Philodendron Xanadu Vs Selloum

If you are trying to choose between two popular philodendrons, understanding the differences is key. Telling Philodendron Xanadu and Selloum apart comes down to comparing their leaf structure and overall growth habit. This guide will give you a clear, side-by-side comparison to help you identify and care for each plant.

Both are stunning tropical plants, but they have distinct personalities. Knowing which is which will help you provide the right care and choose the perfect plant for your space.

At first glance, Philodendron Xanadu and Selloum can look quite similar. They both have deeply lobed, glossy green leaves that scream tropical paradise. However, they are actually two different species with unique characteristics.

The Selloum is scientifically known as *Philodendron bipinnatifidum*, and sometimes called *Philodendron hope* or Tree Philodendron. The Xanadu is *Philodendron xanadu*. Their growth patterns, mature size, and leaf details set them apart in important ways.

Getting this identification right matters for your long-term plant care strategy. Placing a future giant in a small corner or expecting a compact plant to fill a large space leads to problems. Let’s break down the specifics.

Key Differences At A Glance

Before we get into the details, here is a quick overview of the main distinctions between these two philodendrons.

Scientific Name: Xanadu is *Philodendron xanadu*. Selloum is *Philodendron bipinnatifidum*.
Mature Size: Xanadu stays relatively compact. Selloum becomes a very large, tree-like plant.
Growth Habit: Xanadu grows in a clumping, mound-forming shape. Selloum develops a thick, upright trunk.
Leaf Structure: Xanadu leaves are more deeply and regularly dissected. Selloum leaves have broader, more irregular lobes.
Leaf Size: Xanadu leaves are smaller. Selloum leaves grow much larger.
Petiole (Leaf Stem): Xanadu petioles are smooth. Selloum petioles often have a ruffled or wavy edge.

Detailed Leaf Comparison

The leaves are the most obvious place to start your identification. Both plants have lobed leaves, but the devil is in the details.

Philodendron Xanadu Leaves

The Xanadu’s foliage is its defining feature. Each leaf is a complex, architectural piece.

Shape: Leaves are deeply and narrowly dissected, creating 15-20 distinct, pointed lobes per leaf. The cuts go more than halfway to the central rib.
Size: Individual leaves are typically 12 to 18 inches long and wide on a mature plant.
Texture & Shine: Leaves are glossy and leathery to the touch. They have a smooth, almost waxy finish.
Arrangement: Leaves grow closely together on relatively short stems, creating a dense, bushy appearance.
Color: A consistent deep green, sometimes with lighter green new growth.

Philodendron Selloum Leaves

Selloum leaves are grand, dramatic, and less uniform than the Xanadu’s.

Shape: Leaves are broadly lobed with cuts that typically go less than halfway to the central rib. The lobes are more rounded and irregular in shape and number.
Size: Leaves can become enormous, often reaching 3 to 4 feet in length and width on a mature, happy plant.
Texture & Shine: Also glossy, but the leaf may feel slightly thinner than a Xanadu’s. The surface is smooth.
Arrangement: Leaves are spaced further apart on long, sturdy stems that emerge from a central trunk.
Petiole Detail: Look closely at the leaf stem. Selloum petioles frequently have a distinctive ruffled or crinkled edge, which is a key identifier.

Growth Habit And Mature Size

This is the most critical difference for most plant owners. The size and shape of the mature plant will determine where you can put it.

Xanadu Growth Pattern

The Philodendron Xanadu has a self-heading or clumping growth habit. It does not vine or climb.

It grows outward from a central point, forming a dense, rounded mound of foliage.
Multiple stems emerge from the soil base, creating a full, bushy look.
Its mature height usually caps at 2 to 4 feet tall, with a spread of 3 to 5 feet wide.
It remains a manageable, ground-covering shrub perfect for containers indoors or as a landscape plant in warm climates.

Selloum Growth Pattern

The Philodendron Selloum is a much more vigorous and substantial plant. It is often called a Tree Philodendron for good reason.

It develops a thick, woody central trunk over time as the lower leaves drop off. This is known as a “caudex.”
It grows upward and outward, with large leaves arching from the top of the trunk.
Indoors, it can reach 6 to 8 feet tall and wide. Outdoors in tropical climates, it can become a 15-foot behemoth.
It needs significant vertical and horizontal space to acomodate its grand scale.

Care Requirements Compared

Fortunately, both plants share similar basic care needs, as they are from the same family. However, their size and growth rate lead to some practical differences.

Light Needs

Both plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Direct afternoon sun can scorch their leaves.

Xanadu: Can tolerate slightly lower light conditions due to its slower growth and compact nature. It will still do best in medium to bright indirect light.
Selloum: Requires strong, indirect light to support its rapid growth and large leaf production. In too low light, its growth will become leggy and stunted.

Watering Schedule

The golden rule for both is to allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common killer.

Xanadu: Being smaller, it may dry out a bit slower than a fast-growing Selloum in the same conditions. Check the soil moisture regularly.
Selloum: Due to its larger size and bigger leaves, it can be a heavier drinker during active growth periods. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage.

