Lickety Split Philodendron: Your Complete Guide To Lush, Split-Leaf

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Are you dreaming of filling your home with lush, tropical foliage that looks impressive but doesn’t demand all your time? It’s a common goal for plant lovers, but it can feel daunting to find a statement plant that’s also forgiving.

I’m here to promise you that your search is over. The magnificent Lickety Split Philodendron is the answer, and it’s one of the most rewarding houseplants you can grow. Don’t worry—this stunning plant is perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike!

In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the absolute best practices for care, show you how to propagate new plants for free, and even tackle a few common problems you might encounter. Get ready to unlock the secrets to a thriving, beautiful philodendron.

What Makes the Lickety Split Philodendron So Special?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of care, let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes this plant a true standout. The Lickety Split Philodendron (Philodendron ‘Lickety Split’) is a hybrid known for its dramatic, deeply lobed leaves that give it a wild, jungle-like appearance.

Unlike its cousin, the Monstera Deliciosa, the leaves on a Lickety Split emerge with their signature splits already formed, unfurling like a piece of natural origami. Its name isn’t just for show—this is a relatively fast-growing plant that can quickly become a focal point in any room.

Beyond its good looks, there are several benefits of Lickety Split Philodendron ownership that make it a fantastic addition to your indoor garden.

  • Air Purification: Like many aroids, this philodendron is a powerhouse at filtering common indoor air pollutants, helping to create a healthier living environment.
  • Easy-Going Nature: It’s surprisingly low-maintenance and can tolerate a bit of neglect, making it a perfect starting point for new plant parents.
  • Stunning Aesthetics: The vibrant green, glossy leaves add an instant touch of sophisticated, tropical style to your home decor. It truly brings the outdoors in.

Your Complete Lickety Split Philodendron Care Guide

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty! Creating the right environment is the key to a happy plant. Luckily, this philodendron isn’t too fussy. Following these lickety split philodendron best practices will set you up for success from day one.

Finding the Perfect Light

Light is food for your plant, and getting it right is crucial. The Lickety Split thrives in bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight filtering through a jungle canopy—that’s the vibe you’re trying to replicate.

Place your plant a few feet away from an east-facing window, where it can soak up gentle morning sun. A spot near a south or west-facing window also works, as long as it’s protected from the harsh, direct afternoon rays by a sheer curtain.

If you notice the leaves looking pale or scorched, it’s getting too much direct sun. If the stems become long and “leggy” with small leaves, it’s stretching for more light and needs a brighter home.

The Art of Watering

Overwatering is the number one mistake gardeners make, but don’t let that scare you! The key is to let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. I use the “drench and dry” method, and it works like a charm.

Simply stick your finger about two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If you feel any moisture, wait a few more days and check again. When you do water, give it a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root ball gets a good drink.

Then, be sure to dump out any excess water from the saucer. Letting your plant sit in water is a fast track to root rot, which is a common problem we want to avoid.

Soil and Potting Perfection

Your Lickety Split needs a potting mix that is airy and drains well. Standard potting soil is often too dense and can hold onto too much water. You want a chunky mix that allows the roots to breathe.

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You can buy a pre-made aroid mix, or you can easily create your own. Here’s my go-to recipe:

  1. One part high-quality indoor potting soil
  2. One part perlite (for aeration)
  3. One part orchid bark (for chunkiness and drainage)

And please, I can’t stress this enough: make sure your pot has drainage holes! No drainage is a non-starter for almost any houseplant, especially this one.

Humidity and Temperature

Coming from a tropical environment, your philodendron appreciates warmth and humidity. It’s happiest in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and will protest if things drop below 55°F (13°C).

Average household humidity is usually fine, but if you notice brown, crispy leaf tips, your plant is craving more moisture in the air. You can easily boost humidity by:

  • Grouping it with other plants.
  • Placing it on a pebble tray filled with water.
  • Using a small room humidifier nearby.
  • Giving it a “spa day” in the bathroom while you shower!

Feeding Your Philodendron

During the growing season (spring and summer), your Lickety Split is actively pushing out new leaves and will appreciate a little extra food. Feed it with a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 4-6 weeks.

In the fall and winter, the plant’s growth naturally slows down. You can stop fertilizing during this time to let it rest. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots, so it’s always better to under-fertilize than overdo it.

How to Lickety Split Philodendron: Pruning and Propagation

One of the most exciting parts of owning this plant is watching it grow—and sharing it with others! This section of our lickety split philodendron guide covers how to keep it looking tidy and how to make more plants for free.

