Philodendron Selloum (Golden) - Plant

Planting and care

Philodendron is a tropical plant that is usually grown in full sun, but can tolerate and adapt to deep shade.
It grows best in rich, moisture-retentive soil that can be slightly alkaline. However, it cannot tolerate high salt concentration in soil.
It is capable of supporting itself at massive heights by producing tree-like bases. However, it will exhibit epiphytic characteristics if given the opportunity to attach itself to a nearby supporting tree and climb upon it.
The trunk of this plant can send down many strong aerial roots that not only give support to the overall plant mass, but also serve to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

This plant is greatly known for its ease in covering a land mass, and typically spread out its tree-like trunk from anywhere between eight to ten feet.
Alternatively, if grown in cooler climates with at least some freezing winter weather, its entire aboveground structures will die back completely at a hard frost and then sprout back from the roots the following spring.

Caring for Philodendron Selloum

Add composted cow manure to the hole when you plant. No trimming is needed other than to remove an old leaf and stem. This plant can t be cut back for size, so make sure its ultimate height and width will work in your landscape. If cold damages an established selloum, it may die all the way back but send up new sprouts in spring. Water regularly but give time to dry out between watering. Philodendrons cannot take a wet area they ll rot. Fertilize 3 times a year in spring, summer, and autumn with a quality granular fertilizer.

Typical uses of Philodendron Selloum

Special features: For a tropical foliage splash, tree philodendron is a winner.
It is most effective standing alone or in combination with other lush-leafed plants such as gingers and bananas.
Since it prefers some shade, tree philodendron is superb for a courtyard or against a wall in a pool yard.

Ornamental use: Philodendrons also make excellent house plants, provided that you have enough space to accommodate their size.
These plants also work well in containers by the pool, on a patio or balcony, or even indoors.
Landscape uses for philodendron selloum include: large entryway accent, backdrop for smaller plants, between tall palms, informal hedge, lining a driveway or walk, beside a porch, deck or patio, along a fence, corner-of-the-house shrub, decoration for a blank wall, container plant.

References

http://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/philodendron-selloum.html http://www.floridata.com/Plants/Araceae/Philodendron%20bipinnatifidum/81 http://www.houseplant411.com/houseplant/philodendron-selloum-plant-care-advice