Philodendron Selloum (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum formerly called Philodendron bipinnatifidum) is a popular houseplant with beautiful bold, jungle-like foliage. It is a large houseplant that can grow to 6 feet tall. It’s a houseplant with many names and was formerly classified as a Philodendron species. Now it’s reclassified to the genus Thaumatophyllum. Here are tips on how to care for your Philodendron Selloum at home.
Philodendron Selloum Infographic
What are Other Names of Philodendron Selloum?
Philodendron Selloum (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum formerly called Philodendron bipinnatifidum) is also called Tree Philodendron, Lacy Leaf Philodendron, Philodendron Selloum and Lacy Tree Philodendron.
Tips on How to Take Care of Your Philodendron Selloum
1. Your Philodendron Selloum is Happiest in Bright, Filtered Light
Philodendron Selloum will be happy in bright, filtered light. It does well in an East facing window with morning sun. Philodendron Selloum can tolerate direct sun indoors but does better with bright, filtered light.
2. Moderate Water is Best for Your Philodendron Selloum
Water your Philodendron Selloum when the soil feels dry. The best way to tell when it is time to water your Philodendron Selloum is to feel the soil. Stick your finger in the soil 1 inch deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water your Philodendron Selloum.
3. Get the Soil Right for Your Philodendron Selloum
Your Philodendron Selloum needs a well-draining, organic all-purpose potting mix.
4. Fertilize Your Philodendron Selloum
Your Philodendron Selloum should be fertilized once a month.
5. Don’t forget to Repot Your Philodendron Selloum
Repot your Philodendron Selloum when it outgrows its current pot. Repot your Philodendron Selloum in a container with a diameter 4 inches larger than the current pot. Best to repot your Lacy Tree Philodendron in the spring.
6. Drainage is Essential for Your Philodendron Selloum
Good drainage is important, you don’t want your Philodendron Selloum to sit in soggy soil. Make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. After watering your Philodendron Selloum and you see water draining out of the pot’s drainage holes, make sure you empty out the accumulated water in the saucer. Don’t let your Philodendron Selloum’s pot sit in this puddle of water. It will cause root rot!
7. Get the Temperature Right for Your Philodendron Selloum
Your Philodendron Selloum needs to have a daytime temperature of 70F to 80 Fahrenheit (21-26C). The nighttime temperature should be at 60-70 Fahrenheit (15-21 C).
8. Keep Your Lacy Tree Philodendron Dust Free
Dust accumulates on your Lacy Tree Philodendron leaves over time. The layer of dust decreases the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. Periodically wiping down the leaves of your Lacy Tree Philodendron with a damp cloth will help keep your plant healthy. You can also use a duster or dry duster cloth to wipe off the layer of dust on leaves.
9. Humidity is Vital for Your Philodendron Selloum
Your Philodendron Selloum is a houseplant that likes humid conditions. You should increase indoor humidity. Turn on the humidifier. Mist your Philodendron Selloum frequently.
Another way to increase humidity is to keep your Philodendron Selloum in a saucer filled with water. But make sure the pot is elevated with pot feet or pebbles so your Lacy Tree Philodendron is not sitting directly on the water.
3 Common Philodendron Selloum Problems
The common problems for Philodendron Selloum are aphids, root rot, and yellowing leaves.
Your Philodendron Selloum Looks Wilted (Soil is Wet)
Problem: Your Philodendron Selloum looks wilted even if the soil is wet. Check for root rot by pulling the plant out and examining the roots. If the roots of your Philodendron Selloum plant look mushy (healthy roots are firm) and the roots are gray to black in color, these are telltale signs of root rot.
Cause: Root rot is caused by fungus and is a serious problem for your Philodendron Selloum. Root rot is a result of wet soil due to overwatering or poor drainage.
Solution: When your Philodendron Selloum is afflicted with root rot the chance of survival is slim. Your best course of action is to throw your Philodendron Selloum out and start over with a new plant. This time don’t overwater your Philodendron Selloum and make sure there is good drainage in the pot.
Lots of tiny green, grey, and brown insects under the leaves of Your Lacy Tree Philodendron
Problem: You see a lot of tiny green, gray and brown insects all over the underside of the leaves of your Lacy Tree Philodendron. There are also sticky clear residues on leaves and stems. Plus the tips of the stems have curled up and look deformed.
Cause: Aphids could be the problem but you should make sure by taking a close look at the insects. There should be 2 tubes on the backside of the insects. Use a magnifying glass to identify aphids.
