Philodendron Lickety Split, also known as lacy tree philodendron, is a very popular plant often seen at homes because of its long attractive green leaves with deep splits.
Its easy propagation and low caring demands have made it one of the plant lover’s favorite. It gives a tropical feel to its owners as the long dark green foliage fills not only a place at your home but also your heart.
Lickety Split is a hybrid form of philodendron which has unique characteristics. It is an upright plant that demands some space to grow freely into its well-established form. Unlike other philodendrons, it does not trail even with an upright habit, making it one the best.
Characteristics of Philodendron Lickety Split
Foliage
Lickety Split philodendrons have one the most attractive foliage that takes its owners to the tropical islands.
Its dark green foliage with deep cuts and long leaves completely changes the overall outlook of its surroundings. Its well-established form has split leaves, intensifying their beauty in their own unique way.
Height and Width
A mature plant can grow from 24 to 36 inches tall and 24 inches wide. They have an upright growth that does not climb or take up space like trailing plants. Instead, it grows in clumps, establishing itself to fill up the space quite nicely at any corner of your room.
Pest Resistance
Philodendrons are resistant to pests. However, they are not completely immune to them. The owner does not need to worry a lot about their plant getting infected, but he needs to make sure that a proper checkup for pest and disease detection is done on a daily basis.
Aphids and Mealybugs are the most common pests that are likely to attack your Lickety Split. You can use an insecticidal spray to protect your plant in case of high pest detection.
Toxicity
These plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can be toxic to humans and animals if consumed. Their consumption can cause swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, which can be life-threatening.
It is advised that these plants must be kept at a distance from animals and children to avoid any negative consequences.
Hybrid Plant
Hybrid plants are the ones that are created from the cross-pollination of two different plant varieties. The beauty that Lickety Split possesses is the result of hybrid plant development done in 2015, pollinating two different plant species.
Pruning
Pruning is required to ensure that the plant grows into a proper shape. Its size and spread must be controlled by removing the dead plants that may leave it susceptible to various diseases.
Philodendron Lickety Split Caring Tips
Philodendrons require a few caretaking tips to be followed to establish ideally. Following are the conditions that are required by Lickety Split for their proper growth.
Water
It should only be watered when the two inches from the top of the soil seem to be dry. Another indication of the plant being thirsty is when browning or falling of the foliage is seen. Excessive watering can cause the plant to die, so make sure that it is watered only when required.
Active growth is seen in the summer, so the water requirements are comparatively higher than in the winter when it is inactive.
Humidity
These plants prefer a high humidity level above 50%, but they do quite well in the normal home humidity level. Misting is a good option if you live in an area where the atmosphere is extremely dry, but make sure that the leaves are not watered a lot as they are susceptible to fungal problems.
Temperature
A 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit temperature is ideal for the plant to grow properly. They can grow well at high temperatures but slow down as the temperature drops.
Their USDA hardiness zone is 9-11, where the lowest temperatures are between 25 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezing cold weather would kill the plant, so it is recommended that it be kept at a place that is warm and dry.
Soil
Overwatering a philodendron is dangerous for the plant, so well-draining soil is a key factor to keep the plant healthy and active. Make sure to add sand to your regular soil to improve drainage.
However, if you are buying it from the market, succulent and cactus potting mix is an ideal soil choice for your Lickety Split. These are commonly available in the market and fulfill all the requirements of your plant out of the box.
Sunlight
Lickety Split can be placed anywhere inside your home where it gets indirect sunlight. Bright to medium sunlight is preferable, but make sure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves.
It does pretty well in low light too, but the growth process slows down with the decreasing light.
Fertilizer
It is recommended to use fertilizers in the summer season when the plant is actively growing. Feed it every month with a balanced houseplant fertilizer to boost its growth.
As soon as the winter arrives, reduce feeding to once every two to three months as the plant becomes inactive in freezing weather.
Propagation of Philodendron Lickety Split
Propagation can be done by the stem tip cutting method. Following are the steps to properly propagate the plant.
- Choose a stem with a few leaves.
- Cut about 4 to 7 inches of stem.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem, leaving a couple of them intact.
- Take a potting mix and water it to make it moist.
- Plant the stem into the soil.
- Keep it at a place where indirect light reaches it.
- It will take about a month for the roots to develop.
Conclusion
Philodendron Lickety Split provides an easy solution to the ones who are looking to have a tropical feel at their home.
Its beauty increases with its growth when the long dark green leaves start to show their true charm. It is one of the most attractive plants widely chosen for interior decorating because of its popping colors and unique feel.