Selloum Plant Care: Growing the Tree Philodendron

What Is the Selloum Plant?

The selloum plant is a dramatic tropical species that adds instant jungle character to any Philippine garden. Known scientifically as Philodendron bipinnatifidum (formerly Philodendron selloum), this self-heading philodendron produces large, deeply lobed leaves that spread outward from a central trunk.

Unlike climbing philodendrons, the selloum grows as a tree-like clump. Each mature leaf features deep, wavy cuts along the edges, creating an intricate silhouette. In the warm Philippine climate, selloum plants grow vigorously and produce new leaves throughout the year.

Filipino landscapers frequently use selloum plants as garden focal points, poolside accents, and tropical border plantings. Smaller specimens also work well as indoor statement plants in spacious living rooms and lobbies.

Light Requirements

Selloum plants prefer bright indirect light but adapt to a wide range of conditions. In the Philippines, they grow best under filtered sunlight or in spots that receive morning sun with afternoon shade.

• Outdoor ideal: Partial shade under trees or beside buildings
• Indoor ideal: Near a large window with filtered light
• Full sun tolerance: Mature plants handle full morning sun but scorch in afternoon heat
• Low light: Survives but produces smaller, less-lobed leaves

Plants grown in too much shade become leggy with long, thin stems. Those in too much direct sun develop brown patches on the leaves. Find the middle ground for the healthiest growth.

Watering Your Selloum

Water your selloum plant when the top 5 cm of soil feels dry. This typically means watering every 5 to 7 days during the Philippine dry season and every 7 to 10 days during the rainy season.

• Water deeply until it flows from drainage holes
• Never let the plant sit in standing water
• Outdoor selloums in the ground need less supplemental watering during the rainy season
• Potted selloums dry out faster and need more frequent checks

Selloums are moderately drought-tolerant once established. However, consistently dry soil leads to smaller leaves with less dramatic lobing. Keep the soil evenly moist for the best leaf development.

Best Soil for Selloum Plants

Selloum plants need rich, well-draining soil that mimics the forest floor of their native habitat. Heavy, compacted soil causes root rot and stunted growth.

Recommended Potting Mix

• 40% quality loam soil
• 30% compost or aged manure
• 20% perlite or carbonised rice hull
• 10% orchid bark or coconut husk chunks

For Ground Planting

Amend the planting hole with compost and rice hull to improve drainage. Philippine clay soils benefit from adding coarse sand and organic matter. Mound the soil slightly to prevent water pooling around the trunk base.

Feeding and Fertilising

Selloum plants are moderate feeders that respond well to regular fertilising during the growing season. Feed every 2 to 3 weeks from April to October with a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength.

• Use balanced fertiliser such as 14-14-14 or 10-10-10
• Apply slow-release granular fertiliser every 3 months as an alternative
• Reduce feeding to monthly during cooler months (November to March)
• Yellow lower leaves combined with slow growth may signal nitrogen deficiency

Pruning and Maintenance

Selloum plants benefit from regular pruning to maintain shape and remove damaged growth. The tropical Philippine climate promotes fast leaf production, so pruning keeps plants tidy.

• Remove yellow, brown, or damaged leaves by cutting at the base of the stem
• Trim aerial roots that become unsightly (these are normal and not harmful)
• Cut back overgrown plants in early spring before the main growing season
• Wear gloves when pruning. Selloum sap contains calcium oxalate crystals that irritate skin.

How to Propagate

Propagate selloum plants through stem cuttings or by separating offsets (pups) from the base of mature plants.

Stem Cutting Method

1. Select a healthy stem section with at least 2 nodes and 1 leaf.
2. Cut with a clean, sharp blade. Let the cut dry for 24 hours.
3. Plant in moist perlite and loam mix. Keep in bright indirect light.
4. Maintain moisture. Roots develop within 3 to 6 weeks.

Division Method

1. Identify offsets growing from the base of a mature plant.
2. Carefully separate the offset with its own roots from the mother plant.
3. Pot in fresh soil mix and water thoroughly.
4. Keep in shade for 2 weeks while the division establishes.

Common Problems

Yellow Leaves

Overwatering is the primary cause. Reduce watering and improve soil drainage. Old lower leaves yellow naturally as new growth appears at the top.

Brown Leaf Edges

Low humidity or underwatering causes brown, crispy edges. Mist the leaves regularly and ensure consistent watering. In air-conditioned rooms, use a pebble tray for added humidity.

Leggy Growth

Insufficient light causes stretched, weak stems with small leaves. Move the plant to a brighter location. Outdoor selloums in deep shade should be relocated to a spot with dappled sunlight.

Root Rot

Soggy soil kills selloum roots. Ensure pots have adequate drainage holes. For ground-planted selloums, improve soil drainage with sand and organic amendments. Affected plants need immediate repotting in dry, fresh soil.

Mealybugs and Scale

Check leaf undersides and stem joints regularly. Treat infestations with neem oil spray (5 ml per litre of water) applied weekly. Wipe individual pests with rubbing alcohol for targeted control.

For more philodendron varieties, explore our philodendron plant guide.

Frequently Asked Questions