A beautiful and unique houseplant, the Philodendron Selloum has been taken in by loads of residential and commercial nurseries worldwide for its knack to grow indoors. Its large, glossy leaves are perfect for sprucing up any room in a home or office with vibrant greens.
Not only does the Philodendron Selloum add a cool vibe to living spaces but it’s also easy-peasy to take care of once you know what it needs. In this go-to guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about Philodendron Selloum care and growing including the best weather conditions, soil type, lighting needs, watering routine, and more!
What is a Philodendron Selloum?
The Philodendron Selloum, also known as the ‘tree philodendron’, is fast turning into a popular pick for houseplant lovers. This plant has large, smooth leaves and grows air roots to absorb water and nutrients. Interestingly, this philodendron prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate deep shade – making it a versatile option for any indoor space. For top-notch care, be sure to clean out or swap your soil regularly to keep salt from piling up, as the tree philodendron can’t stand too much salt in its environment. (Source: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/philodendron-selloum/)
Philodendron Selloum care overview
| Botanical Name | Philodendron selloum |
| Common Name | Hope SelloumHorsehead Philodendron, Lacy Tree Philodendron, Philodendron Hope SelloumTree Philodendron |
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Philodendron |
| Mature Size | 6 feet as a houseplant |
| Soil Type | Rich, quick-draining, loamy |
| Soil pH | 5.5 to 7.5 (acidic to neutral) |
| Native Area | Tropical America |
| Temperature | 65 to 75°F |
| Light | Bright, indirect light |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Humidity | 60-80% |
| Fertilizer | Fertilize 1 times per month |
| Propagation | Root in water or soil |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans and toxic to pets when ingested |
How to care for Philodendron Selloum?
Once you have planted your Philodendron Selloum, there are some important care instructions to follow in order to ensure its health and longevity.
Light Requirements
To make sure your Philodendron Selloum grows and progresses healthily, it’s super important to provide the right lighting conditions. Here are some key guidelines to follow:
1. Best Lighting Conditions
Put your Selloum in a spot where it will get medium to bright indirect light. Philodendron Selloum plants need bright, indirect light to grow healthily. Don’t expose the plant to low light conditions as it doesn’t do well in such environments.
While the plant can handle high light levels, it might need some extra attention in such conditions.
2. Dodging Direct Sunlight
Philodendron Selloum plants can handle some direct sunlight, but too much sun can lead to leaf burning.
If you live in warm weather, it’s a good idea to protect your Philodendron Selloum from the hot afternoon sun.
Ideally, place the plant in a spot that gets morning or evening sun while being sheltered from the hot midday sun.
3. Copying the Natural Environment
In its natural environment, the Philodendron Selloum grows under the canopy of taller trees, getting indirect sunlight.
Copy this light condition by providing bright, indirect light for your Philodendron Selloum.
A west- or south-facing window can offer the needed light strength. Alternatively, you can use fake light, like an LED grow light if there’s not enough natural light.
4. Suggested Light Time
Aim for about four to six hours of direct sunlight per day for your Philodendron Selloum.
Alternatively, make sure the plant gets bright, indirect light from a south-facing window.
The amount of light that Philodendron Selloum plants need can change based on the weather and the season.
In the winter, when there is less sunlight, Philodendron Selloum plants might need to be moved to a sunnier spot.
If you’re not sure how much light your Philodendron Selloum plant needs, it’s always best to play it safe and give it not too much light.
Remember to watch how your Philodendron Selloum reacts to the light conditions provided and make changes as required. Checking out the plant’s leaves can give useful clues about whether it’s getting the right amount of light.
Soil
Soil is essential for the health and growth of your philodendron Selloum. It should be slightly alkaline soil that keeps moisture but still gets rid of water fast. The best ground to use is peat moss-based soil, as it offers the perfect combination of drainage and moisture retention. Soilless mixes can also work, but be sure to add organic matter such as compost or coir fiber in order to provide essential nutrition.
Avoid using potting soil, as it can become too tightly packed and drainage will be impaired. Soilless mixes should also have some kind of slow-release fertilizer mixed into them for long-term nutrition. Lastly, make sure your plant is in a pot that drains well, as loads of water can lead to root rot
Watering
Keeping healthy and liveliness of Philodendron Selloum, also known as Hope Selloum, needs the right watering. Making sure the right amount of wetness in the soil is key for its overall health.
Consistent Moisture, Avoiding Overwatering
Philodendrons Selloum does well when the soil remains consistently lightly moist. It’s important to note that they are sensitive to overwatering, and their roots should not be sitting in soggy soil. Too much water can lead to roots rotting and other bad situations.
It’s better not to water your Philodendron Selloum more than once a week. This frequency lets the plant’s roots get enough wetness without getting too wet.
Monitoring Soil Moisture
Regularly checking how wet the soil helps you water it right. The top inch of the soil should be left to get dry before watering again. This dry period lets the roots get needed air, stopping problems from too-wet soil.
