Philodendron 'Lickety Split' | Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum 'Lickety Split'

Philodendron 'Lickety Split' | Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum 'Lickety Split'
Live Indoor Plant | 8" Pot | Native to South America | Deeply Lobed Foliage | Fast-Growing | Statement Plant

The philodendron that splits its own leaves into something more dramatic with every new one it grows.

'Lickety Split' is a compact, fast-growing cultivar of Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (formerly classified as Philodendron bipinnatifidum) — the same lineage as the classic split-leaf philodendron, bred for a tighter, more manageable growth habit without sacrificing the deeply lobed, architectural leaf form the species is known for. Each new leaf emerges more deeply cut than the last, the lobes growing more pronounced and finger-like as the plant matures — a visible, ongoing transformation that makes this one of the more genuinely engaging large-leaf plants to watch develop. The name earns itself: this is a faster-growing, faster-splitting form than the standard variety.

Native to the tropical forests of South America, Thaumatophyllum species grow as both terrestrial plants and climbers in their natural habitat, often developing aerial roots that anchor to nearby trees. Indoors, the Lickety Split stays self-supporting and compact at a more manageable scale than its full-sized relatives — substantial enough to anchor a room, without the eventual multi-foot spread of the standard split-leaf philodendron. The glossy, deep green foliage holds its color well across a range of indoor light conditions, and the plant's naturally architectural form makes it a genuine statement piece rather than simply a large green mass.

Plant details:

• Botanical name: Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum 'Lickety Split'
• Common names: Lickety Split Philodendron, Selloum
• Origin: South America
• Pot size: 8" — a substantial, established plant
• Light: Bright, indirect light for best leaf splitting and growth rate; tolerates medium light but growth slows and splitting is less pronounced; avoid direct sun, which scorches the foliage
• Water: Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; keep from sitting in standing water
• Humidity: Average to above-average indoor humidity; appreciates occasional misting
• Temperature: 65–80°F | keep away from cold drafts and heating vents
• Toxicity: Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested — contains insoluble calcium oxalates that cause irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

Care notes: Use a well-draining potting mix with added perlite or bark for aeration. Water thoroughly when the top of the soil is dry to the touch, then allow excess water to drain completely — root rot is the primary risk with overwatering. Wipe the broad leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free and the foliage glossy. Fertilize monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. As the plant matures, it may benefit from a stake or support if it begins to lean.

Why we love it:

• Each new leaf splits more dramatically than the last — a visible transformation that makes this plant rewarding to watch over time
• Faster-growing and more compact than the standard split-leaf philodendron — substantial presence without the eventual sprawl
• Glossy, deep green foliage holds its color across a range of indoor light conditions
• Self-supporting, architectural form anchors a room without requiring a moss pole or trellis
• 8" pot arrives as a substantial, established specimen — instant presence
• One of the more genuinely striking large-leaf plants available for indoor cultivation

Native Manor Note: Most split-leaf philodendrons eventually outgrow the room they're placed in. The Lickety Split delivers the same dramatic, deeply lobed foliage in a more contained, manageable form — a plant that anchors a space rather than eventually taking it over. Watching each new leaf emerge more deeply split than the one before it is part of what makes this plant worth the wait. Bright indirect light and consistent care reward you with a genuine statement piece that keeps revealing more of itself.