Family: Araceae
Common name: Selloum, Split-leaf philodendron, Philodendron selloum, Philodendron bipinnatifidum, Philodendron selloanum, Lacy tree philodendron, Horsehead philodendron, Guaimbé
Selloum is a very popular tropical plant, with very dramatic, majestic foliage that can grow quite large when planted on the ground, and allowed to climb on an suitable structures.
Native to South America, these plants are now spread throughout the world in tropical countries. They are also grown as ornamental plants in glass houses, giving the place a tropical vibe.
Plant characteristics
Selloum plants can grow to a height of 2-3 meters with a thick, woody stem that has the distinct markings of fallen leaves.
Most garden plants only grow 1-1.5 meters when grown in pots or areas where root growth is restricted. If planted beside trees that provide good support for the plant, it can grow really tall and strong.
Roots of Selloum are deep, fibrous and relatively shallow, spreading out in search of moisture. These plants can also produce epiphytic roots that enable it to climb on structures, while absorbing water and nutrients from the atmosphere.
Leaves are the most striking feature of the Selloum plant, emerald green in color, large, and deeply lobed. Leaves can grow 1-1.5 meters with a thick petiole or stem that connects the leaf to the plant.
Each leaf is about 60-90 cm wide, fanning out in glory all around the stem in a rosette shape. The lobed leaves, with wavy edges have a thick, leathery texture that helps conserve water when they grow in areas where water is not abundant.
Flowering is not very common in Selloum plants, and they take over 10 years to become mature enough to produce flowers.
The flowers have the typical spadix and spathe structure of Araceae family, the spadix carrying the male and female flowers, and the spathe forming a protective cover around the flowers.
Flowers are about 10-15 cm long and are usually larger in plants that grow in their natural habitat.
Selloum plant also produces fruits that are long and cylindrical, in the shape of corn. They are initially green, turning deep yellow and orange when they ripen. These fruits are poisonous and should not be consumed by humans or animals.
Gardening Tips
Selloum plants prefer good sunlight, though they are capable of growing in filtered indirect sunlight underneath large trees, which is what usually happens in their natural habitat.
Too much bright, direct sunlight can burn the leaf edges, and cause the plant to reduce leaf size to minimize water loss.
Watering is very essential since these plants thrive in warm, moist weather. It is good to mist them in hot summers to maintain the moisture of the leaves and roots.
Prevent over-watering or planting them in water-logged areas, as the roots can choke without enough oxygen in the soil.
Selloum plants do not need much fertilization as over-fertilization can lead to build up of salts in the soil. Feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once in 3-4 months to promote plant and leaf health. Pruning can be done to remove any damaged leaves, and to help the plant grow bushier.
Remember that these plants can get really old and large. So remember to give them enough space to grow and breathe, even as you are planting them.
Uses of Selloum plants
Most parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to humans and pets. These can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive system causing inflammation and numbness. So these plants should be handled with care.
They were used to treat wounds, cuts, and skin diseases in traditional herbal medicine, but this should be done only with expert advice.
Selloums plants have the capability to purify the air, removing toxins like formaldehyde from the air. They can be grown indoors for this reason, provided they get enough sunlight to grow.
Selloum plants can be grown near water bodies, the epiphytic roots clinging to rocks or mounds of soil. Selloum plants are mostly grown as ornamentals to add a tropical vibe to gardens and landscaped areas.
Propagation
Propagation is through stem cuttings and air layering.
Since Selloum plants grow very slowly, it is difficult to get good pieces of stem with leaf nodes and preferably some epiphytic roots. But stem cuttings can root well in warm, humid soil.
Air layering involves making a small cut on a healthy stem, and wrapping it with moss and a plastic wrap to keep it moist. This cut will eventually develop roots and can be replanted as a new plant.
Photographed at: Bangalore International Center
