Philodendron Lickety Split

Looking for a stunning, low-maintenance houseplant that grows quickly and makes a big impact? Meet the Philodendron Lickety Split. This fast-growing indoor plant is a favorite for its unique, deeply lobed leaves and its ability to thrive with minimal fuss.

It’s a fantastic choice for both new plant owners and seasoned collectors. The ‘Lickety Split’ name hints at its speedy growth, and you’ll be amazed at how fast it can fill a space with lush, tropical greenery. Let’s get into everything you need to know to keep yours happy.

This plant is a specific cultivar of the popular Philodendron bipinnatifidum (often called Selloum). Its key feature is the leaf shape. Each glossy, green leaf is deeply divided, creating a dramatic, almost feathery look that catches the light beautifully. As it matures, it develops a thick, tree-like trunk, giving it a bold, architectural presence in any room.

Why Choose This Philodendron?

There are several reasons this plant stands out:

Rapid Growth: With the right care, it puts out new leaves frequently, especially during the warm growing season.
Adaptable Nature: It tolerates a range of indoor conditions better than many finicky tropical plants.
Air-Purifying Qualities: Like many philodendrons, it helps filter common household toxins from the air.
Visual Impact: Its large, sculptural leaves make it a perfect statement piece for empty corners or beside furniture.

Ideal Light Conditions

Getting the light right is the key to triggering that fast growth. This philodendron prefers bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or north-facing window is usually perfect. A south or west window can work too, but you should shield it from harsh, direct afternoon sun with a sheer curtain.

Signs of too much direct sun include yellowing leaves or brown, crispy spots. If the stems become long and leggy with small leaves, it’s reaching for more light and needs to be moved closer to a window.

Watering Your Plant Correctly

Overwatering is the most common mistake. This plant likes its soil to partially dry out between drinks. Here’s a simple method:

Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil.
If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water.
Water thoroughly until you see it run out of the drainage holes.
Empty the saucer underneath after 15 minutes so the roots aren’t sitting in water.

Water less often in winter when growth slows down. The leaves will droop slightly when it’s very thirsty, but try not to let it get to that point regularly.

Soil and Potting Needs

A well-draining, airy potting mix is essential. A standard indoor potting mix amended with some perlite or orchid bark works great. This prevents the soil from compacting and holding to much moisture around the roots.

Repot your Philodendron Lickety Split every 2-3 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter. A pot that’s too big holds excess soil that stays wet and can cause root rot.

Fertilizing for Fast Growth

To support its quick growth habit, feeding is important during the active growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply it once a month.

You can also use a slow-release granular fertilizer at the beginning of the season. Stop fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant isn’t actively growing. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots and leaf tips.

Managing Humidity

While it adapts to average household humidity, it truly thrives with more moisture in the air. If your home is very dry, especially in winter, consider these tips:

Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (keep the pot base above the water line).
Group it with other plants to create a humid microclimate.
Use a room humidifier nearby.
Mist the leaves occasionally, but good air circulation is key to prevent fungal issues.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning is simple and helps maintain a nice shape. You can remove any yellowing or damaged leaves at the base of their stem. To control size or encourage bushier growth, trim back the longest stems just above a leaf node (the bump where a leaf attaches).

Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruners. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust, which allows them to breathe and absorb light efficiently.

How to Propagate New Plants

It’s easy to create new plants from your Lickety Split. The best method is stem cuttings.

In spring or summer, cut a 4-6 inch stem section that has at least 2-3 leaves and a visible aerial root node.
Place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged.
Put it in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly.
Once roots are a few inches long (in a few weeks), pot it up in fresh soil.

You can also plant the cutting directly into moist potting mix, but keeping it in water lets you monitor root growth.

Common Pests and Problems

This plant is relatively pest-resistant, but keep an eye out for:

Spider Mites: Look for fine webbing and stippled leaves. Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs: Appear as small, white cottony masses. Dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Yellow Leaves: Often a sign of overwatering. Check your watering schedule and soil drainage.
Brown Leaf Tips: Usually caused by low humidity, underwatering, or fertilizer salt buildup.

Is the Philodendron Lickety Split Pet-Friendly?

No. Like many philodendrons, this plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. It’s best to place this plant in a location where your pets cannot access it.

Styling Your Home With This Plant

Its bold form makes it a natural focal point. Use a large, decorative pot to anchor a living room corner. It’s size and shape works beautifully beside a sofa or armchair. Because it tolerates lower light than some, it can also be used to brighten up a hallway or a spacious bathroom with a window.

Just remember to account for it’s mature size—it can become quite wide and tall over time, so give it plenty of space to shine.

FAQ

How fast does the Lickety Split philodendron grow?
In ideal conditions, you can expect several new leaves each growing season. It’s growth rate is noticeably quicker than many common houseplants.

What’s the difference between Lickety Split and a regular Selloum?
The Philodendron Lickety Split has more deeply cut and divided leaves, giving it a finer, more textured appearance compared to the slightly broader lobes of the standard Selloum.

Can this philodendron grow in low light?
It will survive in lower light, but its growth will slow significantly, and the leaves may become smaller and less divided. For the best results, aim for bright, indirect light.

Why are the new leaves on my plant smaller?
This is typically due to insufficient light or a need for fertilization. Ensure it’s getting enough bright, indirect sunlight and feed it during the growing season.

How tall does this indoor plant get?
As an indoor plant, it can eventually reach 4 to 6 feet in height and spread, sometimes even larger in perfect conditions. Regular pruning can help manage its size.

With it’s striking looks and resilient nature, the Philodendron Lickety Split is a rewarding plant to grow. By providing the right balance of light, water, and nutrients, you’ll enjoy its rapid, lush growth for many years to come. It’s a true standout in the world of easy-care tropical foliage.