Philodendron tripartitum · Plant reference

About

Philodendron tripartitum is a vigorous hemiepiphytic aroid with three-lobed leaves, widespread from southern Mexico to northern Brazil.

Pet safety: Toxic to cats, dogs and horses: insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause mouth pain and swelling, drooling, difficulty swallowing and, in cats and dogs, vomiting (ASPCA, for philodendrons). General guidance for the genus
People: Harmful if eaten: calcium oxalate crystals cause pain and swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue and throat; the sap can irritate skin. General guidance for the genus

Light: Bright indirect light; direct sun can scorch the leaves. General guidance for the genus
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged; overwatering leads to root rot. General guidance for the genus
Humidity: Prefers high humidity but adapts to average indoor levels; a humidifier or pebble tray helps in dry rooms. General guidance for the genus
Temperature: About 18–29 °C (65–85 °F); keep away from cold draughts. General guidance for the genus
Soil: Moist, well-drained mix rich in organic matter. General guidance for the genus
Propagation: Stem cuttings or layering. General guidance for the genus
Hardiness: Frost-tender; grown outdoors only in USDA zones 10a–12a, elsewhere as a houseplant. General guidance for the genus

“General guidance for the genus” marks advice sourced for the genus as a whole rather than this species.

An evergreen stem-climber with three-lobed leaves.

Southern Mexico, Central America, Jamaica, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and northern Brazil, in wet tropics from sea level to about 1,300 m.

Regarded as very aggressive in cultivation.

Philodendron fenzlii is treated as a synonym, though some authorities still keep it as a separate species.

Difficulty: Not recorded
Temperature: About 18–29 °C (65–85 °F); keep away from cold draughts.
Humidity: Prefers high humidity but adapts to average indoor levels; a humidifier or pebble tray helps in dry rooms.