How to Grow a Giant Philodendron Selloum

November 15, 2022

The Philodendron Selloum is an easy going philodendron. This plant in the right conditions can get BIG! Though this plant has been reclassified as Thaumatophyllum Bipinnatifidum that is a mouthful to say so we will call this plant Philodendron Selloum for this blog post.

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1 Philodendron Selloum Care

Philodendron Selloum Care

Light

Philodendron Selloum does best in bright light. So place this plant within a few feet of a window. Some direct light is ok but be careful of the intensity of the light. Meaning and east facing window is going to have less intense direct sun while a west facing window will be stronger light. If your home lacks light you can add grow lights. Grow lights are so helpful on darker winter days and in that dark areas of the house that need a plant.

Water

It’s a good habit to check your Selloum weekly to see if it needs water during the spring and summer. If the soil looks dry, dig around to see if its dry an inch or two down. If it is, you can give it some water. This Philodendron is also very forgiving should you forget to water or want to go longer between waterings like during winter.

In the winter months your plant may need less water depending on how dry your home is and if the plant has gone dormant. Our winters are cold and dry so I base my watering on how dry the soil is as opposed to how long its been since I watered it last.

For winter houseplant care tips read this!

Humidity

Normal home humidity seems to work just fine for the Philodendron Selloum and many other philodendrons but adding in extra humidity doesn’t hurt especially if your home is dry. You’ll notice changes in your plants when you provide more humidity in your home. Such as more growth and potentially bigger foliage. If your home is very dry add in a humidifier to help.

Soil

Philodendrons love a well draining soil mix. For a low cost mix take a bag of potting soil and combine it with Orchid Bark and Perlite.

The soil mix for Philodendron Selloum needs to be well-draining, airy, and slightly acidic, mimicking the conditions of its native environment.

Here’s a detailed soil mix recipe:

Ingredients:

2 parts well-draining potting mix (specifically formulated for aroids or tropical plants)
1 part perlite or vermiculite (for added aeration)
1 part orchid bark (for better drainage and moisture retention)
Optional: A handful of sphagnum peat moss (to increase acidity)

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl or container.
Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Use the prepared soil mix to pot your Philodendron Selloum.

The resulting soil mix will provide the ideal balance of drainage, aeration, and moisture retention for your Philodendron Selloum to thrive. Remember to adjust the acidity level by adding more sphagnum peat moss if necessary. The optimal pH range for Philodendron Selloum is between 5.5 and 7.5.

Fertilizing

This Plant loves to be fed during the growing season and isn’t particular about what fertilizer you use. Organic fertilizer tend to be my go to for all plants with my favorite being fish emulsion. Fertilize weekly during the growing season and give an extremely diluted amount during winter.

The best fertilizer for a Philodendron Selloum is a balanced liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20. This means that the fertilizer contains equal amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which are the three essential macronutrients for plant growth. Nitrogen promotes leaf growth, phosphorus encourages root development, and potassium contributes to overall plant health and disease resistance.

More Fertilizer options for the P. Selloum

Miracle-Gro Tropical Houseplant Food: This is a popular and affordable option that is specifically formulated for tropical plants, including Philodendrons. It contains a balanced blend of nutrients, including NPK, as well as micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and manganese.
Espoma Organic Indoor Plant Food: This is an organic fertilizer that is made from natural ingredients such as fish meal, kelp extract, and worm castings. It is a good choice for those who prefer to use organic products.
Osmocote Plus Outdoor & Indoor Smart Release Plant Food: This is a slow-release fertilizer that releases nutrients over a period of six months. This means that you don’t have to fertilize as often, and it also helps to prevent overfertilization.

Here are some additional tips for fertilizing your Philodendron Selloum:

Always water your plant thoroughly before fertilizing. This will help to prevent fertilizer burn.
Apply the fertilizer to the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves and stem.
Do not fertilize a newly transplanted Philodendron Selloum for the first two weeks.
If you see any signs of fertilizer burn, such as brown or crispy leaves, flush the soil with water and reduce or stop fertilizing.

With proper care and fertilization, your Philodendron Selloum will thrive and reward you with its lush foliage and elegant appearance.

Pests and Diseases

Philodendron Selloum is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, or scale insects. If you notice any pests, gently wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For severe infestations, use a neem oil spray or insecticidal soap. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage and avoid waterlogging.

Extras

The Selloum produces aerial roots. The aerial roots can be tucked into the soil or left to cascade across the floor. They can also be cut off if not found aesthetically pleasing or used as a way for propagation.

The Philodendron Selloum is an amazing houseplant. It can grow very large if you provide the proper care. Be sure to provide this plant a prime location in your home because it’s a showstopper!

Happy Gardening