How to Care for Selloum Philodendron?

A floor plant with a dramatic look and strong, full growth, the selloum philodendron is easy to care for and will grace you with its presence for over 15 years.

It takes this plant 15-20 years to bloom, but many will not bloom at all. Even so, if you want your philodendron to live that long, you must know how to care for it.

The selloum philodendron growing instructions that I put together in this article will help you do just that.

Selloum Philodendron Plant Care Tips

There are over 400 Philodendron varieties, all native to the tropical Americas. Although rainforests are the natural habitat of these plants, many varieties can make great houseplants as well.

The care tips below focus on the philodendron selloum but many of the things I describe below are applicable to philodendron plants in general.

Plant Size

As a floor-standing plant, the philodendron selloum can reach a height of 5 feet. Because of its full and relatively tall growth, it’s best to put this plant in a location where it can take up enough space to grow and expand.

If the plant grows to full, you can prune it to get it back to a size and shape that you want it to be. Remove entire leaves with a sharp and clean knife, cutting them off at the base of the leaf stem.

Light Requirements

The selloum philodendron enjoys evenly distributed, bright, indirect light. Find a location for your plant that fits this description and you’ll ensure a healthy and balanced development.

Place your philodendron near a south-facing or north-facing window making sure that sun rays don’t hit the plant directly. Keep the plant a few feet away from the window.

To make sure that your philodendron gets evenly distributed light, rotate it container every few days, otherwise the part that doesn’t get enough light may grow towards the light resulting in a slanted stem.

Watering

Water your philodendron slowly but deeply, so water reaches the root zone of the plant. Philodendron selloum likes its oil moist but not soggy, so keep this in mind when checking if your plant needs watering.

You can use the finger dip test to check the state of the soil and monitor the watering needs of your philodendron.

Because a variety of factors can influence the watering frequency of your plant (e.g. humidity, temperature, seasonal changes, etc.), you’ll need to rely on assessing the health status of your plant and the dryness of the soil rather than adhering to a pre-set watering schedule.

Depending on external factors, you may need to water your philodendron only once a week or every other week.

Start by watering weekly and see how the plant develops and how quickly the soil dries out to the point that you need to water the plant again.

Temperature & Humidity

Selloum Philodendron (source – CC BY-SA 4.0)

The typical temperature in most homes makes a hospitable environment to the philodendron. Temperatures around 77 F are the sweet spot for these plants.

Anything below 55 F will result in damage to the plant. So will cold drafts, sudden temperature changes and direct exposure to AC or heating vents.

While the temperature range in our homes will satisfy the needs of the philodendron selloum, the humidity levels available in most homes will fail to keep this plant happy.

Therefore, artificially increasing humidity is going to be useful if the air in your home is too dry. There are various methods to achieve ideal humidity levels for philodendrons including misting the plant, using a tray of pebbles with water and placing it under the pot without immersing it into water, or simply using a humidifier.

Soil Type

A soil that drains well and is high in organic matter is the best for philodendrons. Whether it’s 100% sphagnum peat moss or soil mixes that contain orchid bark, peat, perlite will work best.

Fertilizing

You can use diluted houseplant fertilizer monthly during the growing season, but be advised that too much fertilizer can cause nutrient build-up in the soil and leads to toxicity, which looks a lot like leaf burn.

Therefore, don’t overdo the feeding. Go by the ‘less is more’ principle and see how the plant does. It’s unlikely to need extra nutrients if it’s keeping conditions are optimal.

Potting & Repotting

Since the selloum philodendron is not a climbing variety, you don’t need to worry about it growing out of control. Repot every 2-3 years, or when it becomes top heavy.

Selloum Philodendron Propagation

When pruning your philodendron, look for stem cuttings with an intact leaf node. Root the stem cutting in water or in moist soil. It only takes a few weeks for roots to form.

Different Types of Philodendron Plants

With at least 450 documented philodendron varieties, there’s no shortage of choice if philodendrons are something you see completing your home.

But not all varieties are suitable for indoor growing and not all can be found in garden centers.

Here are a few that do make great houseplants and you’re very likely to find them in the garden centers of your area:

– Philodendron Scandens (Sweetheart Philodendron)

With heart-shaped leaves and climbing vines, this is a variety that you’ll come across often in garden centers. It’s a climbing variety, so it’s great for those that aren’t looking for a floor-standing model.

– Spade Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum)

With deep green and glossy leaves, the spade leaf philodendron is available in variegated versions too. Its leaves can grow to 24 inches.

– Philodendron Bipinnatifidum

The deeply lobed leaves of this philodendron variety confers the plant a dramatic look. This philodendron grows large and it’s a floor-standing plant. It likes to be kept near sunny windows partly filtered by curtains.

– Philodendron Melanochrysum

This philodendron variety is a climbing one and one of its special features is the long, deep green, velvety leaves the plant produces.

– Philodendron Congo Rojo

The Congo Rojo philodendron produces burgundy to dark green leaves and red, white and green fragrant flowers. It shoots deep red unfurling leaves, hence the evocative name.

Selloum Philodendron FAQs

Although the philodendron is a plant that doesn’t require a lot of upkeep, it’s still best to make sure you meet all its requirements, so you can enjoy its lush greenery for many years to come.

The FAQs below complement some of the knowledge I imparted with you in this article and help you take better care of your philodendron selloum.

Is the Selloum Philodendron Toxic for Pets?

Yes, the selloum philodendron is a highly poisonous plant to pets. If you have pets, it’s best you find a pet-friendlier houseplant.

Seeing how it takes up noticeable space in your home, it’s hard to imagine you can keep it locked away from any curious pets.

When pruning this plant, it’s best to wear gloves and long-sleeved shirts to avoid any skin irritation caused by the plant sap.

Why are the Leaves on my Selloum Philodendron Turning Yellow?

If the leaves of your philodendron are turning yellow or pale green, it’s likely because the plant is getting too much light, which shouldn’t be a bad thing in theory, unless the plant is getting blasted by direct sunlight.

Move your philodendron to a different location that is bright, but where it doesn’t get hit directly by sunlight.

Is the Philodendron Selloum susceptible to diseases?

Compared to other houseplants, philodendron selloum plants aren’t more vulnerable to diseases. They get affected by mealybugs, scale, spider mites and aphids just as other houseplants are.

The same prevention mechanisms and pest control mechanisms that are applicable to other common houseplants, work great for the philodendron selloum as well.

What are the Dark Patches on the Leaves of My Philodendron Selloum?

Dark patches and rotting leaves are the signs of bacterial blight disease that will cause the leaves to rot and fall off.

To prevent this disease from wreaking havoc among your houseplants you should follow a few simple rules like avoiding watering the plant from overhead and making sure the leaves are kept clean and dry.

It’s also a good idea to isolate any plant that shows signs of diseases or pests, so that they don’t overtake all your other plants.

When does the Philodendron Selloum Bloom?

It can take two decades for the philodendron to bloom, but some may not even bloom at all. But the flower itself isn’t too spectacular and it’s housed inside a spathe, being easily mistaken for a leaf that just emerges.

Conclusion

If you have a large room and you need some greenery to fill out certain spaces, the selloum philodendron is an excellent floor-standing plant that will certainly take up the extra space in your home.

As for its care, make sure it’s not blasted by direct sunlight, check that the soil is slightly moist and avoid temperature fluctuations and exposure to hot or cold air.

Remember that the philodendron is a humidity-loving plant and create a humid environment for it whenever the air in your home becomes too dry for the philodendron.