Philodendron selloum (Tree Philodendron) is a small perennial evergreen tree that is native to the tropical regions of Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina. Tree Philodendrons are a popular indoor ornamental plant for their outrageous glossy leaves and year-round green colour. They are fast growing and low maintenance and can also purify the air in your home.
Suitable for Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates or Temperate when grown indoors.
Philodendron selloum has many different common and botanical names. One of the alternative botanical names, Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum might have been difficult for nurseries to fit onto their plant tags.
Other common names include Split Leaf Philodendron, Lacy Tree Philodendron, Selloum and Horsehead Philodendron.
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Growth
Philodendron selloum is a fast-growing tropical evergreen plant that grows to a compact size of around 2.5 metres (8 feet) by 1.5 metres (5 feet). The natural habitat of Tree Philodendrons is moist, tropical and humid but also sheltered from the sun by larger forest canopy trees.
In climates where the temperatures rarely drop below 10°C / 50°F, the mature plants can be grown outdoors in shady or part-shady locations. In cooler climates, Tree Philodendrons are grown indoors as an ornamental where their environment is easier to control.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Araceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Tropical and Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 35°C / 50 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Low Nutrient but well draining.
LOCATION:
Shade – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 2.5 metres (14 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1.5 metres (5 feet)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen, Fast Growing.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low – Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by beetles.
MATURITY:
15-20 years
GERMINATION RATES:
65-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak for 24 hours and 3-4 weeks at 15°C to 25°C / 59 to 77°F
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 120
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
No
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage – 4°C (Fridge). 3 years
FACTS ABOUT PHILODENDRON SELLOUM (Tree Philodendron)
The whole plant of Philodendron selloum is toxic to pets and should not be kept out of reach.
Most Philodendrons including the Tree Philodendron have been found in studies to be useful at purifying toxins from the air.
