Lacy Tree Philodendron (Philodendron selloum) Indoor Care, Propagation and Growing Problems
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Lacy Tree Philodendron (Philodendron selloum) thrives in medium to bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Philodendron selloum also called Tree Philodendron is one of the easy-care, non-climbing, large, Philodendron varieties and is most impressive in a large space.
The leaves are simple, large, deeply lobed, ruffle-edged, usually drooping and dark green in color. The trunk is relatively thick and woody with characteristic "eye-drop" leaf scars.
Tree Philodendron produces aerial roots from the stems and these root have an important part to play. Push them into the soil to provide moisture for the upper leaves. Flowers rarely appear under room conditions.
Philodendron selloum is also known by the botanical names Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum and Philodendron bipinnatifidum.
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum and its relatives Philodendron 'Summer Glory' and Philodendron selloum 'Sun Red' are non-climbing, upright bushes which are spectacular in a pot. Use a moss pole to give it support and encourage growth of the large, beautiful leaves.
Botanical name: Philodendron selloum
Synonyms: Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, Philodendron bipinnatifidum
Family: Araceae
Common names: Lacy Tree Philodendron, Tree Philodendron, Splitleaf Philodendron
Origin
Philodendron selloum is native to South America in Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay. In its tropical natural habitat, Tree Philodendron is known for its ease in covering land mass and typically spreads out its tree-like trunk from between 8-10 feet.
Size
Tree Philodendron can grow to a height of 5-6 feet. The leaves can grow up to 2 feet long and are attached to long smooth petioles about 2 feet long. It is one of the best tree-like plants to spruce up the home.
Air Cleaning
According to the NASA Clean Air Study, Lacy Tree Philodendron was found to be among the best air-purifying plants and gets rid of trichloethylene from indoor air.
Varieties
One common variant of Philodendron selloum is Philodendron bipinnatifidum 'Hope' also called Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum 'Hope' which is a shorter plant, maturing at the height of about 4 feet. Its leaves are slightly smaller about 1.5 feet long, smooth-edged and more solid, attached to 1.5 feet long petioles.
Another common variant of Philodendron selloum is Philodendron bipinnatifidum 'Xanadu' also called Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum 'Xanandu' which has a mounding growth habit.
A look-alike plant but quite different from Philodendron selloum is Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) whose leaves have holes rather than the seperated lobes in Philodendron selloum.
Toxicity
As indicated by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Lacy Tree Philodendron is toxic to both humans and pets. It contains Calcium oxalate crystals which if ingested, can cause burning and swelling in the mouth and throat, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pains. Keep the plant from the reach of children and pets.
Where to Buy
If you are looking to add this tree-like Philodendrons to your plant collection, you may obtain them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy) or from Amazon (Link to Amazon).
Philodendron selloum Care Indoors
Lacy Tree Philodendron (Philodendron selloum) likes medium to bright indirect light (dappled light), average warmth of 18-260C, humidity of 55-65% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, aroids potting mix coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Philodendron selloum requires regular pruning to keep the plant neat, to encourage a compact, bushy growth and to rejuvenate growth. Repotting is needed every 2-3 years to provide adequate space for growth. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
Water Lacy Tree Philodendron thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist.
Reduce watering during the cold period as growth is minimal at this time but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Tree Philodendron cannot tolerate soggy soil. Therefore, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot and death of the plant.
Light Requirements
Lacy Tree Philodendron grows best in medium to bright indirect light (filtered light). Keep it away from hot direct sunlight to prevent scorching of the leaves.
If the lighting is not adequate, the plant will not grow properly and may drop its leaves. Therefore, you may use grow lights to supplement it. Take a look at these full spectrum grow lights available on Amazon.
Regularly turn the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and avoid leggy and lopsided growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Lacy Tree Philodendron prefers average warmth of 18-260C. Keep it away from cold and hot drafts as they can cause leaf drop and reduced growth.
Lacy Tree Philodendron prefers a humidity of 55-65% to prevent brown leaf edges and tips. However, it can withstand dry air for short periods of time.
To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom, kitchen and other humid areas in the home.
