Philodendron Fun Bun, also known as Philodendron goeldii, is a rare and exotic plant native to Brazil’s tropical rainforests. This stunning plant features dark green leaves adorned with bright yellow veins, making it a popular choice for indoor gardening. It is low-maintenance, requiring minimal sunlight and water, making it ideal for beginners or those without a green thumb.
The plant’s star-shaped leaves resemble the fingers of a hand, earning it the nickname “Finger Leaf.” Its unique foliage pattern adds a captivating touch to any space. As an epiphytic plant, Philodendron goeldii thrives on climbing and develops vines as it matures. These vines can gracefully spread over moss poles, nearby trees, or walls, enhancing its visual appeal.
The Finger Leaf thrives as a true adventurer in its natural habitat. It is commonly found in flooded or semi-flooded areas and often grows as a hemi-epiphyte—a plant that partially grows on another. However, unlike most epiphytes, the aerial roots of the Finger Leaf anchor it firmly into the ground instead of attaching to trees.
This unique growth pattern inspired the name change mentioned earlier. Botanists recently reclassified several Philodendron species, including this one, into a new genus called Thaumatophyllum. Despite the updated classification, it remains a proud member of the aroid family, which boasts a diverse collection of over 100 plant species.
With proper care, this plant can grow up to 5 feet tall, creating an eye-catching centerpiece. Additionally, its air-purifying properties make it a practical and beautiful choice for enhancing indoor environments.
The Goeldii is also known by several other names, including:
- Philodendron Finger Leaf
- Thaumatophyllum Spruceanum
- Philodendron Five Fingers
- P. Goeldii
- Philodendron Hand
- Philodendron “Fun Bun”
How to care philodendron fun bun
Water your philodendron
Philodendron goeldii is a tropical plant that thrives in humid conditions and requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
The most effective way to water this plant is by using the bottom-watering method. Simply fill a sink or basin with water and place the pot in it for about 15 minutes or until the topsoil becomes moist. Be careful not to leave the plant in water for too long, as this can cause root rot. Once watered, allow any excess moisture to drain completely before returning the pot to its place.
The frequency of watering depends on factors like pot size, type of potting mix, temperature, humidity, and light exposure. As a general rule, water your Philodendron goeldii 1-2 times per week or when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Signs of underwatering include wilted, curled, or yellowing leaves. If you notice these symptoms, increase the frequency and amount of watering, and remove any dying leaves to prevent pest infestations. To ensure adequate watering, water the plant until it begins to flow out of the drainage holes.
Conversely, overwatering can cause yellowing leaves, mushy stems, or persistently damp soil, which may lead to root rot. If these signs appear, reduce your watering schedule and allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
Tip: Always use room-temperature water for watering. Cold water can shock the roots and harm the plant.
Best light for philodendron fun bun
Philodendron goeldii thrives in its native tropical rainforest habitat, where light conditions vary. Growing on the forest floor, it benefits from dappled sunlight, so aim to recreate this by providing bright, indirect light. A west-facing window is ideal for achieving this lighting level.
As a tropical plant, Philodendron goeldii requires a good amount of light, and a north-facing window may not provide enough. Insufficient light can lead to slow growth or weak stems. If natural light is limited, consider placing the plant near a suitable grow light to ensure it gets the light it needs.
As the plant matures, it can tolerate near full sun with proper acclimation. Gradually increase its light exposure and monitor for signs of overexposure, such as burnt leaves, discoloration, or small holes in the foliage.
In regions with intense sunlight, it’s important to provide some shade to protect the leaves from damage. You can hang a sheer curtain in front of the window or position the plant about 6 feet away from a window that receives direct sunlight for most of the day.
If your plant is exposed to insufficient light, its leaves may grow smaller, and it might begin stretching towards the light source in search of more brightness. Strive to maintain a balance between low and intense sunlight to ensure optimal growth.
Choose the right soil for philodendron fun bun
When caring for Philodendron goeldii, it’s essential to avoid soggy soil. Choose a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter to keep your plant healthy.
You can use a pre-made indoor plant potting mix or create your own by combining equal parts of perlite, sphagnum peat moss, and vermiculite. This blend provides excellent drainage while retaining moisture long enough for the roots to absorb it.
Sphagnum peat moss adds essential nutrients, perlite improves aeration and prevents root rot, and vermiculite helps retain moisture to keep the roots hydrated. Ensure the soil’s pH is between 5 and 8 for optimal growth.
Avoid using sand as the sole component of the potting mix, as it doesn’t retain moisture well and can cause your plant to dry out quickly.
when to repot philodendron fun bun?
