Hope Philodendron

Philodendron bipinnatifidum 'Hope'

The easy-care Hope philodendron is a split leaf philodendron variety that only grows to 4 feet - an ideal tropical accent for any size South Florida yard.

This is one plant that needs no fussing over. Thriving in sun or shade, Hope is a versatile garden addition that can set off ho-hum landscaping with the lush look of the tropics.

Not too big, not too small, this plant doesn't climb like some philodendron varieties.

A smaller hybrid of the big Selloum philodendron, Hope has an attractive look of layered, ruffled greenery with its large, deeply-divided leaves with wavy edges.

It's less common than Selloum so your nursery may have to order it for you.

These plants are classic armchair gardener favorites - a little food and water, cutting off a spent leaf stem now and then...and you're done.

Plant specs

Hope is a moderate grower for sun or shade, though it's happiest in areas of part sun to part shade. It can get about 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide.

This plant does best in Zone 10. In Zone 9B you can keep it in a container and bring it indoors during cold weather.

Philodendrons contain toxins - handling leaves and stems can cause skin irritations in some people, so if you're sensitive to these things, wear gloves.

These are considered deer-resistant plants, and bugs don't like them either.

Plant care

Add top soil or organic peat humus, mixed together with composted cow manure, to the hole when you plant.

Choose a well-drained area that doesn't stay overly wet or any philodendron will rot from too much moisture.

Water regularly but allow enough time for the plant to dry out a bit between waterings.

The only need for trimming a Hope philodendron is to remove a dead leaf or stem occasionally.

This is not a plant that should be cut back for size. Doing this is pretty much futile because of the way a philodendron grows (and doing so will spoil its good looks) so planning for ultimate size is important.

Fertilize 3 times a year - once each in spring, summer and fall - with a good quality granular fertilizer.

Plant spacing

Plant 3 or 4 feet apart. Come out from the house 3 feet.

If you're planting near a walk or drive, come in at least 3 feet (more if you can) to give the plant room to grow wide without getting in the way.

Allow enough room between Hope and the plants near it...the large leaves may overlap other, smaller plants once the philodendron has begun to mature.

This is a very good plant for large containers - great for balconies, patios, even indoors.

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Landscape uses for Hope philodendron

• accent in a mixed bed
  
• filler plant for a garden corner
  
• along a deck or patio
  
• in a pool cage planter (in an area that won't get splashed)
  
• between palm trunks
• entryway accent
• large, full plant for the corner of the house
• under tall trees
• container plant
  

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Other plants you might like: Selloum Philodendron, Xanadu Philodendron

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