Ocassioanally clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and also to discourage pest infestation. Make sure that there is good ventilation to avoid fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Feed Lacy Tree Philodendron every 4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer for lush growth. Do not feed in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn.
Potting Mix
The best potting mix for Lacy Tree Philodendron should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Aroids and all purpose potting mixes are ideal for this plant.
Repotting
Repot Lacy Tree Philodendron every 2-3 years during the growing period. Use a pot that is 1 size larger than the current one. Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot.
Use a heavy container to prevent the Tree Philodendron from toppling over as it can become top-heavy. Check out these ceramic pots with drainage holes on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Lacy Tree Philodendron involves removal of yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and minimize pest and disease infestations. Cutback leggy stems at the beginning of the growing season to rejuvenate growth and encourage a bushy, compact growth. Learn more on how to prune houseplants.
Propagation
Lacy Tree Philodendron (Philodendron selloum) is easily propagated during the growing season from stem cuttings.
How to propagate Lacy Tree Philodendron from stem cuttings
Take a stem cutting of about 4-5 inches long. from a healthy Lacy Tree Philodendron.
Insert the cutting in moist, free-draining soil and pLace the set up in a warm, well-lit place.
Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges. Allow the new Tree Philodendron to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.
Philodendron selloum Problems
Lacy Tree Philodendron (Philodendron selloum) growing problems are yellow leaves, dropping leaves, brown leaf tips and edges, rotting, weeping at leaf tips, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Pests
Common pests in Lacy Tree Philodendron are mealybugs, scales and aphids. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Rotting stems
The reason for rotting stems in Lacy Tree Philodendron is the fungal stem-rot disease which is promoted by high moisture and too little warmth. You can save the plant by repotting and keeping the soil dry and warm for a period of time before watering it again.
Leggy growth with small pale leaves
Too little light is the cause of leggy growth and small pale leaves as Lacy Tree Philodendron will not thrive in shady conditions. Move the plant to a more brighter spot where it will receive bright to partial light or instal a grow light if the natural light is inadequate. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Weeping at the leaf tips
If the soil is too wet, Lacy Tree Philodendron will respond with leaves weeping at the tips. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings and reduce frequency of watering to avoid getting the soil too wet. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is well-drained to avoid getting the soil soggy (too wet). Learn more on how to water houseplants correctly.
Dropping leaves
As the lower leaves of Lacy Tree Philodendron age they drop but if there is an abnormal leaf drop, the reason is sudden change of growing conditions. Avoid moving the plant to a new position before acclimatizing it gradually to avoid leaf drop.
If the leaves turn brown and dry before they drop, then, too high temperature is the cause of leaf drop. Lacy Tree Philodendron prefers an average warmth of 18-260C. Protect it from drafts from windy doors, air conditioning units, hot air vents, hot air sources among others. Check out this guide on understanding temperature for houseplants.
Yellowing leaves
Overwatering Lacy Tree Philodendron is the reason for yellowing leaves if many leaves are affected and there are signs of wilting and rotting. The remedy is to water the plant thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry a little between waterings.
If there is no wilting and rotting, underfeeding is the cause of yellowing leaves in your Lacy Tree Philodendron. Remedy the situation by feeding the plant every 4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer. Withhold feeding in the cold season to avoid fertilizer burn. Learn how to feed houseplants.
If only lower leaves are affected and have dark spots and new leaves are dark and small, then underwatering is the cause of the yellowing leaves. The solution is to water the plant thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry a little between waterings but never allow the soil to dry out completely.
If leaves are pale colored and have straw-colored patches the cause of yellowing leaves is too much sunlight. Keep the plant away from direct sunlight or place it in a shaded place.
Brown papery leaf tips and edges
There are two possible causes of brown papery leaf tips and edges in Lacy Tree Philodendron. One possible cause of brown papery leaf tips and edges is dry air. To remedy the problem, set the pot on a wet pebble tray to raise humidity. You may also grow the plant in the humid areas in the home like a well-lit bathroom, kitchen and laundry area. Read more on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
The second possible cause of brown papery leaf tips and edges in Tree Philodendron is that the plant may be pot-bound. Repot the plant into a pot 1 size larger. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
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