Split Leaf Cyclanthus

Split Leaf Cyclanthus (Cyclanthus bipartitus) is a foliage plant that looks like a palm and a philodendron argued and settled somewhere in between. It forms a clump about 1.2m tall and 1.2m wide, made of long paddle shaped leaves that split cleanly down the middle on strong upright stalks. It is a genuine rainforest plant from Central and South America, so warmth, humidity and shade are what it wants.

Why you'll love it

• Foliage that does the work. The split paddle leaves are the whole point, and they hold their shape year round without a flowering season to wait for.
• Uncommon in Australian gardens. Most people will not be able to name it, which is exactly what a feature plant should do.
• It shrugs off heat and humidity. A muggy summer that flattens other foliage plants is the weather this one was built for.
• Low maintenance. No pruning regime, no staking, no deadheading. Water, shade and warmth cover it.

Where it works best

Indoors. A bright room out of direct sun suits it anywhere in the country, and indoors your climate stops mattering, which counts for a plant this frost tender.

Pots and courtyards. A 400mm pot or larger holds a mature clump. Shaded balconies and courtyards in warm cities are close to its natural conditions.

Feature planting in warm gardens. In tropical and subtropical gardens it works in the ground under a canopy, where the split leaves catch light against darker foliage.

Growing Split Leaf Cyclanthus in Australia

Position and climate. Part shade to filtered light. Direct sun bleaches and tears the leaves. It is frost tender and belongs in tropical and subtropical gardens outdoors. In warm temperate and cooler areas grow it indoors or in a pot that can move under cover.

Soil. A rich, free draining mix with plenty of organic matter. In the ground, dig compost through and mulch to hold moisture. It will not tolerate a pot that sits in a full saucer.

Water and feed. Keep the mix evenly moist through the warm months, easing back over winter when growth slows. Liquid fertiliser at half strength every month from spring to autumn is enough.

Grooming. Cut older leaves off at the base as they yellow, rather than trimming them partway. New growth comes from the centre of the clump.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in one size, a 400mm pot, so you receive an established plant with several full sized leaves rather than a small division. That is a substantial plant, and it can go straight into a decorative pot or a prepared shaded bed.

Large soft leaves can pick up bruising or a torn edge in transit. That is cosmetic and grows out. Give it a fortnight in a warm, shaded, sheltered spot to settle before you move or repot it, and expect new leaves within six to eight weeks in warm weather. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full tropical plant range.
• Compare other indoor plants on a similar schedule.
• Designing a tropical garden covers layering foliage plants.
• See more plants for partial shade.

Common questions

Does it flower?

It produces an unusual spiral flower spike on mature plants, but the flowers are insignificant next to the foliage. Buy it for the leaves and treat any flowering as a curiosity.

Can I grow it outside in Sydney or Melbourne?

Not in the ground. It is frost tender and suited to tropical and subtropical gardens outdoors, so further south keep it potted and move it indoors or under a verandah before winter.

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

Its toxicity has not been established, so we cannot call it pet safe. Treat it as you would any unknown plant and keep it out of reach of animals that chew foliage.

Why are the leaf edges browning?

Usually dry air, direct sun or a mix that has dried out completely. Move it out of the light, keep the moisture even, and remove badly marked leaves at the base.