Tree Philodendron Plant Care

Tree Philodendron (Philodendron selloum) belongs to the Araceae family within the Philodendron genus. Tree Philodendron is native to South America, Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay. Tree Philodendron is also known as Cut-Leaf Philodendron, None, Lace Tree Philodendron.

Tree Philodendron displays an upright, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 16 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Tree Philodendron produces spathe and spadix.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tree Philodendron every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Tree Philodendron thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Tree Philodendron in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Philodendron selloum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Tree Philodendron prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Tree Philodendron to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Tree Philodendron every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tree Philodendron is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Tree Philodendron can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 16 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Tree Philodendron while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Tree Philodendron is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Tree Philodendron can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to velvet leaf philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Tree Philodendron is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Tree Philodendron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Tree Philodendron is native to South America, Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay. In cooler regions, grow Tree Philodendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.