Are you on the hunt for the perfect next addition to your outdoor jungle? Look no further than the big shrub Tree Philodendron!
Are you looking for a bold, beautiful plant to bring some tropical vibes to your yard or indoor space? Look no further than the philodendron selloum! With its deeply divided, rich green leaves, this plant is a showstopper in South Florida’s tropical gardens. While it can grow in the sun, the philodendron selloum thrives in areas with part sun to full or partial shade. And don’t worry about it taking over your yard or climbing up your trees – while it can work as a shrub and may climb nearby structures, it won’t harm the trees it climbs.
Even if you don’t have a sprawling yard, the philodendron selloum is versatile enough to thrive in containers by the pool or on a patio or balcony. And if you love the look of the selloum but want something more manageable, consider the smaller Hope philodendron or mounded Xanadu varieties.
How to care for a Philodendron selloum
The philodendron selloum is also called the “horse head philodendron,” “hope philodendron,” “lacy tree philodendron,” and “split leaf philodendron.” It is a popular houseplant known for its large, glossy green leaves that can grow up to three feet long and two feet wide. The philodendron selloum is native to South America and thrives in warm, humid environments. It is an easy-to-care-for plant that can grow in low light conditions and is known for its air-purifying properties. However, it is important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
What unique about tree philodendron
Unlike some fussy plants, this one doesn’t require a ton of attention or maintenance, which makes it an ideal choice for busy people or for those who travel frequently. As long as you keep it in a spot with plenty of bright, indirect light and water it occasionally, it should thrive. But that’s not all—the Philodendron selloum is also great for your health! It’s been shown to be effective at filtering out harmful contaminants like formaldehyde from the air, which can make your indoor environment cleaner and healthier.
Another bonus? This plant looks great in just about any setting. Whether you want to add some greenery to your outdoor patio or balcony, create a lush oasis by the pool, or brighten up an indoor space, the Philodendron selloum is up for the task. And if you don’t have a lot of room, don’t worry—you can opt for a smaller lookalike variety like the Hope philodendron or the Xanadu, which still offer all the tropical charm in a more compact package.
So whether you’re a seasoned plant pro or a newbie looking to add some greenery to your life, the Philodendron selloum is a unique and versatile choice that’s sure to delight.
Summary of tree philodendron
| Botanical Name | Philodendron bipinnatifidum |
| Light needs: | Plenty of bright, indirect light |
| Hardiness Zone | 9b to11b, 10a to 11a |
| Common names | Philodendron Selloum, Lacy Tree , Tree Philodendron,Hope philodendron |
| Watering needs: | Watering once per week is generally sufficient |
| Fertilizer: | During the growing season (typically Spring and Summer) |
| Soil: | Coarser, rich in organic matter, lighter & well-drained, |
| Humidity: | 70 to 90% |
| Temperature: | 65 to 80ºF (18 to 27ºC) |
| Where to buy: | Etsy, Walmart, Amazon local nurseries |
| Toxicity | Toxic for both humans and pets |
What is philodendron Selloum and from where does it come?
Heinrich Schott, a renowned philodendron expert, studied this plant extensively and named it P. bipinnatifidum based on its gorgeous feathery, split leaves. This amazing plant is native to the tropics of South America, particularly Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay, where it grows naturally and abundantly in the rainforests. So, if you’re ever thinking about how to care for your tree philodendron, just think about its origins – it loves dappled, filtered bright light and humidity, just like it gets in its native rainforest environment!
Philodendron Selloum Humidity Requirements
This plant is characterized by its incredible, lacy leaves that are beautifully delicate and thin. However, because of their thinness, these leaves require a certain level of humidity in order to thrive. While many homes might not be naturally humid enough for the philodendron Selloum, there are plenty of measures you can take to keep the surrounding air moist. During the warmer months of spring and summer, it’s a good idea to mist the plant frequently. This will help to keep its leaves moist and prevent them from drying out.
During the winter months, you can scale back on misting the philodendron Selloum. However, it’s still important to ensure that the air around the plant remains humid. One way to do this is by sitting the plant on a wet pebble tray, which will help to keep the humidity levels up.
If you’re really struggling to keep the air humid enough for your philodendron Selloum, you might also want to consider investing in a humidifier. This will help to keep the air around the plant from drying out, which can be especially important in homes with central heating and air conditioning.
One of the great things about the philodendron Selloum is that it’s also a fantastic candidate for summering outside. This is especially true if you live in a hot and humid area like Maryland, where the plant can really thrive. To ensure that your philodendron Selloum is happy outside, be sure to provide it with a bit of shelter from direct sunlight. This could include placing it under a balcony, large tree, deck, or sun shade.
