1.3. Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) 7321

🌿 Philodendron Selloum (scientifically classified as Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, formerly Philodendron bipinnatifidum or Philodendron selloum), commonly known as Tree Philodendron or Hope Philodendron, belongs to the Araceae family and is native to the lush subtropical regions of South America, including Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay. Unlike vining philodendrons, it grows as a massive, semi-woody self-heading evergreen shrub. It is a very forgiving, beginner-friendly houseplant celebrated for its tropical architectural presence.
FUN FACT
In 2018, extensive DNA evidence proved this massive plant is not a true Philodendron, reclassifying it into the resurrected genus Thaumatophyllum—Greek for 'wonder leaf'—while its historical trade name selloum commemorates 19th-century German botanical explorer Friedrich Sello.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This striking plant features gigantic, deeply dissected, ruffled green leaves that radiate outward from a thick central stem on long, arching petioles. Each individual leaf blade can grow up to 60 to 90 centimetres across indoors, displaying dramatic wavy margins and finger-like pinnate lobes that create an expansive, lush canopy. The plant eventually develops a short, stout trunk that anchors its spreading habit. Given sufficient space, a mature specimen forms an impressive living sculpture that anchors any interior landscape.
FLOWER DETAILS
In mature plants, Tree Philodendron produces a large inflorescence consisting of a reddish-purple exterior spathe opening to reveal a creamy white interior and an upright spadix. The inflorescence generates its own metabolic heat (thermogenesis) to attract beetle pollinators in nature. Flowering indoors is an infrequent occurrence that only happens on well-established, mature specimens during warm summer months. Prune spent spathes near the trunk to keep the specimen tidy.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Prefers bright indirect to medium filtered sunlight. It can adapt to partial shade, though bright conditions encourage larger, deeply lobed leaves. Direct morning sun is beneficial, but shade from hot afternoon sun.
💧 Water: Water thoroughly when the top 3 to 5 centimetres of soil feel dry to the touch. Maintain even moisture during the summer growing season, and reduce frequency slightly during the colder winter months.
🌡️ Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity (40% to 50%) remarkably well, but prospers in higher ambient humidity between 55% and 70%, which keeps leaf margins supple and lustrous.
🪴 Soil: Plant in a rich, porous, well-draining soil blend containing quality potting soil, perlite, peat moss, and coarse bark to ensure rapid drainage while maintaining baseline root moisture.
🏺 Potting: Requires a heavy, wide-based planter (ceramic or terracotta) to counterbalance its expansive, top-heavy canopy. Repot every 2 years into a pot 5 centimetres larger in diameter.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate to fast grower under bright conditions. It can reach an indoor height and spread of 1.2 to 1.8 metres over several years, making it an ideal floor focal plant.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced, general-purpose houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do not fertilize during autumn and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. According to the ASPCA, Philodendron selloum (Tree Philodendron / Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum) is toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion causes intense oral irritation, mouth and throat swelling, heavy drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
WHERE TO PUT IT
Due to its expansive, spreading canopy, Philodendron Selloum is best placed as a dramatic floor specimen in spacious living rooms, large foyer entryways, or brightly lit office lounges. Provide at least 1 to 1.5 metres of clearance around the plant so its arching fronds can stretch naturally without rubbing against walls or furniture. Keep clear of cold drafty doorways and heating ducts that cause leaf margin browning.