Full Specimen Plate
Philodendron bipinnatifidum 'Selloum'
Tree Philodendron
- Coir Moss Pole, 120cm (4-Pack)Coco coir totem for climbing aroids to root into as they grow upward.
- Natural Rooting Powder, 3 x 75gRooting hormone powder for stem and leaf cuttings.
- Precision Bonsai Pruning Scissors, 200mmFine-bladed snips for clean node cuts when taking a cutting.
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7cm Target Price
£6.00
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (syn. Philodendron bipinnatifidum 'Selloum') Morphology
About Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (syn. Philodendron bipinnatifidum 'Selloum')
Philodendron bipinnatifidum (sold almost universally under its old cultivar name 'Selloum') is a massive, self-heading terrestrial aroid native to South America's subtropical forests. Unlike most Philodendron, it never climbs: instead it slowly builds a thick, semi-woody trunk at ground level, from which enormous, deeply pinnately-lobed leaves radiate on long petioles. Given years and space it can spread several metres across, making it a favourite for large conservatories, atriums, and frost-free gardens rather than windowsills. Despite its eventual scale it is remarkably undemanding, tolerating a wide range of light and, once established outdoors, brief cool spells that would kill more tender aroids.
Native Range
Brazil
Market Hub
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (syn. Philodendron bipinnatifidum 'Selloum') Sold Prices & Live Market
What the Target Price above is based on: eBay sold prices by plant size, live listings, and retailer stock.
No eBay sales recorded yet. Sold listings are collected as they appear on eBay.
Before You Buy
Species-specific things to check when evaluating a listing
- Consider mature size carefully before buying; this species genuinely outgrows most indoor rooms within a few years
- Check for a firm, undamaged base with no soft or rotten tissue
- Widely available and inexpensive; be wary of collector-level prices
- Sap can cause skin/mouth irritation; handle cuttings with care around pets and children
Propagation Guide
How to Propagate Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (syn. Philodendron bipinnatifidum 'Selloum')
Propagation Guide
How to Propagate Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (syn. Philodendron bipinnatifidum 'Selloum')
3-6 months
Cultivar character is preserved through vegetative cuttings
Mature plants produce basal offsets that can be separated once rooted. Older specimens can also be air-layered along the trunk, since aerial roots readily form at the nodes.
Care Guide
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (syn. Philodendron bipinnatifidum 'Selloum') Care Guide & Growing Conditions
Care Guide
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (syn. Philodendron bipinnatifidum 'Selloum') Care Guide & Growing Conditions
Well-draining, moisture-retentive mix: 40% potting compost, 30% perlite, 20% orchid bark, 10% coarse sand.
Water when the top 4-5 cm of substrate is dry. Reduce frequency in winter or cooler weather.
Tolerates average household humidity; grows lusher outdoors in humid climates.
Balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength monthly during the growing season; this is a fast, hungry grower.
Annually while young, given its rapid growth; established outdoor specimens are usually planted in the ground.
Common Problems
Outgrowing its space
Underestimating mature size; this is one of the largest commonly sold Philodendron
Plan for eventual scale; suited to large rooms, conservatories, or frost-free outdoor beds rather than small indoor spaces
Yellowing lower leaves
Natural shedding as the trunk lengthens, or overwatering
Some lower-leaf loss is normal with age; check substrate moisture if it seems excessive
Field Reference
In the Wild
Field Reference
In the Wild
Field Notes
A Plant That Outgrows Its Welcome, Gloriously
Selloum is not a houseplant so much as a long-term architectural commitment. Given a corner of a conservatory and a few years, it will build a genuine trunk and spread its enormous, deeply cut leaves further than most people expect. I have seen specimens the size of a small car. It asks for very little in return: ordinary light, ordinary water, and space it will eventually demand rather than request. Best suited to those planning for the plant it will become, not the modest pot it arrives in.
Also in: Arborescent (Meconostigma)
Self-heading species from subgenus Meconostigma that grow a visible trunk rather than climbing, eventually reaching tree-like proportions.
