Split-leaf elephant ear plant: What is a Selloum Philodendron?

An excellent houseplant for colder climates and an impressive landscape element for subtropical gardens, Philodendron selloum , is an easy plant to grow. You get a lot of plants with a minimum of effort, as they grow into a large shrub or small tree with large decorative leaves and require little care. Read on to learn more about these split-leaf philodendrons

What is a Selloum Philodendron?

The selloum philodendron is also known as the split-leaf philodendron and split-leaf elephant ear. It belongs to the group of philodendrons that are among the most common houseplants because of their ability to grow and yet be ignored. In general, it is not necessary to have a green thumb to successfully grow philodendrons, in other words.

Split-leaved philodendrons are quite large, up to 3 metres high and 4.5 metres wide. This type of philodendron has a trunk similar to that of a tree, but its growth is more like that of a large shrub.

The real strength of the split-leaf elephant-eared philodendron is the foliage. The leaves are large, dark green and shiny. They have deep lobes, hence the name «split leaf», and can be up to one metre long. These plants will produce a single flower, but not until a decade or more after planting.

Deaf philodendron care divided

Growing this philodendron indoors is easy, provided you give it a sufficiently large container and that it increases in size as it grows. It will need a place with indirect light and regular watering to thrive.

Outdoor split-leaf philodendron is hardy in zones 8b to 11. It prefers rich soil that remains moist but is not flooded or contains standing water. It likes full sun, but will grow equally well in partial shade and indirect light. Keep the soil moist.

The split-leaved philodendron variety is an impressive plant that makes an excellent base for planting in a warm garden, but also works well in pots. It can be the centrepiece of a room or add a tropical element to the poolside.