Since Finger Leaf grows at a moderate pace—and even faster with proper care—you’ll likely need to repot it within a year. The best time to repot is during the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing and at its strongest.
Use the previously mentioned soil mix and choose a new pot that’s a few inches larger in both height and width than the current one, ensuring it has ample drainage holes.
To keep things tidy, consider repotting outdoors. Start by adding a few inches of soil to the bottom of the new pot. Carefully remove your Finger Leaf from its current pot and place it in the new one. Ensure the top of the soil is level with the rim of the pot to allow room for root growth.
Fill in the spaces around the plant with soil, being mindful not to cover the base too deeply. Adding too much soil around the base can cause the trunk to retain excess water, leading to rot. Secure the roots gently but firmly in the new soil.
must read: Repotting philodendron is easy
fertilize your philodendron fun bun
Feed your Philodendron goeldii with a balanced fertilizer during the spring and summer growing season. If using a synthetic fertilizer, opt for a 20-20-20 or 20-10-10 formula diluted to half strength. For organic fertilizers, follow the instructions on the packaging for proper use.
Watch for signs of over-fertilization, such as yellowing leaves, wilting, or root burn. If these occur, flush the soil thoroughly with water to remove excess fertilizer salts and adjust your fertilizing routine.
Avoid fertilizing during the fall and winter months, as the plant enters its dormant period. Fertilizing during this time can damage the roots. Always dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength before application to prevent potential harm.
must read: The best fertilizer for philodendron
Philodendron love humidity
Finger Leaf plants thrive in typical indoor environments, with temperatures between 60 and 85°F (15-29°C). In their native equatorial climate, temperatures remain fairly consistent, so as a tropical plant, Philodendron goeldii should be protected from extreme temperature fluctuations and cold drafts.
If the temperature becomes too hot or too cold, your Finger Leaf will show signs of stress, such as wilting, shriveling, or yellowing leaves. If this happens, move the plant away from drafty windows and avoid placing it near heating or cooling vents.
While it can tolerate average household humidity levels of around 30%-40%, it thrives in humidity levels above 50%. Low humidity may cause brown leaf tips or curling leaves, while excessive moisture can lead to mold or fungal issues on the plant.
To increase humidity:
- Place a tray of water and pebbles beneath your plant to boost humidity as the water evaporates.
- Run a humidifier nearby for a few hours each day.
- Group your Finger Leaf with other plants to benefit from shared moisture through transpiration.
- Place the plant in a naturally humid room, such as a bathroom or kitchen, while ensuring it gets enough light.
must read: Tips to humidify your philodendron
Have problems with philodenron fun bun?
Pests
Philodendron goeldii is generally a resilient plant and tends to avoid most pest problems. However, it’s important to stay vigilant and monitor for pests such as mealybugs, scales, and spider mites, particularly on the undersides of leaves.
Spider mites can be recognized by the small webs they create around the plant. Mealybugs form a cotton-like layer on the leaves, while scale insects are small, flat creatures that may not initially look like pests.
All of these pests feed on the sap and nutrients from the plant’s leaves, eventually causing them to die. If you spot any, follow these steps:
- Isolate the affected plant to prevent pests from spreading.
- Gently wipe the leaves and stems with a damp cloth or rinse the plant under a gentle stream of water to remove the pests.
- For persistent pests, use a damp cloth to wipe them off or remove heavily infested leaves.
- Treat the plant with an insecticidal soap, such as neem oil, following the label instructions. Be sure to cover both sides of the leaves and stems, and keep the plant away from harsh sunlight and extreme temperatures during treatment.
Root Rot
Root rot happens when roots sit in waterlogged soil for too long, leading to poor oxygen levels, stunted growth, and even death of the plant. Watch for yellowing, wilting leaves and a foul smell from your Finger Leaf.
How to treat root rot
- Remove the plant from its pot and examine the roots. Trim away any black, mushy, or slimy roots with sterilized scissors.
- Select a new pot with proper drainage and fill it with fresh, well-draining soil. Add perlite, pumice, or LECA (lightweight expanded clay aggregate) to improve aeration and drainage.
- Replant the Finger Leaf and water only when the soil is dry, ensuring the pot drains well.
Fungus
While rare, fungal infections can occur in Philodendron goeldii, especially in high humidity. Look for white, powdery patches on the leaves, stems, or soil.
If you notice a fungal problem, take these steps:
- Isolate the affected plant to protect others.
- Prune off the infected leaves and stems using sterilized scissors.
- Apply a fungicide according to the label instructions.
Prevent fungal issues by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overwatering. If you’ve been using methods to increase humidity, you may want to reduce it to help prevent fungal growth.
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