Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) (Tree philodendron) care

Light

Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) is what florists mean by "bright spot, no direct sun" — close enough to a south or east window to feel the brightness, with a sheer curtain or a few feet of distance keeping the sun off the leaves. Wants bright, filtered light and resents both deep shade and harsh midday sun. An east- or west-facing window with sheer-curtain protection is ideal, while the RHS advises partial shade and screening from intense glare under glass. Direct summer sun scorches the leaves; too little light gives weak, leggy growth and smaller, less-divided foliage. A phone lux-meter at the leaf surface should read 1,500-3,000 lux at noon.

Watering

Water philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) when the top 2-3cm of compost feels dry, roughly weekly in summer. The actual day count varies with pot size, light, and season — the finger test (or lifting the pot to feel its weight) is more reliable than a fixed calendar. Empty any drainage saucer afterwards so the pot isn't sitting in water. Keep the compost consistently lightly moist in active growth, watering once the top 2-3cm has dried, then reduce sharply in winter. It is intolerant of drought but equally sensitive to waterlogging, so never let the pot stand in a saucer of water. Use tepid water and ensure the pot drains freely to avoid root rot.

Soil and pot

Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) grows best in rich, free-draining aroid mix. Use a loam-based, peat-free potting compost that holds moisture yet drains fast. A good blend is roughly two parts quality houseplant compost to one part orchid bark or coco coir plus one part perlite, which mimics the airy, humus-rich forest floor. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH; refresh or top-dress annually. A pot with a working drainage hole is non-negotiable for this species — even free-draining mix will turn soggy in a closed planter. If you love the look of a decorative pot without a hole, use it as a cachepot around an inner nursery pot you can lift out to water.

Humidity and temperature

Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) sits happiest at around 50-60% humidity and 18-27°C (65-80°F). As a Brazilian rainforest native it prefers moderate to high humidity, ideally 50-60%. It tolerates average room humidity but rewards extra moisture with larger, glossier leaves. Group it with other plants or stand the pot on a damp pebble tray; the RHS notes daily misting is beneficial, though good airflow is needed to prevent fungal leaf spots. If you keep the room above 18 year-round and avoid placing the plant near a cold draught, a hot radiator, or an air-conditioning vent, you have already handled the two biggest indoor stressors.

Fertilising

Feed philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) sparingly. Feed every 2-4 weeks through spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser diluted to half strength, then stop in autumn and winter when growth slows. This is a vigorous, hungry plant, so steady feeding supports its large leaves; flush the compost occasionally to prevent salt build-up, and ease off if you see crusty soil or leaf-tip burn. Skip fertiliser entirely on a stressed, recently-repotted, or actively wilting plant — fertiliser salts make damage worse, not better. Wait for a round of healthy new growth before resuming a feeding rhythm.

Common problems

Below are the issues we see most often on philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) in the Growli community. Each is annotated with the most common cause so you know where to start.

• Yellowing lower leaves — Usually a watering issue. Soft, drooping yellow leaves with damp, sour-smelling compost point to overwatering and incipient root rot; let the soil dry further and check drainage. Widespread yellowing can also signal a nitrogen, potassium or iron shortfall during the growing season.
• Brown, crispy leaf edges — Typically caused by underwatering, low humidity or scorch from direct sun. Keep the compost lightly moist, raise humidity with a pebble tray or grouping, and move the plant out of harsh midday rays. Cold draughts can also brown the foliage.
• Leggy, small or less-divided leaves — A sign of insufficient light. New leaves staying entire rather than deeply lobed, and long bare stalks reaching toward a window, mean it needs a brighter, filtered position. Rotate the pot regularly so growth stays even.
• Sap-sucking pests — Spider mites, mealybugs, aphids and scale can colonise the large leaves, especially in dry indoor air. Inspect leaf undersides and stalk joints, wipe foliage regularly, and treat early with insecticidal soap or neem; raising humidity discourages spider mites.

Companion plants

Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) pairs well with Calathea, Maranta (prayer plant), Bird's nest fern (Asplenium nidus), and Pothos (Epipremnum aureum). These are species with similar light and water needs, so you can group them in the same room or on the same shelf and water as a batch.

Propagation

Best propagated by division of the offsets (pups) that form at the base of mature plants: unpot, separate a clump with roots and at least one stem using a clean sharp knife, and pot each section into fresh moist compost. Stem cuttings with two or three nodes can also be rooted in water or compost over a few weeks. Mature plants set seed, but division is far faster and more reliable for home growers. Propagation is the cheapest, most satisfying way to expand a collection — and it doubles as insurance against losing a mature plant to an accident. Take a backup cutting once the parent is established and healthy.

Toxicity to pets

Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) is toxic to pets. The ASPCA classifies Philodendron (including selloum/lacy tree philodendron) as toxic to both cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) in the leaves, stems and sap, which on chewing cause intense oral burning, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. The sap is also a skin and eye irritant in people, so wear gloves when pruning. Keep well out of reach of pets and children. If you keep cats, dogs, or curious children in the house, weigh placement carefully — a high shelf or a hanging planter is enough for casual safety. For severe ingestion incidents, call your local vet and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (in the US, 888-426-4435).

Pet-safety status is sourced from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, which catalogues the most-asked-about plants for cats, dogs, and horses.

Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) deep-dive guides

Every aspect of philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) care, each with its own calibrated guide:

• Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) watering schedule
• Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) light requirements
• Best soil mix for philodendron selloum (tree philodendron)
• Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) fertilizing guide
• When to repot philodendron selloum (tree philodendron)
• How to propagate philodendron selloum (tree philodendron)
• Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) growth rate & size
• Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) cold hardiness
• Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) temperature & humidity
• Is philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) toxic to cats & dogs?

Related guides

Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) is also known as Tree philodendron, Selloum, Lacy tree philodendron, Horsehead philodendron, Hope philodendron, and Split-leaf philodendron.

• Types of philodendron — varieties identified, with care and pet-safety
• Monstera care — light, water and common problems
• Pothos care — light, water and common problems
• Fiddle leaf fig care — light, water and common problems
• All 271 plant care guides in the Growli library