Abstract
Philodendron bipinnatifidum is a large-leaved selfheading philodendron that is an economically important nursery crop in Central Florida. It is a popular landscape plant across USDA hardiness zones 8B through 11. Highly valued for its dramatic tropical appearance, Philodendron bipinnatifidum is also used in interiors and protected areas outside its hardiness range. It tolerates a wide variety of environmental conditions from low to high light and moisture levels and has relatively few pest problems. In its native Brazil, Philodendron bipinnatifidum is pollinated by a single species of large scarabaeid beetle. Because this beetle is not present in the United States, and the female flowers on a inflorescence are receptive 48 hours before the male flowers produce pollen, hand pollination is necessary. Due to the effort required to produce them, seed can be difficult to obtain and expensive, ranging from $5.00 to $10.00 per thousand in cost. This paper documents the pollination process and describes seed collection, cleaning and storage methods for Philodendron bipinnatifidum.
