Tree Philodendron Care Guide: Growing Tips for Lush Indoor Plants

The tree philodendron, once commonly called the hope philodendron or philodendron selloum, is one of the most rewarding houseplants to grow. This tropical, low-maintenance species delivers strong visual impact with its large, deeply lobed leaves and tall, architectural form. It’s an excellent, more forgiving alternative to a fiddle leaf fig for anyone seeking a big, leafy focal plant.

What Is A Tree Philodendron?

The tree philodendron (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum) is a sizable tropical plant native to South America, especially Brazil. In 2018 botanists reclassified it from the Philodendron genus to Thaumatophyllum based on genetic and morphological differences, but many people still use the old names, including Philodendron Hope or Philodendron selloum. Tree philodendron is now the preferred common name.

Recognizable by its dramatic, deeply cut leaves and long petioles, this plant thrives in warm, humid conditions and does well indoors in medium-to-bright, indirect light. It grows quickly and is available in a range of sizes, making it a cost-effective option for a bold indoor specimen that often proves easier to care for than similarly sized tropical houseplants.

What As A Tree Philodendron Also Known As?

Historically, the tree philodendron went by names such as philodendron hope and philodendron selloum. The “selloum” label comes from older taxonomic groupings that have since been revised. Although those names still appear in some places, the current scientific name is Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum and tree philodendron is the most accurate common name to use.

Tree Philodendron vs Monstera

Because both tree philodendron and Monstera deliciosa have split leaves, they’re sometimes confused. The tree philodendron’s leaf margins often curl or frill more than a Monstera’s, and overall leaf shape and texture are different. Garden centers occasionally mislabel these plants, so it helps to learn their distinguishing features. Tree philodendron tends to grow more tree-like in the wild but remains bushy as a houseplant.

Using the name tree philodendron avoids confusion and better reflects the plant’s natural growth habit, though older references using previous names still circulate.

How to Care For A Tree Philodendron

Tree philodendrons bring a tropical feel indoors but are relatively undemanding compared with many large-leaved tropicals. Follow these care basics for a healthy plant:

Placement

Place the plant in medium-to-bright, indirect light. Dappled sun or bright indirect light works best; avoid prolonged direct sun that can scorch leaves. Rotate the plant periodically so it grows evenly toward the light source.

Watering

Keep the soil slightly moist rather than bone dry. A light watering about once a week is a good starting point, but adjust frequency to your home’s humidity and temperature. Check the top two inches of soil—if they feel dry, water. Ensure the pot has drainage to prevent waterlogged roots, which can lead to rot.

Leaf Care

Large leaves collect dust, so wipe them regularly with a soft, damp cloth to maintain efficient photosynthesis and keep the foliage looking its best. Plant-safe leaf wipes or gentle sprays can also be used occasionally.

Pruning

Trim yellow or damaged leaves at their base with clean, sharp shears to encourage new growth and maintain an attractive shape. The species tolerates pruning well, so you can remove oversized growth to control its size.

Repotting

Repot every 12–24 months as needed. Move to a pot up to 2 inches larger if you want the plant to grow more vigorously. To keep it from getting larger, you can refresh the topsoil and trim a few roots while returning it to the same pot.

Other Tree Philodendron FAQs

How big does it get?

Indoors, a tree philodendron can reach around 6 feet tall and wide, with leaf stalks up to several feet long depending on pot size and care. Outdoors in suitable climates, specimens can grow much larger, sometimes reaching 15 feet.

Can I plant it outside?

Yes—tree philodendrons can be planted outdoors in warm climates (roughly USDA zones 9–11). In those zones they thrive planted in the ground or in large outdoor containers, where they can develop into large, lush specimens.

Outdoor plants may need winter protection in regions with occasional freezes. Even if leaves are damaged by cold, the plant can often recover with pruning and warmer conditions.

Are they expensive?

Tree philodendrons are generally budget-friendly for their size. Prices vary by maturity and retailer, but they typically cost less than similarly sized fiddle leaf figs, making them a cost-effective choice for a dramatic indoor plant.

Other philodendron types

The broader philodendron group contains hundreds of species, many of which make excellent houseplants. While tree philodendron is one of the larger, more architectural types, many other species are more compact and suited to tabletops or shelves, each offering unique leaf shapes and growth habits.

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