Philodendron tortum
N. Brazil to Bolivia (central Amazonia, Ducke Reserve region); wet tropical forest
First described by M.L.Soares & Mayo. (2001)
Large leaves dissected into many narrow, finger-like, twisting segments giving a feathery, skeletal appearance.
Climber; leaves become larger and more finely divided with maturity and a support.
Genus from Greek 'philo' (love) + 'dendron' (tree), referring to many species' habit of climbing trees. Epithet 'tortum' means 'twisted', referring to the narrow, twisting leaf segments.
Philodendron tortum (M.L.Soares & Mayo) was described in 2001 from the Ducke Forest Reserve in central Amazonas, Brazil, and ranges to Bolivia. A climber, it is unmistakable for its finely divided, narrow, almost skeletal leaf segments that twist and arch — quite unlike the broad-leaved philodendrons.
Give bright indirect light and a moss pole; the dramatic skeletal leaves develop best on a climbing plant. Airy mix kept evenly moist but not soggy, with good humidity and warmth.
Airy aroid mix (40% orchid bark, 40% coco coir, 20% perlite). Repot every 18–24 months in spring; pair with a moss pole.
Monthly during growing season (spring–summer)
- Root rot in wet mix; less-divided leaves without a support; spider mites in dry air; crispy edges from low humidity.
- Its finely divided, twisting leaf segments give it a skeletal, feathery look unlike any broad-leaved philodendron.
- It was only formally described in 2001, from the Ducke Reserve in the Brazilian Amazon.
- The epithet 'tortum' means 'twisted', for the way the narrow segments curl and arch.