Overview

Transform your living space with the magnificent Philodendron Selloum live plant. Also known as Tree Philodendron or Split-Leaf Philodendron, this impressive specimen is celebrated for its dramatic, deeply lobed, and glossy green leaves that can grow quite large, creating an instant tropical ambiance. Unlike vining philodendrons, the Philodendron Selloum live plant grows as a mounding shrub, eventually developing a thick, woody trunk that adds to its stately appearance. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a substantial, low-maintenance plant that makes a bold statement in any indoor setting or outdoor tropical landscape. This particular plant measures approximately 2 feet tall and comes ready to thrive in a 3-gallon pot, ensuring a healthy start in its new home.

The botanical name for this spectacular plant is Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (formerly Philodendron selloum or Philodendron bipinnatifidum), reflecting its unique leaf structure and growth habit. It originates from the rainforests of South America, which explains its love for warmth, humidity, and bright, indirect light. When mature, its deeply cut foliage can reach impressive sizes, making it a focal point in any room or garden. Whether you’re an experienced plant enthusiast or a beginner looking for a rewarding and beautiful addition to your collection, the Philodendron Selloum live plant offers unparalleled beauty and ease of care.

Key Benefits

The Philodendron Selloum live plant offers numerous advantages, both aesthetic and environmental, making it a highly desirable choice for plant lovers. Its unique characteristics contribute to a healthier and more beautiful living environment.

• Stunning Tropical Aesthetic: The most immediate benefit is its striking appearance. The large, deeply dissected, glossy green leaves instantly bring a lush, tropical feel to any room or garden, creating a vibrant and exotic atmosphere.
• Air Purification: Like many philodendrons, the Philodendron Selloum live plant is known to help purify the air by absorbing common household toxins, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. It’s a natural way to improve air quality.
• Low Maintenance: Despite its grand appearance, this plant is surprisingly easy to care for, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners. It tolerates a range of conditions and is forgiving of occasional neglect.
• Versatile Placement: It thrives as a magnificent large indoor plant, adding drama to living rooms, offices, or lobbies. In warmer climates, it can also be grown outdoors as a stunning landscape plant, creating a jungle-like effect.
• Impressive Growth: With proper care, the Philodendron Selloum can grow significantly, developing a strong woody trunk and expansive foliage, providing a long-lasting and evolving natural display.
• Architectural Interest: The unique structure of its split leaves and eventual trunk development gives it an architectural quality, acting as a living sculpture that enhances modern or traditional decor.
• Stress Reduction: Studies suggest that having plants in your environment can reduce stress and improve overall well-being. The calming presence of this lush foliage can create a more serene atmosphere.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Philodendron Selloum live plant is relatively straightforward, allowing you to enjoy its magnificent foliage with minimal fuss. Understanding its basic needs will ensure it thrives and continues to enhance your space.

Sunlight Requirements: This plant prefers bright, indirect light. Indoors, place it near a window where it receives plenty of light but is shielded from direct, harsh sun, which can scorch its leaves. An east or north-facing window is often ideal. If growing outdoors, choose a location with partial shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Too little light can lead to leggy growth and smaller leaves.

Watering Schedule and Soil Moisture: Water your Philodendron Selloum thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Allow excess water to drain completely from the pot to prevent root rot. Overwatering is a common issue, so always check soil moisture before watering again. During winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant’s growth slows down. Ensure good drainage to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. This is crucial for a healthy split-leaf philodendron.

Soil Type and Drainage: A well-draining, rich potting mix is essential. A mix designed for aroids or tropical plants, often containing peat, perlite, and pine bark, works well. The soil should retain some moisture but never become soggy. Good drainage is paramount to prevent root issues. For tropical garden plants, ensure the garden soil is amended to be loose and well-draining.

Temperature Range and USDA Hardiness Zone: The Philodendron Selloum thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). It is not frost-tolerant. If grown outdoors, it is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11. In cooler climates, it must be brought indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). High humidity is also appreciated, so consider misting or using a humidifier, especially indoors.

Fertilization Schedule and Type: Feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in fall and stop completely in winter. Always follow the fertilizer’s instructions and dilute it to half strength to avoid over-fertilization, which can burn the roots. This helps maintain a vibrant large indoor plant.

Common Problems and Solutions: Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Brown, crispy leaf edges often point to low humidity. Pests like spider mites or mealybugs can occasionally be an issue; wipe them off with a damp cloth or use an insecticidal soap. Regular inspection and prompt action will keep your plant healthy.

Size & Details

This offering includes one robust Philodendron Selloum live plant, carefully cultivated and ready for its new home. The plant stands approximately 2 feet tall from the base of the pot to the top of its foliage, providing an immediate impact. It is shipped in a sturdy 3-gallon nursery pot, ensuring the root system is well-established and protected during transit. The mature size of this plant can be quite impressive; outdoors in tropical climates, it can reach up to 15 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide. When grown indoors, it typically reaches a more manageable height of about 6-8 feet, making it an ideal large indoor plant for spacious rooms. Its growth rate is moderate to fast under optimal conditions, allowing you to see significant development over time. The deeply lobed leaves are a hallmark of this species, and new leaves will unfurl with increasing size and complexity as the plant matures. This plant is a mounding shrub, not a vining type, and will develop a thick, woody trunk over many years.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this Philodendron Selloum plant get? A: Outdoors in tropical zones, it can grow up to 15 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide. Indoors, it typically reaches about 6-8 feet tall, making it an excellent large indoor plant.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: This Philodendron Selloum live plant is shipped in a 3-gallon nursery pot, providing ample space for its initial growth and establishment.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: It can be grown both indoors as a houseplant or outdoors in tropical climates (USDA Zones 9-11). In cooler regions, it must be brought inside during winter.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: The Philodendron Selloum thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, especially during the afternoon, to prevent leaf scorch.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, despite its exotic appearance, the Philodendron Selloum live plant is considered relatively easy to care for, requiring consistent watering and bright indirect light.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your plant will arrive healthy and well-rooted in its 3-gallon pot, carefully packaged to minimize stress during shipping.
• Q: How often should I water my split-leaf philodendron? A: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry to the touch. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
• Q: Can I put my tropical garden plants directly into the ground? A: If you live in USDA Zones 9-11, you can plant it directly into well-draining garden soil. In other zones, it’s best kept in a pot to be moved indoors for winter.
• Q: Is the Philodendron Selloum pet-safe? A: No, like many philodendrons, this plant is toxic if ingested and should be kept away from pets and children.
• Q: When is the best time to repot this large indoor plant? A: Repot in spring or early summer when the plant becomes root-bound, moving it to a pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter.