Repotting guide

When & how to repot Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) (Philodendron bipinnatifidum (syn. Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, P. selloum))

Also called Tree philodendron, Selloum, Lacy tree philodendron, Horsehead philodendron, Hope philodendron, Split-leaf philodendron.

More about philodendron selloum (tree philodendron)

About Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron)

Philodendron bipinnatifidum (syn. Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, P. selloum) · also called Tree philodendron, Selloum · tropical

The tree philodendron is a large, non-climbing tropical aroid grown for its dramatic, deeply lobed evergreen leaves and self-heading rosette habit. Its one defining need is bright, filtered light paired with consistently moist but well-drained soil. Give it room to spread, warmth and steady humidity, and it makes a bold, low-maintenance statement houseplant.

Mature size: Indoors typically 1-1.5m tall and wide; outdoors in frost-free climates it can reach 2.5-4m (RHS) or more over many years, with individual leaves up to 90cm long.

Watch for — 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.

How to tell philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) needs repotting

Repotting on a calendar is less reliable than reading the plant. For philodendron selloum (tree philodendron), watch for these signs:

Thick roots out of the drainage holes, or circling the surface and lifting the plant.
The pot dries out unusually fast and philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) wilts between waterings it used to shrug off.
The plant is visibly top-heavy and tips over easily.
Stalled growth and small new leaves over a full season — though with a big specimen, top-dressing is often the better first response before a full repot.

For the underlying biology of a pot-bound root system and why it stalls a plant, see our guide to spotting and fixing a root-bound plant.

How often to repot philodendron selloum (tree philodendron)

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years. Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron)'s growth habit — a large, non-climbing, self-heading aroid that forms a rosette of huge, deeply pinnatifid (lobed) leaves on long stalks radiating from a thickening semi-woody trunk. with age it develops a sprawling, almost tree-like form and prominent aerial roots. it spreads wide rather than tall indoors, so allow generous floor space. — sets the pace. The tree philodendron is a large, non-climbing tropical aroid grown for its dramatic, deeply lobed evergreen leaves and self-heading rosette habit. Its one defining need is bright, filtered light paired with consistently moist but well-drained soil. Give it room to spread, warmth and steady humidity, and it makes a bold, low-maintenance statement houseplant.

What size pot to step philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) up to

Move up exactly one pot size. A heavy philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) dropped into a vastly bigger pot sits in a reservoir of wet soil its roots cannot reach, which rots them and destabilises the plant. In the years between repots, lift off and replace the top 3–5 cm of soil (top-dressing) instead — it refreshes nutrients without the shock of a full repot.

Not sure of the exact diameter? Our pot size calculator takes the current pot and root spread and tells you the right next size — it deliberately recommends a single step up, never a big jump.

The best time of year to repot philodendron selloum (tree philodendron)

Early spring, just as new growth restarts, is the ideal window for philodendron selloum (tree philodendron). The plant is moving into its strongest growth phase and re-roots into fresh soil quickly. Avoid repotting in winter dormancy or, for flowering plants, while it is in bud or bloom — recovery is slowest then and you risk dropping the flowers.

Step-by-step: repotting philodendron selloum (tree philodendron)

Consider top-dressing first. If philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) is not badly root-bound, scrape off and replace the top 3–5 cm of soil instead — far less shock for a big plant that hates moving.
Get help and one size up. For a full repot, choose a pot just one size larger. A heavy plant needs two people and a stable, free-draining pot.
Ease it out on its side. Lay the plant down, slide the pot off, and gently loosen the outer roots. Do not bare-root a mature specimen.
Repot at the same depth. Add fresh rich, free-draining aroid mix beneath and around the rootball, keeping the original soil line. Firm it so the trunk is stable and upright.
Water and leave it put. Water thoroughly, then leave philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) in the same spot and light — moving and repotting at once is what makes it drop leaves.

Aftercare

Leave philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) in exactly the same spot and light it was in before — moving and repotting at the same time is what makes a big specimen drop leaves. Water it in well, then let the top of the soil dry before watering again so the larger volume of fresh soil does not stay sodden. Do not fertilise for about 4 weeks — fresh mix already carries nutrients and feeding freshly disturbed roots scorches them.

The right soil mix for philodendron selloum (tree philodendron)

Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron) wants 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. Always use fresh mix when you repot — reusing old, broken-down soil reintroduces the compaction and poor drainage you are repotting to fix.

Repotting philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) — frequently asked questions

How often should you repot philodendron selloum (tree philodendron)?

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years for philodendron selloum (tree philodendron). Fully repot philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) only every 2–3 years; in the in-between years just top-dress the top 3–5 cm of soil. Step up one pot size in spring with rich, free-draining aroid mix. It is heavy and hates being moved, and a vastly oversized pot holds water against the roots and rots them.

What size pot does philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) need?

When is the best time of year to repot philodendron selloum (tree philodendron)?

Should you top-dress or fully repot philodendron selloum (tree philodendron)?

For a big, heavy philodendron selloum (tree philodendron), top-dressing — replacing the top 3–5 cm of soil — is the gentler option most years, with a full repot only every 2–3 years. A mature specimen sulks and drops leaves when fully repotted, so do it as rarely as the roots allow.

Should you fertilise philodendron selloum (tree philodendron) after repotting?

Not immediately. Wait about 4 weeks after repotting philodendron selloum (tree philodendron). Fresh mix already contains nutrients, and feeding freshly cut or disturbed roots burns them. Resume your normal feeding routine once you see new growth.