Can Split Leaf Philodendron Be Planted Outside?

A split-leaf philodendron, also called a tree or cut-leaf philodendron, is a tropical plant from the Araceae family. 

People often confuse it with the Monstera deliciosa or the Swiss Cheese plant, though the leaves of both are characteristically different. It is a hardy shrub that initially came from South American rainforests but has adapted to the American weather. 

But can split leaf philodendron be planted outside where you live? Let’s find out! 

Can A Split Leaf Philodendron Be Planted Outside?

Let’s begin by looking into how to grow a split-leaf philodendron. This can be done in several ways, such as air layering or growing it the regular way from a seedling. The quickest way, however, is to use stem cuttings. 

Here’s how to grow it using stem cuttings: 

Step 1 

Track down an existing split leaf philodendron and cut out 6-inch stems. Ensure that you cut them from the outside-in so that they’re even. 

Step 2 

Take a container with potting soil and use water to dampen it. Poke a few holes in the soil using a pencil and make sure to leave enough space between each hole. 

Step 3 

Lower the stem cuttings into the rooting hormone, thereby planting them in the holes you made earlier. An important step that shouldn’t be missed is tamping the stems down so that they stay upright. 

Step 4 

Cover the container with its lid or a plastic wrap. This creates a small greenhouse-like enclosure that provides moisture for the plant to grow. 

Step 5 

It usually takes around three weeks for the cuttings to root. Until then, keep checking the plant to track its progress. An excellent way to check is gently tugging on the stem to check for root ball formation. After the plant successfully roots, you can move it to a bigger container. 

Things To Keep In Mind 

As mentioned earlier, philodendron is a tropical plant, so they’re typically used to higher temperatures. If you live in an area where the temperature is 65°F, the plant will grow just fine. 

Philodendrons can reach a significant height, so I believe it’s a good idea to plant them outdoors. The sunlight also seems to really boost their growth. However, you will have to move the plant inside during the winter months because it isn’t suited for colder temperatures. 

If you’re growing them outside, ensure that the plant has a shade over it and the sunlight isn’t direct as that can lead to yellow, sunburnt leaves. 

Another thing to remember is that the soil should have just the right amount of water; not too soggy, not too dry. Occasional adding of organic matter is recommended since that would boost the nutrient content of the soil. I also recommend a light feeding with granular food every three months to grow even better. 

Final Thoughts