How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Bob Cee

The Philodendron Bob Cee is a houseplant known for its distinctive foliage. Its long, narrow leaves are marked by deep, saw-toothed lobes that give the plant a jagged appearance. As a member of the Araceae family, its unique leaf structure and growth habit make it a popular addition to indoor plant collections.

Origin and Identification

The Philodendron Bob Cee is a cultivated hybrid, believed to have been developed by a grower named Bob Cee. This plant is a terrestrial climber, growing along the ground until it finds a support structure to ascend. Its leaves are a rich, deep green with a leathery texture and a glossy finish. The leaf margins are deeply serrated, creating a sawtooth pattern that becomes more pronounced as the plant matures.

Juvenile leaves are smaller and less lobed, but with proper support, the foliage develops its deep serrations and can reach lengths of 50 to 70 centimeters indoors. The thick stems will grow horizontally across the soil surface if left unsupported but will readily attach to a vertical structure.

Philodendron Bob Cee Care

Light

This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. An east-facing window that provides gentle morning sun is ideal. If placed near a west-facing window, use a sheer curtain to filter the intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. While the plant tolerates lower light, its growth will slow, and the leaves may not develop their full, deeply lobed shape.

Soil

A well-draining and airy potting medium is best for this aroid to prevent root rot. A quality aroid mix should ensure the soil retains some moisture while allowing excess water to drain. An effective mix often includes:

• Orchid bark
• Perlite
• Peat moss
• Composted organic matter

Water

To avoid waterlogged soil, water the plant when the top 2-4 centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch. When watering, thoroughly saturate the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Discard any excess water that collects in the saucer to prevent the roots from sitting in water. Using filtered or rainwater is preferable, but if using tap water, allow it to sit out for 24 hours to help dissipate chemicals like chlorine.

Temperature and Humidity

The Philodendron Bob Cee prefers warm and humid conditions, with temperatures between 18°C and 28°C (65°F and 82°F). Protect the plant from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops. While it adapts to average household humidity, it will flourish in levels of 60% or more. To increase humidity, you can group it with other plants, place it on a pebble tray with water, or use a room humidifier.

Fertilizer

During the spring and summer growing season, the Philodendron Bob Cee benefits from regular feeding. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 formula, monthly at half-strength. Organic options like worm castings can also be incorporated into the soil. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.

Climbing Support

Providing a moss pole or trellis encourages this plant’s climbing habit and promotes the development of larger, more mature leaves. The plant’s aerial roots will attach to the support, allowing it to grow vertically. Without support, the plant will crawl horizontally, taking up considerable space. Training the plant to climb helps manage its growth and display its foliage effectively.

Propagating Philodendron Bob Cee

Propagating a Philodendron Bob Cee is done through stem cuttings. Using clean, sharp shears, cut a 4 to 6-inch section of a healthy, mature stem, ensuring it includes at least one or two nodes. Nodes are the small bumps on the stem where leaves and aerial roots emerge, and they are where new roots will form.

Water Propagation

Place the cutting in a jar of clean, room-temperature water, making sure the nodes are submerged. Position the jar in a location that receives bright, indirect light and change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Roots should begin to appear within a few weeks, and once they are about an inch long, the cutting can be transferred to a pot with a suitable soil mix.

Soil Propagation

For soil propagation, you can dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone to encourage faster root development, though this is optional. Plant the cutting directly into a small pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, ensuring the node is buried beneath the soil surface. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Creating a humid environment by covering the pot with a plastic bag can also help accelerate rooting, which typically takes 4-6 weeks.

Common Problems

Yellowing leaves are often a sign of overwatering. Ensure the top layer of soil dries out between waterings and that the pot has adequate drainage. Brown, crispy leaf tips can indicate low humidity or underwatering, which can be addressed by misting the leaves or using a humidifier.

Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Inspect the undersides of leaves regularly to catch infestations early. Pests can be treated by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap.

Distinguishing Bob Cee From Similar Philodendrons

The Philodendron Bob Cee is sometimes confused with other philodendrons like the ‘Joepii’ and ‘69686’. The Philodendron ‘Joepii’ has a more unusual leaf shape, with a narrow top lobe and two smaller lower lobes, creating a distinct silhouette that differs from the uniformly serrated edges of the Bob Cee.

The Philodendron ‘69686’ has mature leaves with a more defined three-lobed structure rather than the multiple, sawtooth-like lobes of the Bob Cee. In contrast, the Bob Cee maintains its long, narrow form with numerous serrations along the entire margin of the leaf, giving it a consistently jagged appearance.