Philodendron 'Tortum' or Fernleaf Philodendron

Botanical Name: Philodendron 'Tortum'

Native Region/Environment: Bolivia and northern Brazil

Sun/Light: Bright, indirect light.  Morning sun light is good.

Temperature: Indoor temperatures above 65 degrees, Outdoors in USDA Zones 10b-12.

Water: Allow the soil to dry to the touch.  Better to thoroughly dampen the soil when watering than to water with smaller amounts, more frequently that leaves the soil unevenly moist.  To prevent root rot do not leave in standing water.

Soil: Organically rich in a fast draining soil composition.

Growth Pattern: Perennial climbing vine with unfurling, semi-brittle leaves.  In native environment, it grows as an epiphyte, so terrestrial, as a potted plant, is an adaptation.  

Mature Size: Typically the leaves grow 12"-18", but under ideal conditions they may exceed 4' or 5' in length.

Attributes: A 'must have' for any aroid collector.  A very unusual appearance for philodendrons, which are more notable for large, domineering leaves, not the lacy, delicate fern-like leaves of Ph. Tortum.  Grows beautifully scaling a wall or other flat surface where it extends every leaf from a 180 degree plane.  In a pot, or hanging basket, it grows in all directions creating a wonderfully rounded, lacy philodendron.

Pot: 4" or 5"