Lacy Tree Philodendron (Philodendron selloum) Indoor Care, Propagation & Common Problems

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Philodendron selloum also called Lacy Tree Philodendron or 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. Like its relatives Philodendron 'Summer Glory' and Philodendron selloum 'Sun Red', it is a non-climbing, upright bush which is 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.

How big do Lacy Tree Philodendrons get?

Indoors, Lacy Tree Philodendrons 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 popular tree-like plants for sprucing up the home.

Flower

Lacy Tree Philodendron is unlikely to flower indoors. Flowering occurs in mature plants (more than 10 years) only. The inflorescence consists of a white spathe surrounding a cream-colored spadix, typical of the Araceae family.

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.

Is Lacy Tree Philodendron an air purifier?

Yes. According to the NASA Clean Air Study, Lacy Tree Philodendron was found to be among the air-purifying plants and gets rid of trichloethylene from indoor air.

Is Philodendron selloum toxic?

Yes. As indicated by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Philodendron selloum 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 Philodendron to your plant collection, you may obtain them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy) or from Amazon (Link to Amazon).

How Care for Lacy Tree Philodendron Indoors

To care for Lacy Tree Philodendron indoors, give it medium to bright indirect light, warmth of 18-26⁰C, humidity of 55-65% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil 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

How often should I water my Lacy Tree Philodendron?

Do not water Philodendron selloum on a schedule to prevent either overwatering or underwatering both of which are detrimental to the growth of the plant.

Water Lacy Tree Philodendron thoroughly in spring and summer while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Keep the soil moderately moist but never soggy to prevent rotting of stems, drooping and yellowing of leaves, and leaf loss.

Reduce watering in fall and winter as growth is minimal at this time. But do not allow the soil to dry out completely to prevent wilting, drooping, yellowing leaves and leaf drop.

Tree Philodendron cannot tolerate soggy soil. Therefore, ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent sogginess which can lead to root-rot and death of the plant.

Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots of this tropical plant as it can result in stunted growth and leaf loss. In addition, make sure that the water is chlorine-free to avoid leaf spots, yellowing, leaf drop and plant death.

Light Requirements

How much light does a Lacy Tree Philodendron need?

Lacy Tree Philodendron needs medium to bright indirect light (filtered light); place it near a large, bright, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunlight or instal a light curtain to diffuse the sunrays to prevent scorching of the leaves.

If the lighting is not adequate, the plant will start stretching, becoming leggy and the leaves may droop. Therefore, use a full spectrum grow light to supplement the natural light.

Regularly turn the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and avoid leggy and lopsided growth.

Temperature & Humidity

Lacy Tree Philodendron prefers a warmth of 18-26⁰C. Keep it away from sources of drafts like AC units, hot air vents, windy doors, drafty windows among others to prevent reduced growth, yellowing, drooping, wilting and leaf drop.

Tree Philodendron likes a humidity of 55-65% to prevent browning of 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, use a cool mist humidifier, group the plants together or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom, kitchen and other humid areas in the home. Make sure there is good ventilation to avoid fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

What is the best fertilizer for Lacy Tree Philodendron?

Feed your Lacy Tree Philodendron with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks in spring and summer to promote a lush growth. Avoid too much fertilizer as it can lead to leggy growth and yellowing.

Do not feed in the cold season (fall and winter) as growth is minimal at this time and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn and death of the plant.

Potting Soil

What kind of soil does Lacy Tree Philodendron like?

The best soil for Lacy Tree Philodendron should be a slightly acidic to neutral (PH 5.5 to 7.5), aerated and well-draining soil to prevent root rot and compaction. A blend of 50% potting soil, 30% peat moss or coconut coir, and 20% perlite or orchid bark is perfect.

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 plant from toppling over as it can become top-heavy. Check out these ceramic pots with drainage holes on Amazon.

Pruning & Grooming

Pruning Lacy Tree Philodendron involves:

• Removal of yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and minimize pest and disease infestations.


