How to Grow a Fun Bun Plant: The Ultimate Guide to Philodendron Goeldii

Have you ever seen a plant that looks like a bunch of stars on a vine? If you have, chances are you have encountered a fun bun plant, one of the most unique and exotic plants you can grow indoors. A fun bun plant, also known as Philodendron Goeldii, Finger Leaf, Hand Philodendron, or Thaumatophyllum Spruceanum, is a rare and beautiful plant from Brazil’s tropical rainforest. It has dark green leaves with bright yellow veins that spiral around the stem, giving it a star-shaped appearance. It is a climbing vine that can grow up to 6 feet tall, or more if supported by a moss pole or a trellis.

A fun bun plant is not only a stunning addition to any space, but also a low-maintenance and beneficial one. It is easy to care for, as it does not need a lot of sunlight or water, and it has air-purifying properties that can remove toxins from the air. It is also a fast-growing and prolific plant that can be propagated by various methods, such as stem cuttings, division, or layering. However, like any other plant, it can also face some common problems, such as pests, diseases, and environmental stress, that can affect its growth and health.

If you are interested in growing a fun bun plant, or already have one and want to learn more about it, this article is for you. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the fun bun plant, such as its origin, appearance, care tips, propagation methods, and common problems. By the end of this article, you will be able to grow a fun bun plant like a pro and enjoy its beauty and benefits for years to come.

Origin and Appearance of Fun Bun Plant

The fun bun plant is a member of the Araceae family, which includes other popular houseplants such as Monstera, Pothos, and Peace Lily. It belongs to the genus Philodendron, which means “love tree” in Greek, and the species Goeldii, which is named after the Brazilian botanist Emil August Goeldi. It was first discovered in 1893 by the British explorer Richard Spruce, who collected specimens of the plant in the Amazon rainforest. However, it was not formally described until 1899 by the Austrian botanist Heinrich Wilhelm Schott, who gave it the scientific name Philodendron Goeldii.

The fun bun plant is also known by other names, such as Finger Leaf, Hand Philodendron, or Thaumatophyllum Spruceanum. The latter name is based on a recent taxonomic revision that suggests that the fun bun plant and some other Philodendron species should be classified under a new genus called Thaumatophyllum, which means “wonder leaf” in Greek. However, the name Philodendron Goeldii is still widely used and accepted by most plant enthusiasts and experts.

The fun bun plant is a striking and unusual plant that has dark green leaves with bright yellow veins. The leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern around the stem, giving the plant a star-shaped appearance. The leaves are also divided into several segments, resembling fingers or hands, hence the common names Finger Leaf or Hand Philodendron. The leaves can grow up to 12 inches long and 8 inches wide, and the stem can grow up to 6 feet tall, or more if supported by a moss pole or a trellis. The fun bun plant is a climbing vine that can attach itself to other plants or structures by aerial roots. It can also produce flowers, but they are rarely seen in cultivation. The flowers are small, green, and inconspicuous, and are enclosed by a white spathe.

Care Tips for Fun Bun Plant

The fun bun plant is a relatively easy plant to grow indoors, as it does not have very demanding requirements. However, it does need some basic care to thrive and flourish. Here are some care tips for the fun bun plant that you should follow:

Light

The fun bun plant prefers bright, indirect light for 4-6 hours a day. It can tolerate low light, but it will grow slower and have less vibrant colors. It can also tolerate some direct sunlight, but only in the morning or evening, when the sun is not too harsh. Avoid exposing the fun bun plant to direct sunlight in the afternoon, as it can burn the leaves and cause them to turn brown or yellow.

The best place to put the fun bun plant is near a window that faces east or west, where it can receive some filtered or diffused sunlight. You can also use a sheer curtain or a blind to protect the plant from too much sun. Alternatively, you can use artificial light, such as a fluorescent or LED bulb, to supplement the natural light. Make sure the light is not too close or too far from the plant, as it can either scorch or starve the plant. A good rule of thumb is to keep the light about 12 inches away from the plant.