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Fertilizing Philodendron Selloum tree plant
To achieve large and healthy leaves for your Tree Philodendron, it is necessary to use a fertilizer. The ideal fertilizer ratio for your Philodendron selloum is the standard 20-20-20. A convenient fertilizer option for Philodendron selloum is the use of slow-release granules, which can be added 3 times annually to the soil. If this is not available, a reliable alternative is through the use of liquid houseplant fertilizer. It is recommended to dilute it to half its recommended strength and apply it once a month during spring and summer, and every 2 months during fall and winter.
It is crucial to apply the fertilizer after watering the soil to avoid nutrients from trickling down and not being absorbed.
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Water requirement for Philo Selloum
Watering your philodendron selloum can be a bit tricky since it originates from South America where it’s humid and rainy throughout the year. This plant is not drought-tolerant, and insufficient watering can result in wilted leaves, dropping foliage, and potentially, plant death. Therefore, it’s essential to get the watering balance right for the plant to flourish. With proper hydration, the leaves will look healthy, and your tree philodendron will thrive.
Here are some tips: To water your plant, gradually flood the pot with water until it starts to drain out through the bottom. Be sure to moisten every inch of soil, especially the area where the roots are. To determine when to water again, simply feel the top few inches of soil – if it’s dry to the touch, it’s time to water (usually about once a week). But be careful not to overwater or let your plant sit in excess water, as soggy soil can lead to root rot and even death. And during the winter months, reduce watering frequency and aim to keep the soil only slightly moist.
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Now, let’s clear up something – the monstera deliciosa plant is often labeled as “split leaf philodendron,” but it’s not the same as a philodendron selloum! While both plants are stunning and have similar care needs, the monstera deliciosa belongs to the monstera genus. In other words, they are completely different plants!
Best Soil for Philodendron Selloum Tree plant
Looking after your tree philodendron requires some attention to its soil needs. This tropical plant thrives in dark, rich, and slightly alkaline soil that retains moisture but drains well to prevent overwatering and root rot. Make sure the soil is always slightly moist, but avoid drenching or making it soggy. Excessive salt in the soil can cause the leaf tips to scorch, so it’s crucial to ensure good drainage to reduce soil salinity. One effective way to improve soil quality is by incorporating coco coir or fine moss.
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Pruning Selloum philodendron mature plant
If you’re looking to prune your Philodendron Selloum, here are few tips to help you out. Remember to use sharp pruning tools like pruners or scissors and wear gloves to avoid getting in contact with the plant’s poisonous sap. Once done, wash your hands and equipment thoroughly. You can shape the plant by cutting off any leaves at the base. If you wish to prune the entire plant, make sure you leave two to three leaves above the soil line so that it can keep making food. A well-drained soil that is fertile and moist works best for Philodendron Selloums. They like filtered light or full shade to keep their beautiful green leaves in full bloom. Regular pruning is necessary to control its growth and keep it from expanding too much.
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Philodendron tree potting & re-potting
If you own a Philodendron selloum plant, it’s important to understand when and how to repot it. The recommended time frame for repotting is every 18-24 months since the roots will fill up the existing pot. You’ll notice it’s time for repotting when the roots start snaking out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.Make sure to choose a pot that’s only slightly larger than the current one. Going too big can actually stress the plant. Increase the pot diameter by a maximum of 2 inches. Select a pot made of unglazed clay so that excess moisture can escape through the sides and avoid waterlogging the soil.
It’s essential to use fresh potting soil when repotting to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients it needs to thrive.
Propagating Tree Philodendron
Click here to buy new Propagation Station Wall Hanging
This plant is not only pleasing to the eye but also easy to care for, making it an incredibly popular houseplant. Plus, it can also be propagated easily through stem cuttings or by simply dividing the plant.
By stem cutting
In this post, we will focus on propagating through stem cuttings, which is an effortless and rewarding way to grow new plants.
Dividing mother plant
Another propagation method is by dividing the plant. When the plant grows big enough, it will start producing babies or offsets around its base.
You can carefully split these babies off the mother plant, making sure to keep as much of their roots as possible. Then replant them in a pot with well-draining soil.
Are Philodendron Selloum plants toxic to pets?
It’s important to note that Philodendron Selloum plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which make them slightly toxic to both humans and animals. Ingesting large quantities of the plant can cause tongue, throat, and mouth irritation, as well as swelling. In order to keep children and pets safe, it’s recommended to keep these plants out of reach, particularly if you have pets known for snacking on plants like cats.
read this if you have a dog at home. What To Do If Dog Eats Philodendron?
From where I can buy a Philodendron Selloum?
Websites such as Amazon, Etsy, and eBay are popular choices, as they offer a wide range of options to choose from.
Many garden centers and nurseries offer Philodendron Selloum. They can also provide advice on taking care of your new houseplant.
