiest of all philodendrons. Frost may kill the leaves of tree philodendron or even kill the whole plant to the ground, but if the cold is not too severe and if the plant is well established, it will come back when warm weather returns. Indoors, keep temperatures above 55ºF (12.8 ºC) in winter and above 70ºF (21ºC) in summer.
Moisture: Not at all drought tolerant, tree philodendron should get regular watering. Keep the soil moderately moist by watering regularly. In the winter, keep the soil just barely moist. Tree philodendron has thinner leaves than most species in the genus and therefore needs a little more humid atmosphere. House plants should be misted regularly if the air is very dry. Place an electric room humidifier near the plant in the winter.


I have put your questions to another forum dealing with tropical and greenhouse plants and will let you know their answer.

pmurphy

Finally got an answer regarding you plant; this is what I have been told about the root system:
"Its main trunk is a tree like base, it also sends out many aerial roots for stabilization acting kinda like an epiphyte"

Sounds like you are dealing with an actual root system so I don't think it can be stored dormant.

frankielove

Thanks so much for taking the time! I couldn't find anything on Google about it, so I appreciate it! Good thing there's no shortage on elephant ear varieties to fit the bill!