Solution: Aphids are common in houseplants. You can get rid of aphids by washing the aphids off with water or soapy water. You can also use rubbing alcohol. Or spray your Philodendron Selloum plant with insecticidal soap and horticultural oil to get rid of the aphids.
The Leaves of Your Lacy Tree Philodendron are Turning Yellow
Problem: If you see yellowing leaves on your Lacy Tree Philodendron, that is a sign that something is wrong.
Cause: If you see yellowing leaves with black dots then it could be a fungal infection. Yellow leaves can also be a sign of nutrient deficiency. Yellowing leaves can also be caused by hot, afternoon sunlight or overwatering.
Solution: Check to see if your Lacy Tree Philodendron is being overwatered or placed where there is hot, afternoon sun. If so, move your Philodendron Selloum and decrease watering. Also check to see if there is nutrient deficiency, if so, it’s time to fertilize your Lacy Tree Philodendron.
Facts About Philodendron Selloum
| Name | Philodendron Selloum |
| Scientific Name | Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum formerly called Philodendron bipinnatifidum |
| Light | Bright, Filtered Light |
| Daytime Temperature | 70 to 80 F (21-26C) |
| Night Time Temperature | 60 to 70 F (15-21C) |
| Water | Moderate Water |
| Humidity | High Humidity |
| Potting | Well-draining, organic, all-purpose potting mix |
| Fertilizer | Once a month |
| Toxic to Pets and Humans | Toxic |
Philodendron Selloum: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Your Philodendron Selloum Toxic to Pets?
Philodendron Selloums are toxic to humans and pets. Don’t let children or pets chew on the leaves of the Philodendron Selloum plant because it contains calcium oxalate crystals. The crystals can cause vomiting and difficulty breathing.
It can also result in swelling of lips, tongue, and mouth and excessive drooling. If you see any of these symptoms and suspect ingestion of Philodendron Selloum plants, call poison control immediately! Also, call your doctor or vet once you start seeing adverse reactions in children and pets.
How Can You Tell When It’s Time to Water Your Philodendron Selloum?
Water your Philodendron Selloum when the soil feels dry. The best way to tell when it’s time to water is by sticking your finger into the soil. Stick your finger in the soil 1 inch deep. If the soil feels dry, then it’s time to water your Philodendron Selloum.
Can You Use Cold Water When Watering Your Philodendron Selloum?
Philodendron Selloum can be watered with tap water but be mindful of the water temperature that you are using to water your Philodendron Selloum. Don’t use straight cold water from the tap to water your Philodendron Selloum.
Philodendron Selloum prefers cool water that is not hot and not cold. When you turn on the cold water from the faucet add a little bit of warm water. You can also get to this ideal temperature by filling a watering can or pitcher with water and leaving it out overnight until the water is at room temperature.
What Fertilizer Should You Use for Your Philodendron Selloum?
Use liquid or powder, organic fertilizer with a higher ratio of nitrogen on your Philodendron Selloum.
How Big Does Your Philodendron Selloum Get?
Philodendron Selloum Your Philodendron Selloum is a large houseplant that can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors.
How Do You Propagate Your Philodendron Selloum?
Philodendron Selloum Plant is easy to propagate. You can propagate your Philodendron Selloum plant by stem cutting.
Below are steps on how to propagate Philodendron Selloum Plant by stem cutting.
1. Take a Stem Cutting of Philodendron Selloum Plant (include a node)
Pick a stem with a node. Cut below the node.
2. Place Philodendron Selloum Stem in a Jar of Water
Place the Philodendron Selloum stem into a jar of water and wait for it to grow roots. To help it focus its energy on growing roots, make sure your stem has a maximum of 2 leaves. Cut off extra leaves as needed.
Another way to stimulate root growth is to dip your stem cutting in root hormone and plant it in moist sand. I personally prefer the jar method so you can easily see the roots come out. Know that not all stem cuttings of Philodendron Selloum will grow roots, so to be safe, cut a few stem cuttings so you will at least get one with roots.
3. Plant Stem Cutting in New Pot
Once the roots grow, plant these stem cuttings into a new pot. Water the new plant immediately after planting. Then water every 2-3 days until the roots are established.
4. Place New Philodendron Selloum Plant in a Spot with Bright Indirect Sun
Place your new Philodendron Selloum plant in a spot with bright indirect sunlight. Don’t put it in direct sunlight.
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