Philodendron Hope Selloum Care at Home

Are you looking to add some unique greenery to your home? Consider the Philodendron Hope Selloum. I love this plant’s vibrant, textured foliage that adds a striking focal point to any room. In this guide, I’ll take you through the essentials of Philodendron Hope Selloum care home, including potting, light preferences, soil considerations, watering schedules, fertilizing, pruning, and more. 

Philodendron Hope Selloum Care – Key Takeaways: 

Botanical Name:	Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, or Philodendron bipinnatifidum
Also Known As:	Philodendron Hope Selloum, Hope Plant, Hope Philodendron, Lacey Tree
Growing Difficulty:	Easy to Moderate
Light Requirements:	Prefers to grow in bright indirect light.
Temperature and Humidity:	Does best in temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit with moderate to high humidity.
Watering Needs:	Weekly in spring and summer and every two weeks or so in the winter, or when the soil feels dry.
Soil Preferences:	Well-draining, nutrient-rich, and slightly alkaline soil. Around 6 or 7 on the pH scale.
Fertilizing:	An all-purpose powder or liquid fertilizer twice monthly during the spring and summer and once a month in the colder seasons.
Growth Expectations:	Can reach from six to 12 feet tall depending on growing conditions. Will likely stay smaller indoors.
Toxicity:	Considered toxic to humans and pets.

How to Grow Philodendron Hope Selloum:  

Growth Expectations

Generally, it can take 15 to 20 years for this plant to reach its mature height of six to 12 feet tall. However, indoors, it is likely to stay five feet or under. 

What to Do Before Planting 

Before planting your Hope Philodendron, you’ll want to find a spot in your house where it will receive plenty of bright, indirect light. This plant can grow quite large to appreciate a spacious location. 

Additionally, you should collect materials and tools for this plant, like a container, some fertilizer, and soil. You can find a list of items for growing your Hope plant in the Essential Tools section below. 

Best Soil Types

When growing a Philodendron Hope Selloum, I use well-draining, all-purpose houseplant soil six. You can add ingredients like orchid bark to an all-purpose soil blend to improve drainage, but a good store-bought blended mix will work just fine, in my experience.

This plant enjoys soil around a 6 or 7 on the pH scale. Additionally, the Hope plant may suffer if the soil’s salt content is too high. 

How to Plant

Now, it’s time to plant your new Philodendron Hope Selloum. Here are the steps to take to plant this species successfully. 

• Find a new pot that is one size larger than this plant’s nursery container. A plastic pot with a drainage hole will work well.
• Make a well-draining soil mix, adding ingredients like orchid bark for added drainage. 
• Add a layer of this soil mix to the base of your Hope Philodendron’s new pot. 
• Take the plant out of its nursery container. Gently massage it to remove old soil.
• Place the plant in the new container and fill the sides with soil.
• Add a layer of soil on top of the plant’s base and water it thoroughly.

Light Preferences 

Place your Hope Philodendron in a spot with bright indirect light conditions. It may tolerate moderate lighting conditions, but it won’t like low-light environments. I find a few feet away from an east or west facing window to be ideal.

Temperature and Humidity Preferences 

Your Hope Philodendron prefers temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It likes moderate to high humidity levels, so it will enjoy misting once or twice a week. During very cold and dry spells, I also use a small indoor plant humidifier to boost moisture in the air around the plant.

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How to Care for Philodendron Hope Selloum

Watering

Now, this plant will have different hydration needs depending on the time of year. Water your Philodendron Hope Selloum weekly in the spring and summer months. In the winter, you should water the plant every two weeks or when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch.

Fertilization Needs

Be careful when fertilizing your Lacey Tree, as under, and over-fertilization can affect this plant’s growth. Use an all-purpose powder or liquid fertilizer twice a month during the spring and summer only. Like most other houseplants in my collection, I avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is going through a natural period of dormancy.

Pruning 

You may want to prune your Hope Philodendron to maintain a smaller size or specific aesthetic. You may also need to prune the plant if any leaves have turned yellow or brown.

To prune the Hope Philodendron, simply grab some shears and cut leaves at the base of their stems. Then, you can save these leaves to use for propagation. Generally, spring is the best time for shaping the plant, I find, when growth is its most vigorous.

Propagation 

You can propagate Philodendron Hope Selloum leaf cuttings as long as their nodes are still attached. You can also divide this species to create several smaller plants. 

Propagate your Philodendron Hope Selloum cuttings in either water or soil. Here’s how to do this in water before transferring to soil. 

