Short answer
Yes, Selloum can be grown indoors. It is a tropical plant from South America, and many people keep it as a large floor plant. The main challenge is space: it can become big, and it needs good light.
Names: Selloum, Hope, Tree Philodendron, Thaumatophyllum
“Selloum” usually refers to Philodendron bipinnatifidum, also called tree philodendron, lacy tree philodendron, or Philodendron ‘Hope’. Some botanists have moved it into the genus Thaumatophyllum (as Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum), so you may see either name. Shop names vary and are used loosely. A compact version is sometimes sold as “Little Hope”, covered in our philodendron care guide.
How big does it get indoors?
Nursery sources describe mature plants as reaching about five feet tall and wide, with deeply cut leaves that can be very large. Indoors it is often smaller, but plan for a wide plant. It develops a thick, upright stem over time instead of a vine. A young plant may fit on a table; a mature one usually needs a floor spot with room around it.
Light
Medium to bright indirect light suits it. It does not do well in low light, where it grows slowly and leans. Some sources say it can handle very bright light, but strong direct sun can scorch the leaves, especially behind glass in summer. Rotate the pot regularly so leaves grow evenly, since stems bend toward the light.
Watering and soil
Selloum likes soil that is lightly moist but not soggy. A typical approach is to water when the top couple of inches of soil are dry, then let excess drain. Use a pot with drainage holes and a rich but well-draining mix. Water less often in winter.
Temperature and humidity
Normal warm household temperatures suit it, with a comfortable range of roughly 65 to 75 F (18 to 24 C) mentioned by nursery sources. Keep it away from cold drafts and from vents. It appreciates some humidity but typically adapts to average home conditions.
Aerial roots, pruning, and rotating
Brown, leafless growths on the stem are aerial roots and are normal. They do not usually harm walls, and you can trim them if they get untidy. If the plant outgrows its space, you can prune it back. Wear gloves, as sap can irritate skin. Wipe dust from the leaves and check the undersides for pests.
Is Selloum a Monstera? Is pothos a philodendron?
- Selloum is not a Monstera. Both belong to the arum family (Araceae), but they are different genera. The cut-leaf look can seem similar, which is why they get confused. For Monstera itself, see is a monstera plant air purifying.
- Pothos is not a philodendron. Pothos is usually Epipremnum aureum. It looks similar to heartleaf philodendron and the two are often mixed up, but they are different plants. Pothos is covered among the easy low-light houseplants.
Toxicity
Selloum is toxic. Like other philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals, and chewing or swallowing it can cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and swelling. It is considered toxic to cats, dogs, and people. Keep it out of reach of pets and young children. If a pet or child chews it, contact your veterinarian, a poison control service, or a doctor promptly.
Common problems
- Yellow leaves: often over- or underwatering. Yellow combined with brown patches is often linked to too much water, while yellow with crispy brown spots can suggest underwatering. Check the soil first.
- Leaning or leggy growth: not enough light.
- Brown edges: dry air or inconsistent watering.
For smaller, easier-to-place alternatives, try the upright Philodendron Birkin.