• Cutting back leggy stems at the beginning of the growing season to rejuvenate growth and encourage a bushy, compact growth.

Ocassioanally clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and also to discourage pest infestation.

Lacy Tree Philodendron Propagation

Lacy Tree Philodendron is propagated from stem cuttings during the growing season (late spring to early summer) when the plant is actively growing.

Propagating Lacy Tree Philodendron from stem cuttings

1. Take a stem cutting of about 4-5 inches long from a healthy plant.


2. Select a 6 or 8 inches pot and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid rotting.


3. Fill the pot with well-drained, potting mix and moisten the soil slightly.


4. Make a hole in the center of the pot and ensure it is wider that the base of the cutting.


5. Insert 2-3 inches of the lower cut end of the cutting in the hole made above.


6. Position the set up in a warm, brightly lit spot away from direct sunlight.


7. Maintain the soil moist through out until the new plant are well established.


8. Once well established, repot the new plants into a pot 1 size larger than the current one in well-draining soil.


9. Place the new plants in a warm spot under bright indirect light and begin routine care.

Philodendron selloum Problems & Solutions

Lacy Tree Philodendron problems are plant dying, yellow leaves, brown leaves, brown leaf tips and edges, rotting stems, diseases and pests among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Plant dying

Why is my Lacy Tree Philodendron dying?

Your Lacy Tree Philodendron is dying due to root-rot disease which is prevalent in soggy soil. The disease is characterized by yellowing and browning followed by plant collapse.

How to fix it

1. Slip the plant out of its pot, trim rotten roots, and treat the healthy roots with a copper-based fungicidal solution as recommended by the manufacturer.


2. Repot the plant in well-draining soil and keep it dry for 5-7 days before watering to help it recover.


3. Use a pot with a drainage hole and free-draining soil to prevent the soil from getting soggy.

Yellow leaves

Why is my Lacy Tree Philodendron turning yellow?

Some of the causes of yellow leaves on your Lacy Tree Philodendron are too little light, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, direct sunlight, nutrient deficiency, aging among others.

How to fix it

Too little light: Position the plant in a brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or instal a grow light if you do not have enough light in your home.

Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule; water only when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry.

Soggy soil: Use a well-draining potting soil and a pot that has a drainage hole.

Direct sunlight: Keep the plant away from direct sunlight or filter the sunlight with a light curtain or sheer curtain.

Nutrient deficiency: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks in spring and summer.

Aging: As the plant matures, the old leaves to turn yellow and drop.

Brown leaves

What causes browning of leaves on Lacy Tree Philodendron?

Some of the causes of brown leaves on Lacy Tree Philodendron are direct sunlight, low humidity or inconsistent watering.

How to fix it

Direct sunlight: Keep the plant away from direct sunlight or instal a light curtain or sheer to filter the sunlight.

Low humidity: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier or group the plants together.

Inconsistent watering: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry but never allow the soil to dry out completely.

Brown papery leaf tips & edges

Brown papery leaf tips and edges on Lacy Tree Philodendron are caused by dry air or being pot-bound.

How to fix it

Dry air: To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a humidifier.

Being pot-bound:. Repot the plant every 2-3 years into a pot 1-2 sizes larger.

Leggy growth

Leggy growth and small pale leaves on Lacy Tree Philodendron is caused by too little light and overfeeding.

How to fix it

Too little light: Move the plant to a more brighter spot or instal a grow light if the natural light is inadequate.

Overfeeding: Take care not to overfeed; fertilize monthly in spring and summer, do not feed in fall and winter.

Rotting stems

Rotting stems on Lacy Tree Philodendron are an indication of 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.

Pests

Common pests of Lacy Tree Philodendron are mealybugs, scales and aphids which are prevalent in dry conditions.

How to fix it

1. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants.
2. Treat the affected plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per the manufacturer's recommendations.


3. Regularly check underneath and between the leaves for these pests and carry out timely control measures.


4. Maintain the plant well pruned to discourage the pests.


5. Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or group the plants together to elevate humidity to reduce the pests infestations.

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