To see if you need to water, slowly put your finger into the soil up to your first knuckle. If it feels dry at that depth, it means it’s time to water. If the soil feels a bit wet, wait a bit more time before the next watering.
Avoiding Waterlogging and Promoting Drainage
Don’t let it get too wet and ensure good draining. Make sure the pot has holes for water at the bottom. This lets extra water escape and stops the roots from sitting in water that doesn’t move.
Also, when watering your Philodendron Selloum, ensure to water until the extra water starts to come out from the bottom of the pot. This helps in properly wetting while letting any extra water escape.
How often to water
How often you might need to water a Philodendron Selloum plant in different seasons:
- Spring and summer: Water once a week.
- Fall: Water every 10-14 days.
- Winter: Water once every 2-3 weeks.
Just remember this, these are basic pointers. How often to water your Philodendron Selloum changes based on the weather, the size of the plant, and what kind of soil it’s in. Always a good idea to give the soil a regular check for moisture to keep your plant from too much or too little water.
Temperature
Philodendron selloum plants prefer warm temperatures that range from 55°F (12.8°C) and higher. To keep your plant happy, ditch any cold breezes or open doors in winter. Temperature fluctuations can cause damage to this plant’s foliage, so maintaining a comfy temperature is key for its health and how long it lasts.
Also, don’t put the plant near AC or heating vents which can lead to temperature swings. If your Philodendron Selloum isn’t looking too good when it comes to leaves despite keeping an optimal temperature, look out for bugs or overwatering as these might be cause it to look down.
Humidity
For humidity, Philodendron Selloum is a great plant for humid places. It likes a bit of humidity and will not tolerate dry air. Keep humidity around 50-60%, even higher is better. To keep your Philodendron Selloum happy, give its leaves a spray regularly or put a humidifier near it. You can also put the pot on a tray of wet pebbles to increase the humidity around the plant.
Fertilizer
Right fertilizing is key to giving your Philodendron Selloum important nutrients for the best growth and health. Figuring out the right fertilizer mix and how often to use it supports healthy leaves and overall health.
Ideal Fertilizer Ratio
For your Philodendron Selloum, a regular fertilizer mix of 20-20-20 works great. This balanced mix makes sure there’s enough of the key nutrients for strong growth and leaf development.
Slow-Release Granules for Easy Fertilization
Adding slow-release granules to the soil is an easy way to feed your Philodendron Selloum. Add these granules to the soil three times per year. Slow-release granules release nutrients slowly, giving a constant feed for your plant.
Liquid Houseplant Fertilizer for Monthly Application
Another effective option for fertilizing Philodendron Selloum is using a liquid houseplant fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength and apply it to the soil surface once a month during the spring and summer. This ensures a controlled and balanced nutrient uptake by the plant.
Adjusting Fertilization Frequency with Seasonal Changes
When fall and winter hit, and your plant slows down, you should reduce the frequency of fertilization. Fertilizer less, every two months, to avoid overfeeding your Philodendron Selloum whenits dormant period.
Proper Timing of Fertilizer Application
To get the most nutrients for your Philodendron Selloum, add the fertilizer right after watering. This makes sure the nutrients get into the soil and are right there for the plant’s roots. If you fertilizer before watering, the nutrients might just get washed away without being effectively absorbed.
Related: Philodendron Gloriosum Care And Grow: The Ultimate Guide
Repotting
It’s a breeze to repot Philodendron selloum, and best of all, you don’t gotta do it too often. You only need to do it every 18 months to 2 years when the roots begin crowding the pot. This also helps make sure your Philodendron stays in top shape.
Before you begin repotting, check out your Philodendron’s roots. If they’re creeping out of the bottom drainage holes, it’s high time for a new pot. But don’t go overboard when choosing a larger pot; only make it up to 2 inches wider. Too big a pot can stress out the Philodendron, so go for just a bit bigger instead.
Pick top-notch soil that’s specially made for houseplants like Philodendron when repotting your buddy. Transfer the Philodendron selloum to its new home and top up with soil if needed until the roots are fully covered. Give your Philodendron a nice drink to help let the new soil settle, and place it where it’ll get some nice indirect light.
Pruning
Pruning your Philodendron selloum is a killer way to keep it healthy. Pruning can help control the size of your plant, get rid of dead or wilted leaves, and show off the trunk to encourage new growth. Pruning should be done either in spring at the beginning of its grow time, or in fall when it’s about to hit its dormant period.
When pruning, just make sure to only chop off the yellowing leaves at the bottom of your plant that is not doing well. Chop off any dead or wilting leaves and branches too, but be careful not to damage the healthy ones. Pruning will also help shape it up evenly for your plant if you want. Pruning is a killer way to give your Philodendron selloum a new beginning each spring and fall season.
Remember, using the right pruning tricks is important for your plant’s health, so don’t forget to use sharp and clean snippers and prune with care. Always chuck the prunings away from your buddy to dodge any diseases.