Always adjust your watering based on season, light, and temperature, not a fixed calendar schedule.

Soil and Potting

A well-draining, aerated potting mix is essential. A standard indoor plant mix amended with perlite or orchid bark works well.

Xanadu: Repot every 2-3 years as it slowly fills its container. Choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter.
Selloum: May require more frequent repotting when young due to faster growth. Mature specimens can be top-dressed annually instead of repotted, which is a strenuous task given their size.

Temperature and Humidity

As tropical plants, they both appreciate warmth and humidity.

Ideal Temperature: 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Protect from drafts and temperatures below 55°F (13°C).
Humidity: They prefer humidity above 40%. The Selloum, with its larger leaf surface area, may show brown leaf tips more quickly in dry air. Grouping plants, using a pebble tray, or a humidifier can help.

Fertilizing

Feed during the active growing season (spring and summer).

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half strength.
Xanadu: Fertilize monthly.
Selloum: You can fertilize every 2-4 weeks during peak growth to support its size.
Reduce or stop feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.

Common Problems And Solutions

Both plants face similar issues, often related to watering or light.

Yellowing Leaves

This is a classic sign of overwatering. Check the soil. If it’s soggy, let it dry out thoroughly and ensure your pot drains properly. Older leaves occasionally yellow and die off naturally; this is normal.

Brown Leaf Tips or Edges

Usually caused by low humidity, underwatering, or a buildup of salts and minerals from tap water or fertilizer. Increase humidity, check your watering consistency, and consider using distilled or rainwater.

Leggy Growth or Small Leaves

This indicates insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect light. The Selloum is especially prone to becoming leggy in low light.

Pests

Watch for common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to deter pests. Treat infestations early with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Which Plant Is Right For You?

Your choice between a Philodendron Xanadu and a Selloum depends entirely on your available space and desired look.

Choose Philodendron Xanadu If…

You have limited floor space but want a full, leafy plant.
You want a manageable plant that won’t outgrow its spot quickly.
You prefer a neat, clumping, shrub-like appearance.
You want to use it as a understory plant in a larger landscape (in frost-free zones).

Choose Philodendron Selloum If…

You have a large, empty corner or a spacious room that needs a statement piece.
You love the dramatic look of a tropical “tree” with huge leaves.
You have high ceilings and bright, indirect light.
You are planting outdoors in a warm climate and want a bold, architectural focal point.

Propagation Methods

You can propagate both plants, but the methods differ due to their growth habits.

Propagating Xanadu

Xanadu is typically propagated by division, which is simple and effective.

Remove the plant from its pot during repotting.
Gently tease apart a section of the root clump that has several stems and healthy roots attached.
Use a clean, sharp knife to cut through any stubborn roots if necessary.
Pot the new division in fresh soil and care for it as usual.

Propagating Selloum

Selloum can be propagated from stem cuttings or air layering, especially if it has developed a long trunk.

Stem Cutting: Cut a section of stem that includes at least one node (the bump where leaves and roots form).
Allow the cutting to callous over for a few hours.
Place the cutting in water or moist sphagnum moss, ensuring the node is submerged or buried.
Once roots develop, pot it in soil. Air layering, which involves rooting a section of the stem while it’s still attached to the mother plant, is also a reliable method for larger specimens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Philodendron Xanadu and Selloum the same plant?

No, they are different species. Philodendron Selloum (*P. bipinnatifidum*) is a larger, tree-type plant. Philodendron Xanadu (*P. xanadu*) is a patented, compact, clumping cultivar. Their care is similar, but their size and growth form are distinct.

Which is easier to care for, Xanadu or Selloum?

Both are generally easy-care plants. The Xanadu is often considered slightly easier for beginners because its compact size makes it more forgiving in terms of space and light requirements. The Selloum’s main challenge is finding enough room for it to thrive as it matures.

Can I grow Philodendron Selloum indoors?

Yes, you can grow a Selloum indoors, but you must plan for its large mature size. It needs a very large pot, bright indirect light, and ample space away from foot traffic where its leaves can spread out. It is not suitable for small apartments.

How fast do these philodendrons grow?

Under ideal conditions, the Selloum is a relatively fast grower, especially when young. The Xanadu has a moderate to slow growth rate, which contributes to its manageable, compact shape.

Why are the leaves on my philodendron turning yellow?

The most common cause is overwatering. Ensure the plant is in well-draining soil and that you are allowing the top layer of soil to dry before watering again. Other causes can include natural aging of older leaves, nutrient deficiency, or pests.

Final Summary

Choosing between a Philodendron Xanadu and a Selloum is a matter of scale and style. The Xanadu is your go-to for a reliable, bushy, medium-sized plant that fills a space without taking over. Its deeply cut leaves offer texture and interest.

The Selloum is a bold, architectural statement. It’s a plant you build a room around, with its impressive trunk and massive, lobed leaves. It brings a true tropical feel but demands the space to match its ambitions.

By understanding their differences in leaf shape, growth habit, and final size, you can confidently select the perfect philodendron for your home or garden. Both will reward you with lush, beautiful foliage for years to come with the right basic care.