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Philodendron tortum
€9.90
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A Philodendron unlike any other: Philodendron tortum develops deeply dissected leaves formed from long, narrow segments, giving it an almost sculptural appearance. Supplied in a 6 cm pot, this young climber truly comes into its own on roots and vertical supports, where its foliage gradually becomes larger and more dramatic.
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Description
Philodendron tortum is an unusual tropical climbing aroid prized for its highly dissected foliage composed of long, narrow lobes. Its light, almost skeletal appearance makes it completely different from the broad-leaved form of many other Philodendrons.
Supplied in a Ø 6 cm pot, this young plant is ideal for establishing on natural roots, cork panels, moss poles or vertical backgrounds in spacious tropical terrariums and paludariums.
Botanical family
Araceae
Genus
Philodendron
Species
Philodendron tortum M.L.Soares & Mayo
Pot size
Ø 6 cm
Origin
Philodendron tortum is native to wet tropical forests from northern Brazil to Bolivia.
It naturally grows as a climbing vine, ascending tree trunks with the help of adventitious roots.
Foliage
The foliage is the defining feature of Philodendron tortum. Mature leaves are deeply divided into numerous long, narrow lobes, giving the plant a highly graphic and airy appearance.
Juvenile leaves are less developed but become progressively longer and more deeply divided as the plant matures.
Growth habit and development
Philodendron tortum has a naturally climbing growth habit. It develops sturdy stems and aerial roots that allow it to attach to trunks, roots and vertical supports.
Vertical cultivation generally encourages larger and much more deeply dissected foliage.
Terrarium compatibility
- Large humid tropical terrarium: Yes
- Bioactive terrarium: Yes
- Paludarium: Yes, emerged section
- Climbing cultivation: Excellent
- Root or cork cultivation: Excellent
- Nano terrarium: Temporary while juvenile
- Submerged cultivation: No
Recommended support
Grow the plant against a natural root, cork panel, moss pole, Hygrolon or another vertical structure capable of retaining slight moisture.
A stable support encourages aerial root attachment and helps the plant develop mature foliage.
Recommended substrate
Use a highly aerated and free-draining aroid mix containing coco chips, bark, perlite, sphagnum moss and light organic material.
The growing medium should retain light moisture while allowing plenty of air around the roots.
Watering
Water when the upper layer of substrate begins to dry slightly.
Avoid stagnant water and permanently saturated growing media.
Humidity
Humidity of approximately 65% to 90% is particularly suitable.
Higher humidity supports aerial root development but should always be combined with adequate airflow.
Temperature
Ideal growing temperature: approximately 20°C to 28°C.
Avoid prolonged cold conditions and cool draughts.
Light
Philodendron tortum prefers medium to bright filtered light.
Good lighting promotes compact growth and strongly dissected foliage. Avoid harsh direct sunlight that may damage the leaves.
Growth
Moderate to fast growth under warm, humid conditions with an appropriate vertical support.
Its growth can easily be trained or controlled by pruning.
Flowering
Mature Philodendron tortum can produce typical aroid inflorescences consisting of a spathe surrounding a spadix.
In cultivation, however, its main ornamental feature is the exceptionally dissected foliage.
Propagation
Propagation is mainly carried out from stem cuttings containing at least one node and ideally an aerial root.
Maintenance
Train new growth onto its support and prune overly long stems when necessary.
Remove old or damaged foliage to maintain a neat and balanced appearance.
Fertilisation
Use a low-strength tropical plant or aroid fertiliser during active growth.
Avoid excessive feeding, especially in small substrate volumes.
Why choose Philodendron tortum?
Philodendron tortum looks unlike a conventional Philodendron: its deeply dissected leaves form fine, narrow segments that give the plant a light, almost sculptural silhouette.
Trained up a vertical root, it gradually becomes a striking focal point while allowing light to pass through to plants below.
JungleBox advice
Provide a vertical support while the plant is still young. A natural root or slightly humid cork panel will encourage aerial root attachment and help the plant produce larger, more strongly dissected mature foliage.
Precaution
Like many Araceae, Philodendron tortum contains calcium oxalate crystals. The sap may be irritating and the plant should not be ingested.
Additional information
- Botanical name: Philodendron tortum
- Family: Araceae
- Origin: Northern Brazil to Bolivia
- Pot size: Ø 6 cm
- Type: Tropical climbing aroid
- Foliage: Deeply dissected with narrow lobes
- Growth habit: Climbing
- Exposure: Medium to bright filtered light
- Substrate: Highly aerated and free-draining
- Humidity: 65 to 90%
- Temperature: 20 to 28°C
- Growth rate: Moderate to fast
- Support cultivation: Excellent
- Large tropical terrarium compatible: Yes
- Bioactive terrarium compatible: Yes
- Paludarium compatible: Yes, emerged section
- Nano terrarium compatible: Temporary while juvenile
- Submerged cultivation: No
Specific References
- MPN
- JBOX-PHILO-TORTUM
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A Philodendron unlike any other: Philodendron tortum develops deeply dissected leaves formed from long, narrow segments, giving it an almost sculptural appearance. Supplied in a 6 cm pot, this young climber truly comes into its own on roots and vertical supports, where its foliage gradually becomes larger and more dramatic.