Philodendron Selloum
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (syn. Philodendron selloum)
📖 About this plant
Also known as the Tree Philodendron or Lacy Tree Philodendron, this magnificent plant develops a thick, woody trunk topped with enormous, deeply lobed, glossy green leaves that can span 90+ cm across. With age, it develops aerial roots that extend from the trunk to the ground, adding to its dramatic, tree-like appearance. One of the most impressive statement plants for indoor spaces with high ceilings.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
Bright indirect to partial shade (4-6 hrs)
Every 1-2 weeks
High (60-80%)
18-30°C
Rich, well-draining potting mix with added organic matter; blend of peat, perlite, and compost (2:1:1)
Balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-3 weeks during spring through fall
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay; South American subtropical forests
- 📏 Max height
- 90-180 cm (outdoors can reach 300+ cm)
- 📐 Spread
- 120-180 cm
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Rarely indoors
- 🎨 Bloom color
- White, Green
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Dark Green
- ⏳ Lifespan
- Perennial
- 📈 Growth rate
- Fast
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Mildly toxic — contains calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes mouth and throat irritation
- 🌱 Propagation
- Division of basal offsets or suckers in spring; stem cuttings with a node; air layering
🛡️ Health & Safety
Mildly toxic — contains calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes mouth and throat irritation
Common issues
- Root rot from overwatering, Scale insects, Spider mites, Brown leaf tips from low humidity
💡 Care tips
- Large deeply lobed leaves create a jungle-like feel,Tolerates lower light better than most tropical plants,Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings,Toxic to pets and children if ingested