Water

The fun bun plant likes to be watered when the topsoil is dry, about once a week. It does not like to be overwatered or under-watered, as both can cause problems for the plant. Overwatering can cause root rot, which is a fungal infection that can kill the plant. Under-watering can cause the plant to wilt, droop, or lose its leaves.

To water the fun bun plant, use room-temperature water and water thoroughly until the water drains out of the bottom of the pot. Do not let the plant sit in soggy soil or water, as it can suffocate the roots and cause root rot. Empty the saucer or tray under the pot after watering, and make sure there are drainage holes in the pot to prevent waterlogging. You can also use a moisture meter or a finger to check the soil moisture before watering. If the soil feels dry an inch below the surface, it is time to water. If the soil feels moist or wet, wait until it dries out a bit.

Soil

The fun bun plant needs well-draining soil with organic matter, such as perlite and peat moss. The soil should be loose and airy, and not compacted or heavy, as it can hinder the drainage and aeration of the roots. You can use a commercial potting mix for indoor plants, or make your own by mixing equal parts of perlite, peat moss, and compost. You can also add some coffee grounds to the soil to make it slightly acidic, which the fun bun plant prefers.

The fun bun plant does not need to be repotted very often, as it likes to be root-bound. However, you may need to repot it every 2-3 years, or when the plant outgrows its pot, becomes root-bound, or shows signs of poor drainage or nutrient deficiency. To repot the fun bun plant, choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one, and has drainage holes. Fill the new pot with fresh soil, and gently remove the plant from the old pot. Loosen the roots slightly, and trim any dead or damaged roots. Place the plant in the new pot, and fill the gaps with more soil. Water the plant well, and place it in a bright spot.

Fertilizer

The fun bun plant needs fertilizer once a month during the growing season, which is from spring to summer. It does not need fertilizer in winter, when the plant is dormant. You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or a 20-20-20 formula, and dilute it to half the recommended strength. Apply the fertilizer to the soil, and avoid getting it on the leaves, as it can burn them. You can also use organic fertilizers, such as compost, worm castings, or fish emulsion, but make sure they are well-composted and not too strong, as they can also burn the plant.

Humidity

The fun bun plant loves high humidity, as it is native to the tropical rainforest. It prefers a humidity level of 60% or more, which is higher than the average indoor humidity. Low humidity can cause the plant to lose moisture, curl its leaves, or develop brown tips or edges. To increase the humidity around the fun bun plant, you can do some of the following methods:

• Mist the plant regularly with a spray bottle, especially in the morning or evening, when the temperature is cooler and the water can evaporate more slowly.
• Use a humidifier near the plant, and set it to the desired humidity level. You can also use a hygrometer to measure the humidity level and adjust it accordingly.
• Place the plant on a tray of pebbles and water, and make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the pot. The water will evaporate and create a humid microclimate around the plant.
• Group the plant with other tropical plants that have similar humidity needs, such as Monstera, Pothos, or Peace Lily. The plants will create a humid environment for each other by transpiring water through their leaves.

Propagation Methods for Fun Bun Plant

The fun bun plant is a fast-growing and prolific plant that can be propagated by various methods, such as stem cuttings, division, or layering. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the success rate, time, and difficulty. Here are some propagation methods for the fun bun plant that you can try:

Stem Cuttings

Stem cuttings are one of the easiest and most common ways to propagate a fun bun plant. You can take stem cuttings from the plant at any time of the year, but the best time is in spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate a fun bun plant by stem cuttings, you need to follow these steps:

