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An illustration of a Philodendron Selloum with green and yellow hues on a bright background.

Philodendron Selloum

SCENTIFIC NAME: Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (FKA Philodendron)

KNOWN AS: Lacy Tree, Philodendron Hope, Philodendron Lickety-Split

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Central & South America, Tropical

DESCRIPTION: This Philodendron has a big, frilly, floppy split leaf. This tropical plant can be found in the wild in massive proportions. They are also impressive indoors, although they are smaller. A commonly sold hybrid was named 'Lickety-Split', which we think fits perfectly!

Easy difficulty & pet toxic

Philodendron Selloum Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Philodendron selloum plants prefer bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can cause their leaves to burn. An east or west-facing window that receives filtered sunlight is an excellent spot for these plants. If you don't have access to a window with enough light, you can use LED grow lights to mimic natural sunlight. As with any plant, monitor its response to the light and adjust accordingly. If the leaves start to curl or turn brown, it may be an indication that the lighting is too intense. On the other hand, if the leaves are pale and small, it may be a sign that the lighting is not bright enough. If you notice that your Philodendron selloum is growing more slowly than usual or its leaves are dropping, it may be a sign that it's not getting enough light.

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Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow top 2 inches of soil to completely dry between waterings.

Philodendron selloum plants appreciate a consistent, but not overly wet, level of moisture. The ideal time to water them is when the top inch of soil is completely dry, after which you should water well, letting any extra water drain out of the bottom of the pot. It's crucial not to allow the plant to stand in water that is still because this can cause root rot. Also, keep water off of the plant's leaves to prevent the spread of illness and fungus. Throughout the winter, when development slows, water the plant less frequently, and avoid placing it in a drafty area where the soil can dry up too rapidly.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 65º - 85º

Philodendron selloum is a popular indoor plant prized for its enormous, glossy leaves. It flourishes at a temperature range of 18 to 27 degrees Celsius and 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Although Philodendron Selloum favors warm, tropical climates, it may also survive in slightly colder environments. The plant should not be exposed to temperatures below 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit), since this could cause damage and impede its growth. The Philodendron selloum can grow successfully indoors if a constant, moderate temperature is maintained, free from drafts and drastic temperature changes.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 40 - 60%; Moderate Humidity

It's important to check how humid the room is where your Philodendron selloum lives on a regular basis. The best humidity level is between 40 and 60%. A hygrometer is an accurate way to measure the amount of moisture in the air. There are several ways to raise the humidity in a room where it is too low. A humidifier is one way to do this. You could also put your plants in groups or put a tray of water next to your Philodendron selloum. This will make the air around the plant moister. If the humidity in your room is too high, you can use a dehumidifier to bring it down. You can also open windows or use a fan to let in more air. This will help move the air around and lower the humidity. It might seem like a good idea to mist your plant, but it can actually cause fungus to grow and damage the leaves. Instead, try using a humidifier or grouping your plants together to increase the humidity. Each plant is different, and some may need a certain amount of humidity. Watch how your Philodendron selloum reacts when the humidity changes, and make changes as needed. If the leaves are turning brown or yellow, it could mean that there isn't enough moisture in the air. If the leaves are falling over or getting moldy, it could be a sign that there is too much humidity.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
You can make more Philodendron selloum plants by cutting off pieces of the stems or by dividing the parent plant. Choose a healthy stem with a few leaves still attached and cut it just below a node. Take off any leaves that are close to the stem's base and leave a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone, plant it in moist soil, and keep it warm and just slightly damp for a few weeks. To divide a plant, take the parent plant out of its pot and use a sharp, clean knife to cut the root ball into two or more pieces. Plant each piece in a new pot with potting soil and give it a good drink of water. Put the new plants in a bright but indirect light, and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Toxicity
"The Philodendron selloum contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are considered toxic if ingested by humans and pets. When chewed or ingested, the calcium oxalate crystals in the Philodendron selloum can cause irritation and discomfort in the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include mouth and throat irritation, drooling, swelling, difficulty swallowing, and potential gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting or diarrhea. It's important to note that the severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the individual and the amount ingested. If someone, including a pet, ingests parts of the Philodendron selloum and exhibits severe symptoms or if you have any concerns, it's important to seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center. They can provide guidance specific to the situation and offer appropriate advice."
Repotting
Philodendron selloum plants like to have a little bit of space between their roots, so it's best to only repot them when they've outgrown their pot. When it's time to repot a plant, choose a pot that is one or two sizes bigger than the one it's in now and has holes in the bottom for drainage. Fill the bottom of the new pot with fresh soil that drains well, and then gently take the plant out of its old pot. Check the roots and cut off any that are dead or rotten. Put the plant in the new pot and add fresh soil around the root ball. Be careful not to bury the stem too deeply. Give the plant a lot of water and put it somewhere with bright, indirect light.
Pruning
The best way to prune Philodendron selloum is to use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut back any leaves that are yellow or damaged, as well as any stems that are too long or thin. It is important to cut cleanly and not hurt the tissue around the cut. Philodendron selloum plants can also be pruned to make them grow in a bushier way. To do this, cut off the top of the plant stem just above a node where new growth can start. This will make the plant grow more branches and make it fuller and more compact. You should prune the plant when it's growing, which is usually from spring to early fall. Don't prune it in the winter, when it's not growing. Philodendron selloum can also get quite big, so it's important to prune it to keep it at a size you can handle. With the right pruning, Philodendron selloum can look healthy and nice for many years and continue to grow well.
Fertilizing
To feed a Philodendron selloum, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Before you put the fertilizer on the plant, you should water it well and dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plant's base with a watering can or spray bottle. Be careful not to get any on the leaves or stem, as it can burn them. During the growing season, which usually lasts from spring to early fall, do this every two to three weeks. Don't give the plant fertilizer when it's sleeping in the winter. Too much fertilizer can hurt the plant, so it's important to follow the directions on the package and not use too much. If the leaves start to turn brown or black, cut back on how often you fertilize or make the solution less strong. You can also follow the instructions on the package and use a slow-release fertilizer once every three to four months.
Soil
Philodendron selloum plants like a soil mix that drains well and is full of nutrients. For Philodendron selloum, you should mix peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand in equal amounts. This kind of soil mix lets water drain away but keeps enough water for the plant to grow. Root rot can happen if the soil mix is too heavy or compact. Also, adding some organic matter to the soil, like compost or worm castings, can give the plant more nutrients.

Hanging Heights

Philodendron Selloum Lighting Requirements: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Philodendron Selloum

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Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 48"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Philodendron Selloum

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 60"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 36"

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VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Philodendron Selloum

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 66"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 48"

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VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Philodendron Selloum

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 12"

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VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Philodendron Selloum

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Soltech's Recommendation:

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VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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