The philodendron tree, formerly known as philodendron of hope or philodendron selloum, is one of our FAVORITE indoor plants. It’s a low-maintenance tropical plant that adds tons of visual impact. It is also a great alternative to leaf fig.
What is a philodendron tree?
Philodendron tree (Thaumatophyllum Bipinnatifidum) is a large tropical plant native to South America, primarily Brazil. However, it’s not even technically a philodendron anymore! In 2018, it was reclassified from the genus Philodendron and in gender Thaumatophyllum because of its size and DNA. However, it is still colloquially called philodendron. You may still find it listed as Philodendron Hope or Philodendron Selloumm, but Tree Philodendron is now the preferred name.
It is known for its distinctive split leaves and long stems. Like all tropical plants, it enjoys a warm and humid environment, and when used as a houseplant, it will thrive in medium to bright areas of your home. It is an affordable fast growing plant that is sold in a variety of medium to large sizes. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a high-impact houseplant that’s cheaper and more lush than the fiddle leaf fig. We also found that they are easier to care for!
What is the philodendron tree also known as?
Before philodendron tree was reclassified, it was popularly known as philodendron hope seloum. The “selloum” part of this common name is a holdover from another outdated scientific classification. Philodendron selloum it was once considered a separate plant species, but was later combined with Philodendron bipinnatifidium before being fully reclassified into Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum 2018. Confusing, isn’t it?
Tree Philodendron vs Monstera
However, the confusion doesn’t stop there! This plant is sometimes called ia philodendron with divided leaves or lace philodendron. The name split-leaved philodendron is often confused with a Monstera Deliciosa, but they are not the same plants. We even saw them mislabeled at our local garden center the other day! Both plants have split leaves, but tree philodendron leaves tend to curl or “wrinkle” more along the edges. You can see the differences below:
Tree philodendron is currently the preferred name as it better reflects its ability to grow tall and tree-like in its natural environment. As a houseplant, it is likely to remain compact and bushy like most philodendron species, which is why it still retains its common name of philodendron. Bottom line: it’s best to call this tree philodendron, but note that there may be outdated references to its other names.
How to care for a philodendron tree
Tree philodendrons add a tropical look to your home, but are less fussy than other tropical houseplants, like the infamous fiddle-leaf fig. Here’s what you need to know about caring for one:
Tree Philodendron Placement
These plants thrive best in rooms with medium to bright, indirect light. They thrive in sunny, dappled rooms, but we’ve seen them survive in moderately lit areas as well. In this way, they are less needy and fickle than other tropical plants. Just try to avoid too much direct sunlight as this can cause leaf burn. Also, since it grows towards the light source, try to rotate the plant regularly to get an even shape.
Watering a Philodendron tree
Philodendron trees prefer slightly moist soil, so water them lightly once a week. It does not tolerate drought, so try not to let the soil dry out completely. Use your finger or a basic moisture meter to check the top 2 inches of soil. If it’s dry, give your philodendron a drink. Just make sure your pot has proper drainage. Sitting in water can cause root rot.
Dusting
Because of its large, broad leaves, you should regularly dust your Tree Philodendron with a rag or damp cloth. Not only does it keep your plant looking its best, it also stimulates the photosynthesis process to keep it healthy. You can also buy herbal wipes or spray to really shine!
Circumcision
Remove yellow or brown leaves by cutting them off near the base with a sharp pruning shears. This keeps your plant looking its best while allowing it to focus its energy on new growth. It is a hardy plant that can also be pruned to maintain a specific size or shape.
Transplantation
Tree Philodendrons may need repotting after 12-24 months, depending on their size and your goals for the plant. If you want it to grow bigger, transplant it into a pot up to 2″ larger than the existing one. If you want it to stay the same size, you can put it back in the same pot, but take the opportunity to cut off the dead roots and provide fresh soil.
Other frequently asked questions about tree philodendron
How big does it get?
A philodendron in an indoor tree can reach a height and width of up to 6 feet, with leaf stalks up to 3 feet long, depending on the size of the pot. It can be kept smaller if you keep it in a smaller container. Planted outside, they have been known to grow up to 15 feet!
Can I plant a philodendron tree outside?
Yes, in certain climates. Tree philodendrons can be grown outdoors in zones 9 – 11 (you can find your plant hardiness zone here). We live in zone 9a and have several philodendron trees planted in our yard and on our veranda. Note: the address numbers in the image below have been changed for privacy reasons.
Our outdoor philodendrons have done great, except for a recent deep freeze that damaged some of the larger leaves. They all survived, but will have to grow back to regain their size. Here are the steps we took protect our plants from freezing.
Are they expensive?
Because of their size, tree philodendrons make a nice houseplant that is affordable. For reference, a 2 Gallon Philodendron it’s currently $17 at a home improvement store. A fiddle sheet of similar size fig it’s $25, and in some fancier garden centers it can be as high as $99. Tree philodendron prices tend to depend on the age and size of the plant, but are generally a great option for a large plant that doesn’t drain your wallet.
What are the other types of philodendrons?
There are nearly 500 species of philodendrons, and many are popular houseplants because they thrive in typical household temperatures and humidity levels. Philodendron loosely translates as “tree lover” because many species climb trees in the wild. Here is a good overview various philodendrons you may recognize. Most are small to medium-sized table plants with pronounced tropical leaves.
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