• Choose a healthy and mature stem that has at least one or two leaves and one or two aerial roots. You can use a sharp and sterile knife or scissors to cut the stem, and make sure the cut is clean and smooth.
• Remove any lower leaves from the stem, and leave only the top one or two leaves. You can also trim the aerial roots to about an inch long, as they will grow longer in water or soil.
• Dip the cut end of the stem in some rooting hormone, such as a powder or a gel, to speed up the rooting process and prevent infection. You can also skip this step if you don’t have rooting hormone, as the fun bun plant can root well without it.
• Place the stem in a glass or a jar of water, and make sure the water covers the cut end and the aerial roots. You can also use a clear plastic bag or a bottle to create a mini greenhouse for the stem, and increase the humidity and temperature. Change the water every few days, and keep the stem in a bright spot, but away from direct sunlight.
• Alternatively, you can place the stem in a pot of moist and well-draining soil, and make sure the soil covers the cut end and the aerial roots. You can also use a clear plastic bag or a bottle to create a mini greenhouse for the stem, and increase the humidity and temperature. Water the soil when it feels dry, and keep the stem in a bright spot, but away from direct sunlight.
• Wait for the stem to root, which can take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the conditions. You can check the roots by gently tugging the stem, and if you feel some resistance, it means the roots have formed. You can also see the roots through the glass or the plastic bag, if you used water or a mini greenhouse.
• Once the roots are about 2 inches long, you can transplant the stem to a bigger pot with fresh soil, and continue to care for it as a normal fun bun plant.

The advantages of propagating a fun bun plant by stem cuttings are:

• It is easy and simple, and does not require a lot of materials or tools.
• It is fast and reliable, and has a high success rate.
• It can produce multiple plants from one stem, if you cut the stem into smaller segments, each with at least one leaf and one aerial root.

The disadvantages of propagating a fun bun plant by stem cuttings are:

• It can damage the mother plant, if you take too many or too large stem cuttings.
• It can reduce the growth and health of the mother plant, if you do not prune or fertilize it after taking stem cuttings.
• It can cause the stem cuttings to rot, if the water or the soil is contaminated or stagnant.

Division

Division is another easy and common way to propagate a fun bun plant. You can divide the plant when you repot it, or when the plant becomes too large or crowded. The best time to divide the plant is in spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate a fun bun plant by division, you need to follow these steps:

• Choose a healthy and mature plant that has at least two or more stems, each with its own roots and leaves. You can use a sharp and sterile knife or scissors to cut the plant, and make sure the cut is clean and smooth.
• Remove the plant from its pot, and gently shake off the excess soil from the roots. You can also use your fingers or a fork to loosen the soil and untangle the roots.
• Identify the natural divisions or sections of the plant, and separate them carefully by pulling or cutting them apart. Make sure each division has at least one stem, one root, and one leaf. You can also trim any dead or damaged roots or leaves from the divisions.
• Dip the cut ends of the divisions in some rooting hormone, such as a powder or a gel, to speed up the rooting process and prevent infection. You can also skip this step if you don’t have rooting hormone, as the fun bun plant can root well without it.
• Place the divisions in separate pots with fresh and well-draining soil, and make sure the soil covers the roots and the base of the stems. You can also use a clear plastic bag or a bottle to create a mini greenhouse for the divisions, and increase the humidity and temperature. Water the soil when it feels dry, and keep the divisions in a bright spot, but away from direct sunlight.
• Wait for the divisions to root and establish, which can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the conditions. You can check the roots by gently tugging the divisions, and if you feel some resistance, it means the roots have formed. You can also see the roots through the plastic bag, if you used a mini greenhouse.
• Once the divisions are rooted and stable, you can remove the plastic bag or the bottle, and continue to care for them as normal fun bun plants.

The advantages of propagating a fun bun plant by division are:

• It is easy and simple, and does not require a lot of materials or tools.
• It is fast and reliable, and has a high success rate.
• It can produce large and mature plants, that are identical to the mother plant.

The disadvantages of propagating a fun bun plant by division are:

• It can damage the mother plant, if you divide it too often or too aggressively.
• It can reduce the growth and health of the mother plant, if you do not prune or fertilize it after dividing it.
• It can cause the divisions to wilt, droop, or lose their leaves, if the shock of division is too severe or the conditions are not optimal.