Pruning for Health and Shape

Pruning is simple and beneficial. You’ll primarily be trimming off any old, yellowing leaves to redirect the plant’s energy to new growth. Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make a clean cut near the main stem.

You can also prune to control its size and shape. If a vine gets too long for your space, simply trim it back to a desired length. This often encourages the plant to become bushier and fuller.

Propagating New Plants (It’s Easy!)

Want to turn one plant into many? The Lickety Split is incredibly easy to propagate from stem cuttings. It’s a fun project and a great way to share your plant with friends.

  1. Find a Node: Look for a healthy stem and locate a node. A node is a small bump on the stem where a leaf grows from and where new roots will emerge.
  2. Make the Cut: Using clean shears, cut the stem about an inch below a node. Make sure your cutting has at least one or two leaves.
  3. Choose Your Method: You can root your cutting in water or soil.
    • Water Propagation: Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged but the leaves are not. Change the water every few days. You’ll see roots start to grow in a few weeks!
    • Soil Propagation: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional, but helpful) and plant it directly into a small pot with moist soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until new growth appears.
  4. Be Patient: Once your water-propagated cutting has roots that are 2-3 inches long, you can transfer it to soil. Your new baby plant is ready to go!

Tackling Common Problems with Lickety Split Philodendron

Even with the best care, you might run into an issue or two. Don’t panic! Here’s a quick guide to diagnosing and fixing the most common problems with Lickety Split Philodendron.

Yellowing Leaves

A yellow leaf here and there, especially on older, lower parts of the plant, is normal. However, if you see multiple leaves turning yellow, it’s a sign something is off. The most common culprit is overwatering. Check your soil moisture and watering routine first.

Brown, Crispy Tips

This is almost always a cry for more humidity. The air is likely too dry for your tropical friend. Try the humidity-boosting tips mentioned earlier, like using a pebble tray or a humidifier.

Pesky Pests

While generally pest-resistant, your philodendron can occasionally attract common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Inspect your plant regularly, especially the undersides of leaves. If you see any pests, wipe them off with a damp cloth and treat the plant with a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

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Leggy Growth

Long, stretched-out stems with lots of space between the leaves mean your plant is not getting enough light. It’s literally reaching for the sun! Move it to a brighter location with more indirect light to encourage more compact, full growth.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Philodendron Care

As gardeners, we have a special connection to the planet. Embracing a sustainable Lickety Split Philodendron practice is easy and makes a real difference. An eco-friendly Lickety Split Philodendron is a happy one!

Eco-Friendly Potting Mixes

Consider using peat-free potting mixes. Peat moss harvesting can be environmentally destructive. Coco coir is a fantastic, renewable alternative that provides the same aeration and moisture retention benefits.

Water Conservation Tips

Instead of letting your tap run, try collecting rainwater to water your plants. It’s free of the chemicals often found in city water. You can also save the water you use to boil vegetables (let it cool first!)—it’s full of nutrients.

Natural Pest Control

Skip the harsh chemical pesticides. Neem oil is a natural, biodegradable fungicide and pesticide that is highly effective against most common houseplant pests and is safe for use indoors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Lickety Split Philodendron

Is the Lickety Split Philodendron toxic to pets?

Yes, unfortunately it is. Like all philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat if ingested by cats or dogs. It’s best to keep this plant out of reach of curious pets and children.

Why aren’t my philodendron’s leaves splitting?

This is a very common question! The splits (or fenestrations) develop as the plant matures and receives enough light. If your leaves are small and solid, it’s likely a sign that the plant is either too young or needs more bright, indirect light to fuel its growth and development.

How fast does a Lickety Split Philodendron actually grow?

In ideal conditions (good light, water, and warmth), this plant lives up to its name! During the spring and summer growing season, you can expect it to push out a new leaf every few weeks. Its growth will slow significantly in the winter.

Can I grow my Lickety Split Philodendron outside?

You can! If you live in a warm climate (USDA Zones 9-11), it can be grown outdoors in a shady, protected spot. In cooler climates, many people move their plants outside to a shaded patio for the summer, but be sure to bring it back inside before the first frost.

Your Journey to Lush Growth Awaits

There you have it—everything you need to grow a happy and healthy Lickety Split Philodendron. From its stunning, deeply-lobed leaves to its easy-going personality, it’s a plant that gives back so much more than it asks for.

Remember to provide it with bright, indirect light, water it thoughtfully, and give it a well-draining home. Before you know it, you’ll have a magnificent green companion that fills your space with life and beauty.

Happy planting, and enjoy the lush, tropical vibes your new friend brings to your home!

Rimon Chowdhury
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