Philodendron selloum

Philodendron selloum (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, syn. Philodendron bipinnatifidum; tree philodendron) spreads deeply cut, glossy leaves into a wide, tropical mound. Offered in matte black, brushed silver, or seagrass basket. It arrives in its grower's pot set inside a sealed planter, ready to place.

Details

• Size: About 3 1/2' tall
• Planter: Matte black, brushed silver, or seagrass basket
• Light: Bright, indirect light, or a little direct sun on the leaves; not for dim rooms
• Pets: The ASPCA lists philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs
• Best for: Bright living rooms, lofts, and sunlit corners with space to spread
• Care: Easy

Grown, delivered, guaranteed

Prepared at the Interior Foliage Design greenhouse, 47-47 58th St, Woodside, NY 11377. Free pickup at our Woodside greenhouse, usually ready within 24 hours, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM. Delivery is $45 to Long Island City, Astoria, Sunnyside, Woodside, Greenpoint, Maspeth, Hunters Point, West Williamsburg and Manhattan below 125th Street; $125 to the rest of Brooklyn and Queens and Manhattan above 125th Street; $195 to Westchester, Nassau, western Suffolk through Riverhead, Greenwich and New Canaan; and $295 to the East End and Bergen, Hudson, Essex and Passaic counties in New Jersey. Every plant carries our 48-hour replacement guarantee; live plants are not returnable (refund policy). Our family has sold plants in New York since the 1970s, and Interior Foliage Design was incorporated in 1980.

Watering

Press a finger an inch or two into the soil. When it feels dry at that depth, give a modest, measured amount of room-temperature water, enough to moisten the root ball, never a flood. The sealed planter keeps your floors dry, so a little at a time is always the better choice. In winter, when growth slows, water less often.

Why the selloum makes a room feel tropical

NC State Extension describes the tree philodendron as native to Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina, growing 4 to 10 feet tall and wider still in nature. Indoors its broad, split leaves give a bright room the lush layering of a garden.

FAQ

How much space does it need? It grows wider than it is tall, so give it a spot where the leaves can spread.

What light is best? Bright, indirect light, or a few hours of gentle sun. It is not a low-light plant.

Is it pet-safe? No. The ASPCA lists philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs.