Plant Care Guide

Philodendron Selloum

Philodendron bipinnatifidum

The Philodendron Selloum, often called the Tree Philodendron or Hope Philodendron, is a tropical beauty native to South America. Its dramatic, deeply lobed leaves create an instant jungle vibe indoors and outdoors. Beyond its looks, this plant helps improve indoor air quality by filtering toxins like xylene and toluene. With the right light, water, and humidity, your Selloum will grow into a lush statement piece with massive leaves and a bold presence.

Watering Requirements

Philodendron Selloum prefers consistently moist but not soggy soil. It’s not drought-tolerant, so it’s important to find the balance between under- and overwatering. Slow, deep watering is best, allowing moisture to reach all roots without waterlogging the soil.

Watering Schedule:

  • Spring/Summer: Water when the top 2–3 inches of soil feel dry.
  • Fall/Winter: Reduce frequency but don’t let the soil fully dry out.

Signs of Overwatering:

  • Yellowing leaves with mushy stems
  • Soil stays wet for several days

Signs of Underwatering:

  • Crispy brown edges
  • Drooping or curling leaves

Pro Tips

Use a moisture meter or simply check by sticking your finger a couple inches into the soil—this helps prevent the guesswork that often leads to watering mistakes.

Light Requirements

These plants thrive in bright, indirect light that mimics the dappled sun of their rainforest home. Too little light can stunt growth and darken the leaves, while too much direct sun may scorch them.

Ideal Placement:

  • Indoors: Near north- or south-facing windows, filtered from direct rays.
  • Outdoors: Partial shade under a canopy or patio covering.

Too Much Light: Faded leaf color, brown patches, or scorched edges.

Too Little Light: Leggy stems and slow growth.

Pro Tips

Rotate your Selloum every few weeks to encourage even growth, as its large leaves naturally stretch toward the nearest light source.

Soil and Potting

Philodendron Selloum thrives in rich, well-draining soil that holds some moisture but prevents root rot.

Best Soil Mix: A blend of peat moss, compost, perlite, and orchid bark (about equal parts) works well.

Container Growing: Choose a pot with drainage holes. Repot every 18–24 months, or when roots start growing out of the bottom.

Pro Tips

Avoid using oversized pots, as excess soil can stay wet too long and increase the risk of root rot.

Fertilizing

Nutrient-rich soil supports the Selloum’s large leaves, but additional feeding keeps it lush and healthy.

Fertilizer Schedule:

  • Spring–Early Fall: Fertilize once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
  • Winter: Pause feeding when the plant slows growth.

Deficiency Clues:

  • Pale or yellow leaves → lack of nitrogen
  • Slow or stunted growth → overall nutrient deficiency

Pro Tips

Flush the soil every few months to remove excess fertilizer salts that may build up and cause leaf burn.

Pruning and Maintenance

Regular pruning helps maintain this plant’s dramatic shape and health.

Pruning Guidelines:

  • Remove yellowing or damaged leaves year-round.
  • Trim back leggy stems in spring or summer to encourage bushier growth.

Maintenance Notes:

  • Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
  • Train aerial roots or trim them back if unruly.

Pro Tips

Wear gloves when pruning, as the plant’s sap can be irritating to skin.

Common Problems and Solutions

Like most philodendrons, Selloum is forgiving, but it shows stress quickly when its needs aren’t met.

Yellow Leaves → Cause: Overwatering or soggy soil → Fix: Allow soil to dry between waterings and improve drainage.

Crispy Brown Edges → Cause: Low humidity or underwatering → Fix: Increase humidity and water more consistently.

Leggy, Weak Growth → Cause: Too little light → Fix: Move to a brighter spot with indirect sunlight.

Wilting → Cause: Root rot or inconsistent watering → Fix: Check roots; repot if mushy, or establish a steady watering routine.

Pests (aphids, mealybugs, spider mites) → Cause: Dry air or lack of leaf cleaning → Fix: Wipe leaves, rinse with water, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Toxicity Warning

Philodendron Selloum is toxic to both pets and humans if ingested, causing irritation and digestive issues. Keep out of reach of cats, dogs, and small children.

Pro Tips

If you notice aerial roots growing aggressively, don’t panic—this is normal! You can prune them back or tuck them into the soil to help anchor and absorb moisture.