Systematics   

Description  

Distribution & Habitat

  

Culture

 

Propagation 

Uses   

 

References

Description

P. selloum is a climbing plant that has long aerial roots that grow from the stem. (picture to right). They have dark green leaves that are deeply lobed and finger-like and branch off in all directions from the stem. They can grow as large as three meters and their leaves can grow up to 2 feet long. Under good conditions their leaves bear little white flowers that resemble Calla Lilies.

Reference: http://www.botany.com/philodendron.html

Distribution and Habitat

The split leaf philodendron is a tropical mesic plant that originated in South Brazil. They grow wild in tropical America and the West Indies and can be found growing outside as north as Phoenix, Arizona. They can also grow in homes and greenhouses.

 Cultural Information

Soil ·	Well drained, yet moist; coarse; porous; rich; moist; and supplied with organic matter
Water requirement ·	Regular Watering (Enough for the soil to be evenly moist)
Light ·	Sun, partial shade, shade
Humidity ·	Humid, tropical atmosphere (tropic mesic)
Temperature ·	Need frost-free climate and thrive between 60 - 70 degrees F
Other ·

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Reference for Cultural Information: http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants?araceae/Philodendron_selloum.html

  

Propagation 

 

Cuttings, Seeds, and Offsets

 

Cuttings are the most difficult propagation method, but can be done by inserting pieces of a stem that contain at least two joints into pots filled with a mixture of sand and peat moss during the spring or summer. The pots should be placed in 70-75 degree heat and during their rooting period they should be placed in the shade. They should root in 4-8 weeks and can be increased by air layering.

 

Philodendron seeds will sprout if embedded in sphagnum moss or a mixture of peat moss and sand and if the mixture is kept moist and maintained in 75-80 degree temperature.

References for Propagation Methods: http://www.botany.com/philodendron.html

Uses/Fun Facts

Philodendron selloum are ornamental plants that can be used for decoration; however, they can also be used for more important things such as cleaning toxins from the air, especially formaldehyde at higher concentrations. Since these plants can absorb this chemicals from the air, they store them in their leaves and are very poisonous to pets and small children.

   

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References for Uses and Fun Facts: http://www.blankees.com/house/plants/philodendrons.htm

 Image References:   

http:\\www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Araceae/Philodendron_selloum.html

This page was developed by:   

Elaine Wizzard

W&J Class of 2001  

   

Last revised on <5/7/01>