Philodendron Selloum Live Plant – 1 Foot Tall, Ships in 6″ Pot

Overview

Introduce a touch of the tropics to your living space with the magnificent Philodendron Selloum live plant. Also widely known as the split-leaf philodendron or Philodendron ‘Hope’, this popular tropical foliage plant is cherished for its dramatic, deeply dissected, glossy green leaves. Unlike vining philodendrons, the Philodendron Selloum live plant grows in an upright, mounding shrub form, developing a thick, woody trunk as it matures, adding to its architectural appeal. Originating from the rainforests of South America, this plant brings an exotic, lush feel to any room or patio. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a vibrant, low-maintenance statement piece that offers both beauty and a sense of tranquility.

As a prominent member of the Araceae family, the Philodendron bipinnatifidum (its botanical name) is renowned for its resilience and adaptability, making it a fantastic addition for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. Its impressive size and unique leaf structure create an immediate focal point, enhancing indoor décor or outdoor shaded areas. This particular offering provides a healthy, established specimen, approximately 1 foot tall, ready to flourish in its new home.

Key Benefits

The Philodendron Selloum live plant offers numerous advantages beyond its striking appearance, making it a highly desirable choice for plant lovers. Its robust nature and aesthetic appeal contribute significantly to a healthier and more beautiful environment.

• Dramatic Foliage: Features large, deeply lobed, glossy green leaves that create an instant tropical ambiance. The unique ‘split’ appearance of the leaves develops with maturity, adding an exotic and sophisticated touch to any setting.
• Air Purification: Like many philodendrons, the Philodendron Selloum live plant is known to help purify indoor air by removing common toxins, contributing to a fresher and healthier indoor environment.
• Statement Plant: Its impressive size and distinctive form make it a perfect focal point in larger rooms, offices, or outdoor shaded areas. It commands attention and elevates the aesthetic of its surroundings.
• Relatively Low Maintenance: Once established, this plant is quite forgiving and requires minimal fuss, making it suitable for busy individuals or those new to plant care. It tolerates a range of conditions, as long as its basic needs are met.
• Adaptable Growth: While it can grow quite large outdoors in tropical climates, it remains a manageable size indoors, typically reaching 6-8 feet tall, making it versatile for various spaces.
• Long Lifespan: With proper care, a Philodendron Selloum live plant can thrive for many years, becoming a long-term, cherished part of your plant collection.
• Tropical Appeal: Instantly transforms any space into a lush, tropical oasis, perfect for creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. It’s a great way to introduce a touch of nature’s grandeur into your home.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Philodendron Selloum live plant is straightforward, ensuring it remains a vibrant and thriving part of your collection. Understanding its specific needs will help you cultivate a robust and beautiful specimen. This split leaf philodendron thrives in conditions that mimic its native rainforest environment.

Sunlight Requirements

The Philodendron Selloum live plant prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, as this can scorch its leaves. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning sun. If placed outdoors, ensure it is in a shaded or partially shaded location. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and smaller leaves, while too much direct sun can cause yellowing and burnt spots. Rotate the plant periodically to ensure even growth and leaf development.

Watering Schedule and Soil Moisture

Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Allow excess water to drain completely from the pot’s bottom. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a common issue for many houseplants. Conversely, prolonged drought can cause wilting and brown leaf tips. Reduce watering during winter months when the plant’s growth slows down. Good drainage is crucial for healthy root development.

Soil Type and Drainage Requirements

A well-draining, rich potting mix is essential for a healthy Philodendron Selloum live plant. A mix formulated for aroids or tropical plants, often containing peat moss, perlite, and pine bark, works well. This type of soil provides good aeration and retains adequate moisture without becoming waterlogged. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent standing water.

Temperature Range and USDA Hardiness Zone

This tropical plant thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Protect it from temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as it is not frost-tolerant. If grown outdoors, it is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11. Indoors, avoid placing it near cold drafts from windows or air conditioning vents. Consistent warmth and humidity will encourage vigorous growth.

Fertilization Schedule and Type

Feed your Philodendron Selloum live plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during its active growing season (spring and summer). Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to prevent nutrient burn. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter. A slow-release granular fertilizer can also be used at the beginning of the growing season. Proper feeding supports lush foliage and overall plant health, helping your philodendron hope plant to flourish.

Common Problems and Solutions

Watch for common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale, especially in dry environments. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiency, while brown, crispy edges often point to low humidity or underwatering. Adjust your care routine accordingly to address these issues promptly. Regular observation is key to a thriving tropical foliage plant.

Size & Details

This offering includes one healthy Philodendron Selloum live plant, expertly grown and cared for. Each plant measures approximately 1 foot tall from the base of the pot to the top of its foliage, providing a substantial start for your collection. It is shipped securely in a 6-inch nursery pot, ensuring its roots are well-established and ready for transplanting or continued growth in its current container. While outdoors in tropical climates, this plant can reach an impressive 15 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide, its indoor growth is typically more contained, reaching about 6-8 feet in height, making it a manageable yet impactful indoor specimen. The growth rate is moderate, allowing you to enjoy its development over time. This particular plant is a young, vigorous example of a philodendron hope plant, ready to mature into a stunning display.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: Outdoors in tropical climates, the Philodendron Selloum live plant can grow up to 15 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide. Indoors, it typically reaches a more manageable height of about 6-8 feet, making it a perfect large houseplant.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: This Philodendron Selloum live plant is shipped in a 6-inch nursery pot, providing a good foundation for its initial growth. You may choose to repot it into a slightly larger decorative pot upon arrival.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: It can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It thrives outdoors in tropical or subtropical climates (USDA Zones 9-11) in shaded areas. Indoors, it makes an excellent houseplant, requiring bright, indirect light.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: The Philodendron Selloum live plant prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct, intense sunlight, especially in the afternoon, as it can scorch the leaves. Filtered light or a location with morning sun is ideal.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, it is considered relatively easy to care for. It’s a forgiving plant that tolerates some neglect, making it suitable for beginners and those looking for a low-maintenance but high-impact plant.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your Philodendron Selloum live plant will arrive as a healthy, established specimen, approximately 1 foot tall, securely packaged in its 6-inch nursery pot to ensure safe transit.
• Q: Is it shipped in soil? A: Yes, the plant is shipped actively growing in its 6-inch nursery pot with its established soil, minimizing transplant shock and ensuring it’s ready to thrive.
• Q: Is this a vining philodendron? A: No, the Philodendron Selloum live plant is a mounding, shrub-like philodendron, not a vining type. It grows upright and develops a sturdy trunk over time.
• Q: What’s the minimum temperature this plant can tolerate? A: This tropical plant is sensitive to cold and should be protected from temperatures below 50°F (10°C). It is not frost-tolerant.
• Q: How often should I water my selloum plant? A: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Ensure good drainage and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.