Layering

Layering is another way to propagate a fun bun plant, but it is less common and more complicated than stem cuttings or division. It involves bending a stem of the plant and burying a part of it in the soil, while leaving the tip above the ground. The buried part will develop roots, and the tip will grow into a new plant. You can then cut the stem and separate the new plant from the mother plant. To propagate a fun bun plant by layering, you need to follow these steps:

• Choose a healthy and long stem that has at least one or two leaves and one or two aerial roots. You can use a sharp and sterile knife or scissors to cut the stem, and make sure the cut is clean and smooth.
• Make a small incision or a notch on the stem, about an inch below a leaf node or an aerial root. You can also remove a ring of bark from the stem, about half an inch wide, to expose the cambium layer. This will stimulate the formation of roots at the wound site.
• Dip the wound site in some rooting hormone, such as a powder or a gel, to speed up the rooting process and prevent infection. You can also skip this step if you don’t have rooting hormone, as the fun bun plant can root well without it.
• Bend the stem and bury the wound site in a pot of moist and well-draining soil, and make sure the soil covers the wound site and the aerial root. You can also use a wire, a pin, or a stone to hold the stem in place and prevent it from popping out of the soil. Leave the tip of the stem above the soil, and make sure it has at least one leaf.
• Water the soil when it feels dry, and keep the pot in a bright spot, but away from direct sunlight. You can also use a clear plastic bag or a bottle to create a mini greenhouse for the pot, and increase the humidity and temperature.
• Wait for the stem to root and grow, which can take anywhere from 2 to 12 months, depending on the conditions. You can check the roots by gently lifting the stem, and if you see some white or brown roots, it means the roots have formed. You can also see the roots through the plastic bag, if you used a mini greenhouse.
• Once the roots are well-developed, and the tip of the stem has grown into a new plant, you can cut the stem and separate the new plant from the mother plant. You can then transplant the new plant to a bigger pot with fresh soil, and continue to care for it as a normal fun bun plant.

The advantages of propagating a fun bun plant by layering are:

• It does not damage the mother plant, as the stem remains attached to it until the new plant is ready.
• It can produce large and mature plants, that are identical to the mother plant.
• It can work for stems that are too thick or too woody to root by stem cuttings.

The disadvantages of propagating a fun bun plant by layering are:

• It is complicated and time-consuming, and requires a lot of materials and tools.
• It is slow and uncertain, and has a low success rate.
• It can cause the stem to rot, if the soil is contaminated or stagnant.

Common Problems for Fun Bun Plant

The fun bun plant is a resilient and hardy plant that can withstand some common problems, such as pests, diseases, and environmental stress. However, it is not immune to them, and it can still suffer from them if the conditions are not optimal or the care is not adequate. Here are some common problems for the fun bun plant that you should be aware of and how to prevent and treat them:

Pests

The fun bun plant can attract some common pests, such as spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids. These pests can suck the sap from the plant, and cause the leaves to turn yellow, brown, or black, or to curl, wilt, or drop. They can also spread diseases and viruses to the plant, and weaken its immune system.

To prevent pests from infesting the fun bun plant, you should inspect the plant regularly, and look for any signs of pests, such as webbing, cottony masses, sticky honeydew, or tiny bugs. You should also keep the plant clean and dust-free, and avoid overwatering or overcrowding the plant. You should also quarantine any new or infected plants, and keep them away from other plants.

To treat pests on the fun bun plant, you can use some natural or chemical remedies, such as:

• Wipe the leaves and stems with a damp cloth or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, and remove any visible pests or eggs.
• Spray the plant with a solution of water and mild soap, such as dish soap or insecticidal soap, and rinse it off after a few minutes. Repeat this every few days until the pests are gone.
• Spray the plant with a solution of water and neem oil, or another horticultural oil, and coat the leaves and stems thoroughly. Repeat this every few days until the pests are gone.
• Spray the plant with a solution of water and vinegar, or another acidic substance, and lower the pH of the plant. Repeat this every few days until the pests are gone.
• Use a commercial pesticide, such as a pyrethrin or a permethrin, and follow the instructions on the label. Be careful not to overuse or misuse the pesticide, as it can harm the plant or the environment.

