Finger Leaf Philodendron

Finger Leaf Philodendron (Thaumatophyllum spruceanum, still widely sold as Philodendron goeldii) carries its leaflets in a flat whorl on the end of a long stalk, so each leaf reads like an open hand. It builds to about 1.5m tall and 1.5m wide, one of the few indoor plants that can hold a corner on its own. Growth is steady rather than quick, and it asks little once the pot and the light are right.

Why you'll love it

• Architecture, not clutter. Tiered whorls of narrow leaflets give a sculptural outline against a plain wall.
• Room filling scale. At 1.5m by 1.5m it does the job of a small tree indoors, in a footprint you can still walk past.
• Genuinely low maintenance. No spraying, no staking, no fussy feeding schedule. Water it properly and groom it twice a year.
• Comfortable in humidity. Where many indoor plants sulk through a humid summer, this one is at home in it.

Where it works best

Indoors. A bright room with filtered light suits it best. Set it back from a window rather than against the glass, because direct midday sun scorches the leaflets.

Pots and containers. Start it in a pot 400mm or wider with free draining holes, so the crown has something to balance against.

Balconies and courtyards. In tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens it will live outdoors year round in a sheltered spot with overhead cover.

Growing Finger Leaf Philodendron in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light indoors, or dappled shade outside. It is frost tender, so outdoor planting is limited to tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. In cool temperate and Mediterranean areas keep it indoors, or move the pot under cover before the cold sets in.

Soil. A quality indoor potting mix opened up with perlite or bark chip. It wants moisture held around the roots but never sitting water, so a pot that drains freely matters more than the mix itself.

Water and feed. Water when the top 3cm to 4cm of mix has dried, usually weekly in summer and fortnightly in winter. Feed a liquid indoor plant fertiliser monthly through the warmer months and stop over winter. Wipe the leaflets with a damp cloth every few weeks so dust does not block the light.

Pruning. Very little is needed. Cut old lower leaves off at the base as they yellow, which keeps the trunk clean, and repot every two to three years as the roots fill the container.

What to expect when it arrives

It comes in one size, a 300mm pot, arriving as an established plant with several full sized leaves rather than a young cutting. Some leaf marking or a dropped lower leaf after transit is normal. Give it a fortnight in its final position before you judge it, then expect new leaves within six to eight weeks in warm weather.

Plants are packed upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Read the complete philodendron care guide
• Browse the full indoor plant range
• Compare plants suited to balconies
• How to repot an indoor plant properly

Common questions

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. Like other philodendron relatives it is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, and the sap can irritate skin. Keep it out of reach of pets and young children.

How much light does it need indoors?

Bright indirect light. It will hold on in a dimmer room, but the new leaves come through smaller and the plant stretches towards the window.

Will it grow outdoors in Melbourne or Adelaide?

Not in the ground. It is frost tender, so in cool temperate and Mediterranean climates keep it in a pot indoors, or outside only through the warm months.

How fast does it grow?

Slowly and steadily. Expect a few new leaves each warm season and several years to reach its full 1.5m spread.