Philodendron Selloum (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum formerly called Philodendron bipinnatifidum) is a large houseplant with bold, jungle-like foliage. It is a beneficial air purifying houseplant that can remove pollutants from the air. Philodendron Selloum can clean the air by removing formaldehyde from the air. It can grow to 6 feet tall. Be aware that Philodendron Selloums are toxic to pets and humans. Here is a beginner’s guide on how to care for your Philodendron Selloum at home.
Philodendron Selloum Houseplant Care at a Glance
| 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 |
| Air Purifying Plant | Removes formaldehyde |
| Toxic to Pets and Humans | Toxic |
Philodendron Selloum: Common Names
Philodendron Selloum is a houseplant with many names due to the fact that it was formerly classified as a Philodendron species. Now it’s reclassified to the genus Thaumatophyllum.
Philodendron Selloum is also called Tree Philodendron, Lacy Leaf Philodendron, Split Leaf Philodendron, and Lacy Tree Philodendron.
Philodendron Selloum: Size
Philodendron Selloum is a large houseplant that can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors.
Philodendron Selloum: Toxic to Dogs?
Philodendron Selloums is toxic to dogs. Don’t let your dog 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.
Philodendron Selloum: Toxic to Cats?
Philodendron Selloum is toxic to cats. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause vomiting and difficulty breathing. It can also result in swelling of lips, tongue, and mouth and excessive drooling. Keep your Philodendron Selloum away from your cats.
Philodendron Selloum: Toxic to Humans?
Philodendron Selloum is toxic to humans. Since Philodendron Selloum is a large houseplant and sits on the floor, it may be difficult to keep out of reach from small children. Don’t let children 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 once you start seeing adverse reactions in children.
Light
Philodendron Selloum: Sun or Shade?
Philodendron Selloum will grow best in bright, filtered light. It does well in an East facing window with morning sun. It can tolerate direct sun indoors but does better with bright, filtered light.
Water
How Often Should You Water 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.
What Type of Water Should You Use When Watering Your Philodendron Selloum?
Your 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.
How Do You Make Sure There is Proper Drainage 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!
Do You Need to Mist 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.
Soil
What Type of Potting Mix is Best for Your Philodendron Selloum?
Your Philodendron Selloum needs a well-draining, organic all-purpose potting mix.
How Do You Know When 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 in the spring.
Fertilizer
Do You Need to Fertilize Your Philodendron Selloum?
Your Philodendron Selloum should be fertilized once a month.
What Fertilizer Should You Use on Your Philodendron Selloum?
Use liquid or powder, organic fertilizer with a higher ratio of nitrogen on your Philodendron Selloum.
Propagation
How Do You Propagate Your Philodendron Selloum?
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 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.
Common Problems of Philodendron Selloum Care
The most common problems that affect Philodendron Selloum are aphids, root rot, and yellowing leaves.
Philodendron Selloum Problem: 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.
Philodendron Selloum Problem: Lots of tiny green, grey and brown insects under the leaves
Problem: You see a lot of tiny green, gray and brown insects all over the underside of the leaves of your Philodendron Selloum. There are also sticky clear residues on leaves and stems. Plus the tips of 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.
Check out our article on how to make your own homemade pesticides using baby shampoo: How to Make Horticultural Oil and How to Make Insecticidal Soap
Philodendron Selloum Problem: Yellowing leaves
Problem: If you see yellowing leaves on your Philodendron Selloum, 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 Philodendron Selloum 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 Philodendron Selloum.
Philodendron Selloum: Air Purifying Plant
Philodendron Selloum is an air purifying plant. It will clean the air by removing air pollutants such as formaldehyde. In a NASA research study, Philodendron Selloum is effective in removing formaldehyde.
Cleaning Philodendron Selloum Houseplant
What’s the best way to clean the leaves of your Philodendron Selloum?
Dust accumulates on your Philodendron Selloum leaves over time. The layer of dust decreases the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. Periodically wiping down the leaves of your Philodendron Selloum 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.
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