Philodendron Selloum Propagation
Once you’ve got your stems with nodes, it’s time to kick off the propagation process. You gotta grab a pot or container filled with damp soil mix, and then stick the cuttings in the soil. Just see that at least one node is buried in the soil; this will help the roots grow. Pop the container in an area that gets some shade, and keep the soil damp by giving it a squirt with a spray bottle.
Once roots begin to form in the new cutting, you can start feeding your Philodendron Selloum every two weeks. With the right care, your cuttings should be good to go into their own pots in about 6-8 weeks. After moving, don’t forget to water your Philodendron Selloum Propagation regularly and make sure it gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight to see it thrive.
Aside from propagation, regular TLC is needed to keep your Philodendron Selloum Propagation healthy and looking its best. Water when the surface of the soil gets dry, and feed it with fertilizer every now and then to give it a boost. Also, make sure your Philodendron Selloum gets bright, indirect light for about 6 hours a day.
Selloum Philodendron Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Selloum Philodendron plants are generally resilient and resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can occasionally fall victim to certain pests and encounter specific issues. Being aware of common pests and plant diseases will help you identify and address any problems promptly.
Common Pests
Selloum Philodendrons can get infested by aphids, mealybugs, scales, and spider mites. These pests can hurt the plant by feeding on foliage or slurping sap from the leaves.
Toxicity and Safety
It’s worth noting that all parts of Selloum Philodendrons are poisonous if swallowed. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can burn and irritate the mouth, lips, and tongue, along with lots of drooling, vomiting, and trouble swallowing. It’s key to keep Selloum Philodendrons away from pets and little kids who might want to eat the plant.
Mealybugs and Scale Insects
Selloum Philodendrons are particularly susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects. Mealybugs are small, white insects usually found on the underside of leaves, while scale insects are small, brown insects that attach themselves to stems and leaves. If you spot these pests, you can pick them off by using a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol. For bad bug problems, think about using insecticidal soap or neem oil as a way to fight them.
By keeping a close eye on and nipping pest issues in the bud, along with being careful about the plant’s toxicity, you can make sure your Selloum Philodendron stays happy and healthy. Regular checks and quick action will help keep your plant looking gorgeous and full of life.
Philodendron Selloum Care Common Problems
Common issues that might pop up include over- or underwatering, wrong light levels, bug issues, and not having enough nutrients. To keep it in top shape, it’s important to keep an eye on your Philodendron Selloum and watch out for the first signs of trouble.
- Overwatering‘s one of the typical problems with Philodendron Selloum. The roots of this plant need good-draining soil and enough oxygen to do well. Overwatering can cause root rot and other lasting harm, so it’s better to water only when the top inch or two of soil seems dry.
- Insufficient light: Not enough light can also be a problem for Philodendron Selloum. Even though this plant is a fan of the shade, it still needs light to do its food-making thing and stay healthy. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, the leaves will turn pale and might fall off.
- Pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale can all cause problems for Philodendron Selloum. These pests can lead to leaves turning yellow, curling, and spotting on the leaves. If your plant’s got bugs, use a bug-killing soap or neem oil to deal with the pests.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Not having enough nutrients can also affect Philodendron Selloum. If the soil is short on the needed stuff, your plant can’t do well. Make sure you are fertilizing your Philodendron Selloum regularly with a balanced fertilizer for optimal health.
By knowing and spotting these common problems, you can shield your Philodendron Selloum from harm and help it to remain lush and healthy.
FAQ about Philodendron Selloum care
Does Selloum need sunlight?
No, Philodendron Selloum does not need a great deal of sunlight. It tolerates low light but grows best in moderate indirect light. Avoid placing your Plant in direct sun as this may scorch the leaves and damage the plant. If possible, place your Selloum near an east facing window where it will receive filtered morning light.
Is Philodendron selloum easy to care for?
Yes, Philodendron Selloum is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-26°C) and consistently moist soil. It is important not to let the soil dry out completely. Water your Plant when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry and fertilize it twice a month during the active growing period. Pruning and repotting your Selloum when necessary will also help to keep it healthy and attractive. With some basic care, your Philodendron Selloum can thrive for many years.
How long do Philodendron selloum live?
Philodendron Selloum can live more than 15 years with the right care. It’s not a speedy grower, so it doesn’t need regular repotting or trimming. If looked after well, your Selloum can do well and bring happiness to your home for many years ahead.
Conclusion
Giving good care to your Philodendron Selloum is key to enjoying the lush, tropical good looks this plant adds to your indoor or outdoor space. By following the tips and suggestions in our Ultimate Guide, you’ll be all set to help your Philodendron Selloum do well. From watering and humidity to light and soil needs, we’ve covered all you need to know about caring for this stunning plant. Thanks for joining us on the FamiPlants blog for a detailed look at Philodendron Selloum care. We hope this guide has been useful and inspires you to keep exploring the cool world of houseplants. Happy growing!”