• Take a cutting from your Philodendron Hope Selloum. Make sure to cut below a leaf node, as this must be intact for successful propagation.
• Place the cutting in a small container filled with water. Allow it to sit in indirect light for around one month or until roots form.
• When your cutting has developed roots, it’s time to place it in soil. Put the same well-draining mix you use for the original plant in a small container. Then, add your new cutting.
• Fill in any gaps with soil to make sure this cutting is secure in its new pot. 

When and How to Repot 

You’ll need to repot your Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum every two years or so. You can tell this plant needs repotting if its roots become overcrowded or poke out through its drainage hole. 

When it’s time to repot your Hope Philodendron, you’ll want to go up one pot size from its current container. Follow the steps in the How to Plant section above to ensure your Hope plant is happy in its new home. 

Common Problems and How to Treat Them

Signs of Watering Issues

If you underwater your Hope plant, it may develop yellow, drooping leaves. On the other hand, overwatering may cause brown, crispy leaf tips. If you notice these issues, remove any unsightly leaves and adjust the plant’s watering schedule as needed. 

Signs of Improper Light Conditions

If your Hope Philodendron gets too much sun, its leaves may turn yellow and crispy. Remove these leaves to improve the plant’s appearance. Then, move it to a spot that meets its light requirements.

Signs of Temperature Issues

Your Hope plant may fail to thrive if it is exposed to extreme temperatures and wind. Avoid growth issues by placing the plant in a spot without drafts that stays around 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Common Pests and Diseases and How to Treat Them

Luckily, this plant isn’t likely to have too many issues with pests and disease. However, here are a few issues you’ll want to be aware of when caring for your Philodendron Hope Selloum.

• Root rot: This plant is prone to root rot if it is overwatered. If you notice root rot, remove the plant from the infected soil. Trim away any affected roots and repot the plant in a fresh, clean mix. 
• Aphids: If aphids infest your Philodendron Hope Selloum, you can use a spray bottle filled with water to dislodge them. Then, apply an insecticidal soap, neem oil, or another solution until the infestation subsides.
• Spider mites: Similarly, a spider mite infestation calls for neem oil or insecticidal soap. Separate the plant from other healthy plants. Apply your preferred solution until the issue is resolved.

Essential Tools to Have Around 

Here is the complete list of tools and materials you should have on hand for your Philodendron Hope Selloum houseplant. 

• Well-draining soil
• A plastic pot
• Watering can
• Shears for pruning and propagation
• A small container for propagated cuttings
• Gloves to avoid skin irritation when handling the plant
• All-purpose powder or liquid fertilizer
• Ingredients like orchid bark if desired for added drainage
• A moisture meter if you prefer this over using your finger

About Philodendron Hope Selloum

Interestingly, the species name of this plant is actually Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum. However, Philodendron bipinnatifidum is a commonly used synonym, as this was its previous classification. 

Now that the plant has been reclassified, the Hope Selloum belongs to the genus Thaumatophyllum. It is also a member of the plant family Araceae, or the arum family.  

Origins and History

The Philodendron Hope Selloum is native to areas in South America, including Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil. It is grown for ornamental purposes in warmer parts of the world, like Australia, the Philippines, and the southern United States. 

Notably, the Philodendron bipinnatifidum has won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. 

Botanical Characteristics 

You can spot a Philodendron Hope Selloum by its unique foliage. Its large leaves have elongated, narrow lobes, a lush, deep green color, and a glossy sheen. They protrude out from the base in all directions on long, thin stems. 

Similar Varieties to Grow as Houseplants

The Philodendron Hope Selloum is commonly compared to a few other popular houseplants. Here are some similar species you may consider adding to your collection. 

• Philodendron xanadu
• Monstera deliciosa
• Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’
• Philodendron pedatum
• Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’

Uses and Benefits 

The Philodendron Hope Selloum is cultivated for ornamental and landscaping purposes. However, this plant offers more benefits than just an attractive aesthetic. 

Some use the Hope Plant for Feng shui purposes, as it is said to symbolize abundance and positive energy. It was also proven to remove pollutants like formaldehyde from the air in NASA’s Clean Air Study. 

Wrapping Up 

The Hope Selloum is a beautiful, showy houseplant that will stand out in any space. Spend some time tending to this plant, and it will reward you with impressive foliage. With just a touch of care, this species will live a long and happy life as a member of your home. 

For more, see our in-depth guide to the best types of philodendron to grow as houseplants.