Philodendron Selloum
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum — The Boardroom Floor Statement
Light
Medium to bright indirect. Needs brighter conditions than trailing philodendrons — place it near a window or in a well-lit open floor.
Water
Every 1–2 weeks. Water when the top 3–5cm of soil feels dry.
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity. Tolerates average office humidity.
Temperature
18–29°C (65–85°F). Sensitive to temperatures below 13°C (55°F).
Difficulty
Easy
Sizes
Starter specimen (20–40cm), before leaves fully lobe · Mid-floor (50–80cm) · Statement (80–150cm+), leaves spanning 60cm or more
Philodendron Selloum, botanically Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, is a large floor plant with deeply cut, lobed leaves that can spread 60cm or more across. Unlike the compact, trailing heartleaf philodendron, this is a substantial specimen that stands on its own in open floor space rather than cascading from a shelf. It makes a commanding statement in boardrooms, atriums, and open lobbies.
In the Office
A mature selloum makes a strong impression in double-height lobbies, atriums, and boardrooms, where its size and deeply lobed leaves read as intentional design rather than an afterthought. It needs brighter light than its trailing relative, so it belongs near a window or in a well-lit open floor rather than a windowless interior room. Because of its scale, it suits spaces with real floor space to spare — it isn't a desk or shelf plant.
Why Choose This Plant
Benefits for Your Office
- Removes formaldehyde from indoor air — useful in new-build offices with off-gassing materials
- Large, deeply lobed leaves spanning 60cm or more fill vertical and floor space that smaller plants can't match
- A genuinely tropical, sculptural look that elevates the perceived design quality of a space
- Fast-growing, so the space keeps visibly changing rather than looking static
Where to Place It
Office Placement Ideas
- 1
Boardrooms and meeting rooms — its scale and shape create a memorable backdrop for video calls
- 2
Atrium floors and double-height lobbies — fills vertical space dramatically where a smaller plant would get lost
- 3
Open floor space near a window — it needs brighter light than a trailing philodendron, so it belongs where daylight actually reaches
How to Care for It
Care Tips for Office Environments
- Yellow leaves usually mean overwatering; pale or undersized new leaves mean it needs more light
- Give it a moss pole or similar support as it grows — it develops larger, healthier leaves with something to climb
- Mist the leaves weekly during Toronto's dry winter heating season to keep humidity up
- Like other philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested — keep it out of reach in pet-friendly spaces
Want Philodendron Selloum in your office?
Our team will recommend the right variety and size for your space, deliver and install it, and keep it thriving with ongoing care.