Name: Philodendron tortum M.L.Soares & Mayo

Synonym: Philodendron bipinnatifidum 'Tortum'

First described: 2001, M.L. Soares & S.J. Mayo (Feddes Repertorium 112(1-2): 42)

Origin / distribution: Northern Brazil and Bolivia

Location / habitat: Humid tropical rainforests, where the species grows as a root-climbing hemiepiphyte on tree trunks and other vertical structures.

Description & notes: Philodendron tortum is a climbing plant native to South America in the family Araceae. The species is distinguished by its deeply pinnatifid leaves, which give it a delicate, fern-like appearance. The leaves are pinnately divided, making their structure resemble palm fronds or fern fronds.

Young shoots often have very short internodes, which gives young plants a compact, cycad-like growth habit. Developing new leaves unfurl in a characteristic spiral or corkscrew shape and may initially have a copper-orange color.

As a climbing liana, the plant develops clinging roots that it uses to climb vertical surfaces in the natural understory.

When cultivated, the species benefits from a bright, shaded position without direct sunlight and from a stable climbing support such as a moss pole or plank, to encourage typical leaf development and large leaves.