How to Grow and Care for Lickity Split Plant

The Lickity Split Philodendron has become a favored houseplant for its dramatic foliage and vigorous growth. Its large, deeply lobed leaves create a lush, tropical presence, and as a hybrid, it is well-adapted for indoor life. The plant’s fast growth is rewarding, as new leaves regularly unfurl to add to its dense canopy.

Lickity Split Plant Characteristics

The defining feature of the Lickity Split Philodendron is its large, glossy green leaves with deep splits, or lobes, extending from the edge toward the center. This creates a frilly, ruffled appearance. New leaves emerge a lighter green before maturing to a deep, rich color, with each leaf having a unique pattern of splits.

Unlike vining philodendrons, the Lickity Split has a self-heading form, growing upright and outward from a central base. While compact when young, it matures into a bushy plant that can reach up to three feet tall and wide indoors. This dense structure makes it a substantial floor plant.

This plant is often confused with the Monstera Deliciosa. The Lickity Split has lobes that split the leaf from the outer margin inward. A mature Monstera develops both splits and enclosed holes, a feature known as fenestration, which the Lickity Split lacks. The leaves of a Lickity Split also tend to be more ruffled and feathery compared to the smoother, more heart-shaped leaves of a Monstera.

Essential Care Guide

Light

This plant thrives in several hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. Place it near an east-facing window for gentle morning sun or a few feet from a south or west-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves and cause brown burn spots.

The plant can tolerate lower light, but its growth will be slower and the stems may stretch, creating a “leggy” appearance. To promote even, balanced growth, rotate the plant every few weeks so all sides receive equal light exposure.

Soil

As an aroid, the Lickity Split requires a chunky, airy, and well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogged soil. Standard potting soil is often too dense and retains excessive moisture. A high-quality aroid mix is an excellent choice.

To create your own mix, combine indoor potting soil with amendments that improve aeration and drainage. Good additions include perlite to lighten the mix, orchid bark for chunkiness, and peat moss. This combination allows roots to breathe and prevents the soil from becoming compacted.

Water

Water the plant deeply until water escapes from the drainage holes, then allow the soil to dry out partially before watering again. This “drench and dry” method ensures the entire root ball receives moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Check the soil’s moisture level by inserting a finger into the top two inches; if it feels dry, it is time to water. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot. The plant’s water needs will decrease during the fall and winter as its growth slows.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant performs best in indoor temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. As a tropical native, it appreciates a warm environment and should be protected from cold drafts from windows or air conditioning vents. Sudden temperature drops can stress the plant.

The Lickity Split is adaptable to average household humidity but will flourish with more moisture in the air. If your home is dry, you can increase humidity by misting the leaves, grouping it with other plants, or placing a humidifier nearby.

Fertilizer

To support its vigorous growth during spring and summer, the Lickity Split benefits from regular feeding. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength to avoid burning the roots with excess salt buildup in the soil.

A feeding schedule of once every four to six weeks during the active growing season is sufficient. Reduce or pause fertilizing altogether in the fall and winter. This allows the plant to enter a period of rest when light and warmth are less available.

Propagation and Pruning

Pruning is done for aesthetic reasons, like controlling size, shaping growth, or removing yellow or dead leaves. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to trim away older leaves at the base of the stem. This tidies the plant’s appearance and directs energy toward new growth.

Clippings can be used for propagation via stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem about four to six inches long and make a clean cut. Ensure the cutting includes at least one node, which is the small bump on the stem where new leaves and roots emerge.

You can root the cutting in either water or soil. For water propagation, place the stem in a jar with the node submerged, change the water every few days, and keep it in bright, indirect light. For soil propagation, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot with a moist, well-draining mix, also placing it in bright, indirect light.

Common Issues and Solutions

Yellowing leaves are a frequent sign of overwatering. If you notice yellow leaves, check the soil moisture and allow it to dry more thoroughly between waterings. Consistently soggy soil deprives roots of oxygen and leads to root rot, which causes roots to turn brown and mushy.

Brown and crispy leaf edges are caused by underwatering or low humidity, as the plant isn’t receiving enough moisture. Increasing watering frequency or boosting ambient humidity can alleviate this. Also, ensure the plant is not near a heat source that could be drying the surrounding air.

The Lickity Split is susceptible to common pests like spider mites and mealybugs, which feed on the plant’s sap. Regularly inspect the leaves to catch infestations early. If pests are found, wipe them off with a damp cloth or treat the plant with insecticidal soap.

All parts of the Lickity Split Philodendron are toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, pain, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. To ensure safety, place the plant out of reach of pets and small children.