Philodendron Selloum

Philodendron selloum

Layers of rich green, deeply divided leaves makes philodendron selloum the star of South Florida's tropical gardening.

These magnificent, massive plants bring the look of the tropics to any yard. They will grow in sun but do best in a part sun to part or full shade area.

This plant works as a tropical shrub, and may climb a nearby fence or tree (it won't hurt the tree). However, if you want a true climber, try 'Monstera deliciosa' philodendron - sometimes called "Swiss Cheese Plant."

Selloum grows a trunk eventually though you won't see much of it when the leaves droop over each other in dense layers.

These plants also work well in containers by the pool, on a patio or balcony, or even indoors.

If being big, fat and fabulous is too much of a good thing for the planting area you've got, there's a smaller lookalike variety, Hope philodendron, which only grows to 4 feet, and the smaller mounded Xanadu.

This plant contains toxins that can cause harm if ingested. Keep this in mind when placing it if you have any munchers in the family. If you have sensitive skin, wear gloves when handling.

Plant specs

This plant can grow 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 feet or more wide. It's a moderate grower that takes sun or shade but seems to prefer part sun to part shade.

These are tropical plants that do best in Zone 10, though they will do fine in Zone 9B if given cold protection. You can also grow them in large containers to bring inside during cold snaps.

Philodendrons are considered deer-resistant and generally bugs don't like them either.

Plant care

Add composted cow manure to the hole when you plant.

No trimming is needed other than to remove an old leaf and stem. This plant can't be cut back for size, so make sure its ultimate height and width will work in your landscape.

If cold damages an established selloum it may die all the way back but send up new sprouts in spring.

Water regularly but give the plant time to dry out between waterings. Philodendrons cannot take a wet area - they'll rot.

Fertilize 3 times a year - in spring, summer, and autumn - with a quality granular fertilizer.