Philodendron Selloum

PLANT INFO

Scientifically known as philodendron bipinnatifidum - try saying that three times fast - or philodendron selloum, this is a very adaptive plant. It makes the best of whatever situation it finds itself in. It’s native to South America and in the wild it will change its behaviour to fit its environment. it can grow to become an enormous tree, or it might live in the branches of other trees. It likes bright sunshine but can learn to tolerate shade. Whatever works.

It’s unusual among philodendron because it doesn’t have heart-shaped leaves (In Greek, Philodendron means ‘heart plant’). Instead, it has serrated leaves, which for some reason earned it the nickname horsehead philodendron. You can sort of see it if you squint.

It’s adaptive nature means it’s pretty easy to look after. It ideally likes quite bright light, but tolerates some shade. A bit of water, plus a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer, and it will be happy as anything.