Stand beneath its enormous, lobed leaves, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a prehistoric jungle. Philodendron Selloum, also known as Tree Philodendron or Lacy Tree Philodendron, is a striking evergreen shrub that develops a thick, trunk-like stem over time, sending down strong aerial roots. Its crowning glory is the magnificent canopy of gigantic, glossy, dark green leaves, which can grow up to 1.5 metres long, with deeply cut, ruffled lobes that create a bold, textural, exotic silhouette. In its native habitat, it may produce a showy, funnel-shaped inflorescence with a red-purple spathe, but indoors or in non-tropical climates, flowering is extremely rare.
Native to the tropical regions of South America (Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay), this adaptable plant thrives in the Western Cape with the right care. It needs bright, indirect light to partial shade—protect it from harsh, direct afternoon sun, which scorches the leaves. It prefers rich, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil and requires regular watering, especially during dry summer months, to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Sensitive to cold and severe frost, it’s best suited to warm, sheltered, frost-free gardens or grown in a large container that can be moved to a protected area in winter. Reaching 3–4 metres tall and wide, it’s perfect as a bold tropical focal point in a shaded border or a dramatic statement in a large container.
Key Features:
- Enormous, glossy, dark green leaves with deep, ruffled lobes for unmatched sculptural form
- Self-heading, tree-like form grows from a central trunk into a lush, rounded canopy
- Thrives in shade and sheltered spots—ideal for courtyards and covered patios
- Known to help purify the air in indoor and outdoor living spaces
Gardening Note: Plant in bright, indirect light to partial shade in rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly during spring and summer. Sensitive to severe frost; in colder inland areas, grow in a large movable container. Wipe or hose down large leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free.