Diseases

The fun bun plant can also suffer from some common diseases, such as root rot, leaf spot, and bacterial wilt. These diseases can be caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses, and can affect the roots, stems, or leaves of the plant. They can cause the plant to turn yellow, brown, or black, or to wilt, droop, or die.

To prevent diseases from infecting the fun bun plant, you should use sterile tools and pots, and avoid injuring or wounding the plant. You should also use well-draining soil and pots, and avoid overwatering or underwatering the plant. You should also provide adequate light and air circulation, and avoid high humidity or temperature. You should also quarantine any new or infected plants, and keep them away from other plants.

To treat diseases on the fun bun plant, you can use some natural or chemical remedies, such as:

• Cut off any dead or diseased parts of the plant, and dispose of them properly. Do not compost or reuse them, as they can spread the disease to other plants.
• Repot the plant in fresh and well-draining soil, and wash the roots and the pot thoroughly. Do not reuse the old soil or the pot, as they can harbor the disease-causing organisms.
• Spray the plant with a solution of water and baking soda, or another fungicide, and coat the leaves and stems thoroughly. Repeat this every few days until the disease is gone.
• Spray the plant with a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide, or another bactericide, and coat the leaves and stems thoroughly. Repeat this every few days until the disease is gone.
• Use a commercial pesticide, such as a copper or a sulfur, and follow the instructions on the label. Be careful not to overuse or misuse the pesticide, as it can harm the plant or the environment.

Environmental Stress

The fun bun plant can also experience some environmental stress, such as low light, low humidity, high temperature, or cold drafts. These factors can affect the growth and health of the plant, and cause the leaves to turn yellow, brown, or black, or to curl, wilt, or drop. They can also make the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases.

To prevent environmental stress from affecting the fun bun plant, you should provide the optimal conditions for the plant, such as bright, indirect light, high humidity, moderate temperature, and no drafts. You should also acclimate the plant to any changes in the environment, such as moving it to a different location, or exposing it to a different season. You should also monitor the plant regularly, and look for any signs of stress, such as discoloration, deformation, or defoliation.

To treat environmental stress on the fun bun plant, you can use some simple and effective methods, such as:

• Move the plant to a more suitable spot, where it can receive the right amount and quality of light, humidity, temperature, and air circulation. Avoid moving the plant too often or too abruptly, as it can shock the plant and cause more stress.
• Adjust the watering and fertilizing schedule, and water and feed the plant according to its needs and the season. Avoid overwatering or underwatering, or overfeeding or underfeeding the plant, as it can stress the plant and cause more problems.
• Prune the plant and remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems, and improve the appearance and health of the plant. Avoid pruning too much or too often, as it can stress the plant and cause more problems.
• Support the plant and provide a moss pole or a trellis for the plant to climb on, and improve the stability and structure of the plant. Avoid tying or wrapping the plant too tightly or too loosely, as it can stress the plant and cause more problems.

Conclusion

The fun bun plant is a rare and exotic plant that can add a touch of tropical flair to any space. It is easy to care for, as it does not need a lot of sunlight or water, and it has air-purifying properties that can improve the quality of the air. It is also easy to propagate, as it can be done by various methods, such as stem cuttings, division, or layering. However, it can also face some common problems, such as pests, diseases, and environmental stress, that can affect its growth and health.

If you want to grow a fun bun plant, or already have one and want to learn more about it, you have come to the right place. In this article, we have covered everything you need to know about the fun bun plant, such as its origin, appearance, care tips, propagation methods, and common problems. By following this guide, you will be able to grow a fun bun plant like a pro and enjoy its beauty and benefits for years to come.

We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you and learn from your experience. Thank you for reading and happy gardening!

About The Author

Samantha

I’m Samantha, a plant enthusiast who has been growing plants for years. I believe that plants can make our lives better, both physically and mentally. I started growit.wiki to share my knowledge about how to grow plants. I want to help others enjoy the beauty and benefits of plants.

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