Specialized plant stores that focus on indoor plants are often the best places to buy Philodendron Selloum. These stores have a wider selection of indoor plants and often have more expertise on caring for them. They can provide advice on how to best care for your new plant, the ideal environment for it, and answer any questions you may have.
Online plant retailers are another option when it comes to purchasing a Philodendron Selloum. These retailers specialize in indoor plants and often have a bigger selection. Some popular online plant retailers are The Sill, Bloomscape, and Plantshed.
If you’re not in a rush to purchase a Philodendron Selloum, you can also join local plant groups on social media. This can be a great way to get your hands on a Philodendron Selloum that’s not available in stores.
Pests, Diseases & Leaves Problems With Philodendron Selloum
Just like any other houseplant, Philodendron selloum may face various problems. Luckily, most issues that Tree Philodendron encounters can be prevented by providing it with the right growing conditions. Monitoring the leaves is critical in detecting any problem with your Philodendron selloum.
Pests
Pests that affect Philodendron selloum can be prevented by wiping the top and bottom sides of each leaf every month.To repel insects such as aphids, which are small green insects that often appear on the underside of leaves, a damp cloth with a small amount of insecticidal soap or neem oil can do the trick. Spider mites, which often leave yellow and white spots on the top of leaves, can be easily cleaned off with a handheld shower or sink faucet. If you notice mealybugs, which look like white puffs of cotton under the leaves, a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol can help get rid of them. Lastly, if you see small brown bumps on the stems, also known as scale, you can try scraping them off before resorting to insecticidal sprays.
Diseases
The majority of diseases that affect Philodendron selloum are typically caused by overwatering, which can create an environment ideal for fungal and bacterial infections that can put stress on the plant. Bacterial blight initially appears as small dark green spots that are moist; while bacterial leaf spots start as little black spots with a yellow halo. It’s important to immediately remove any affected leaves and dispose of them in the trash bin, and keep the leaves from getting wet in the future. Another fungal disease, root rot, is caused by overly saturated soil, leading to yellow leaves and soft stems. To handle this, remove the root ball from the pot and clear out as much soil as possible. Get rid of all infected roots, leaves, and stems, and replant your Philodendron selloum in fresh soil.
Leaf Problems
Frequently, issues with plant growth stem from unsuitable conditions rather than actual disease. By utilizing diagnostic methods, you can pinpoint which needs are not being met by your Philodendron and take corrective actions. For example, if the leaves are turning yellow, it may be an indication that your Philodendron selloum requires more exposure to light. Conversely, if the tips of its leaves are browning, watering more frequently can prevent the soil from drying out. Curling leaves may indicate insufficient humidity levels, whereas pale green leaves may suggest excessive exposure to direct sunlight. Additionally, increasing fertilization frequency can help rectify any deficiencies.
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Appearance
The appearance of the Philodendron selloum plant is impressive and magnificent. Its foliage, with huge and deeply-lobed evergreen leaves, grows extravagantly, creating a jungle-like atmosphere. The leaves are dark green with a glossy surface and interesting veins that create a cross-hatch effect.
The flowers of the Philodendron selloum are insignificant and don’t have any fragrance. The plant is large in size, reaching up to 6 feet in height and width with a fairly fast growth rate. Despite taking 15-20 years to bloom, the plant can last for many years after reaching maturity.
Philodendron selloum has no fragrance, making it a versatile and popular choice for public spaces, including nursing homes and hospitals. It is ideal as an anchor plant in a large tropical grouping and can also be grown alone to provide lush greenery for most homes.
The plant can also be grown outdoors in tropical zones, where it can reach up to 15 feet in height and 10 feet in spread. Even in temperate zones, it’s possible to move the plant outside for the hot summer months in a shady spot.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How often should I water my Philodendron Selloum plant?
The Philodendron Selloum prefers consistently moist soil, but not overly wet. A good rule of thumb is to water every 7-10 days, depending on the temperature and humidity in your home.
Can I grow Philodendron Selloum in a pot indoors?
Yes, the Philodendron Selloum can be grown in a pot indoors. Choose a pot with good drainage and well-draining potting soil. Keep in mind that the plant can grow up to 6 ft (1.8 m) tall and 5 ft (1.5 m) wide, so choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate its growth.
Do I need to re-pot my Philodendron Selloum plant annually?
No, the Philodendron Selloum does not need to be re-potted annually. Repotting should only be done when the plant has outgrown its current pot, or if the soil is not draining properly.
How big does Philodendron Selloum grow?
The Philodendron Selloum can grow up to 6 ft (1.8 m) tall and 5 ft (1.5 m) wide, making it a great statement plant.
Is Tree Philodendron and Philodendron Selloum two names of the same plant?
Yes, Philodendron Selloum also known as tree philodendron, hope, and Lacy Tree.
