The P. bipinnatifidum is a non-climbing variety, otherwise known as a tree philodendron or split leaf. A single leaf can grow to 3 feet! CRAZY!!! The "tree" itself can grow to 15', winding, falling over and sprawling as it grows. The woody stem grows to 6" or greater in diameter producing stout aerial roots between leaf scars. The stem, in my opinion, is one of the most interesting portions of the plant!
Most philodendrons grown indoors never produce flowers. This is why I was unaware of such a fantastic sight! However, the P. bipinnatifidum DOES produce a blossom that is quite unique. It tends to grow underneath the umbrella of foliage so is often unnoticed. The bloom is also not a traditional, fragrant blossom such as a gardenia or rose; just one more reason the phioldendron bloom is often passed over. I think this brilliant bloom is well worth ogling over! Judge for yourself!
Breathtaking, isn't it?!
The "blossom" is actually made up of the outer spathe that encircles the spadix that is the home of a mulittude of tiny flowers, both male and female. This is really all I know about this fantastic speciman, but I found a wonderful post by Mr. Subjunctive at Plants are the Strangest People if you're interested in finding out more.
And if you want to check out other HOT, LOUD, and PROUD blooms, head over to my friend Noel's at A Plant Fanatic in Hawaii for his monthly meme!!
Happy Gardening!
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12 comments:
Great post ... and great photos. Yes the philodendrons do flower ... we're used to seeing these strange flowers over here, so we take them for granted! They're like the flowers on Caladiums ... similar form!
Now THAT'S a Philodendron! I do'n think I have ever seen one that size.
Thanks for the pictures as well Kimberley.
Well, who knew? It reminds me of a calla lily actually. I'll never forget the size of these plants in Hawaii. We, of course, did the tourist thing and had to take a photo standing next to one of those huge leaves. Love being a tourist.
Hello,Kimberly.
Breathtaking, in did.
I agree - looks so much like a calla lily. Really neat!
Lovely photos. It is amazing how we can take flowers for granted, or don't really see them. Being hidden like they are it is easy to overlook them until they are spent. Now you've made me want to go out and check mine to see if there are any blossoms to see and enjoy.
FlowerLady
Very nice specimen of philo. I got a little lost in the Mr. Subjunctive link :) I have no large philodendrons but I have a Xandadu. It hasn't ever bloomed for me but is slowly growing back from the roots. I agree your stems hold a lot of interest in this plant.
I do indeed think the philodendron bloom is worth ogling over. I'm always peeking in the giant leaves of my plants to catch an open bloom. It's quite a hard thing to catch. Oh, and these phils do climb trees. What a strange sight to see the giant trunks snaking up an old oak tree! This bloom is quite exotic and proud, isn't it? I used it in my March HL&P post. Love it!
Breathtaking indeed! Mine hasn't flowered but going by your photo it's definitely worth the wait!
Kanak (Terra farmer)
I did not know philodendron blooms before reading this post! Nice pictures! How long this flower lasts?
Kimberly - major coolness! Exotics rock, especially when viewing from a 'Midwest' garden - were plants are a bit more demure... :o)
aloha kimberly, yes the flowers are sweet, i loved your taking a pictures of the stems, they usually are shown in a macro photo so that was fantastic thanks for sharing that with us today.
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