The Philodendron Selloum, often also called "tree philodendron" or feather philodendron, is an impressive houseplant that brings a primeval jungle atmosphere into your home. With its huge, deeply incised leaves that spread out widely, this plant adds a touch of tropical exoticism to any environment. A fascinating feature of this plant is that, as it ages, it forms a decorative trunk marked with the scars of old leaves – giving it an almost prehistoric look. The rich green color and glossy surface of the leaves provide freshness and vibrancy, even in more simply furnished rooms.
Typical characteristics:
-
large, deeply lobed leaves (feathery appearance)
-
forms a strong trunk over time
-
robust and air-purifying
-
creates an imposing, tropical room feel
☀️ Location, Soil and Co.
The Philodendron Selloum likes bright and spacious conditions. The right location is crucial for it to develop its typical, giant leaves.
Location
-
bright to semi-shady
-
no direct midday sun (leaves can burn)
-
also tolerates slightly shadier spots, but grows slower there
-
Perfect for large living rooms, offices or corners that need to be filled.
🌿 Care of Philodendron Selloum – Overview
This plant is a real eye-catcher, but surprisingly easy to care for. It forgives an occasional care mistake and is ideal for anyone who wants a piece of jungle without much effort.
🌱 Growth
-
upright and spreading
-
requires a lot of space in width
-
forms aerial roots and a trunk with age
-
contributes to a majestic and wild appearance.
🍃 Leaves
-
large, glossy and leathery
-
deeply incised with wavy edges
-
dark green and very decorative
-
The leaves orient themselves strongly towards the light, so turn the plant occasionally.
💧 Watering / Water
The philodendron is thirsty, but doesn't like to sit in water.
-
keep soil slightly moist, but let top layer dry out
-
water abundantly in summer
-
preferably water with room temperature water
-
absolutely avoid waterlogging, otherwise the fleshy roots will rot.
🌼 Fertilizing
-
from spring to autumn: every 2 weeks
-
liquid green plant fertilizer in the watering water
-
reduce or stop fertilizing in winter (depending on location)
-
nutrient deficiency often shows through pale or small new leaves.
🌱 Substrate
An airy soil climate is essential for root health:
-
nutrient-rich
-
very well-draining and coarse
-
loose structure
-
A mix of green plant soil, bark mulch (orchid soil) and perlite is ideal.
🪴 Repotting
-
every 2–3 years in spring
-
As the plant can become top-heavy, a heavy, stable pot (e.g. made of clay) is recommended to prevent it from tipping over.
✂️ Pruning
The Philodendron Selloum does not require shaping pruning.
-
old, yellow leaves in the lower area die naturally
-
carefully pull or cut them off at the stem once they are dry
-
wear gloves, as the plant sap can cause skin irritation.
🌱 Propagating Philodendron Selloum
Propagation requires some patience and is best achieved with older plants:
-
by separating side shoots (pups) that form at the base
-
or by stem cuttings from very large plants (allow to root in water or moss).
☠️ Is the Philodendron poisonous?
Caution – unlike the Maranta, the Philodendron Selloum is poisonous.
-
contains calcium oxalate crystals
-
poisonous to cats, dogs and small animals if ingested
-
can cause skin irritation on contact
-
It should be placed out of reach of nibbling pets and small children. 👉 If your pets like to chew on plants, this plant is more suitable for elevated locations or inaccessible rooms.
🧠 Other Care Tips
-
The large leaves are dust collectors: wipe them regularly with a damp cloth so that the plant can breathe.
-
Long aerial roots can be carefully guided into the pot to give the plant more stability and nutrients.
-
Brown leaf tips often indicate air that is too dry from heating – occasional misting helps here.
✅ Conclusion
With its spectacular growth and tropical flair, the Philodendron Selloum is a true statement piece for any room. It is robust, grows happily and forgives small mistakes, as long as its space requirements and toxicity are considered. Let this green giant transform your home into a green oasis.