Philodendron selloum, also known as the Tree Philodendron, is a popular houseplant, admired for its striking, large leaves and hardy nature. As the plant grows and matures, its stems can become long and, at times, unruly. This is where staking comes into play, allowing you to manage the plant’s growth while maintaining its aesthetically pleasing appearance.
In this guide, we will explore essential tips and techniques for staking your philodendron selloum, ensuring that it remains healthy and continues to thrive. Staking is a simple process that can be beneficial to the overall health of your plant, providing it with adequate support and improving its chances to grow into an attractive and strong specimen. Follow the steps discussed in the following paragraphs, and you’ll be well on your way to having a well-supported philodendron selloum in your home.
Understanding Philodendron Selloum
Origins and Background
Philodendron Selloum, also known as the Tree Philodendron, is a popular houseplant originating from South America. It thrives in tropical regions and has been cultivated around the world for its exotic appearance and relatively easy care requirements.
Characteristics of the Plant
The Philodendron Selloum is characterized by its large, glossy leaves that have a lobed or split appearance. These plants can reach up to 15 feet tall outdoors and around 6 feet tall when grown indoors. Some of the primary features of this plant include:
- Leaf size and shape: The leaves of the Philodendron Selloum can grow quite large, often reaching up to 3 feet in length. The lobed, deeply-cut structure gives them a distinct and tropical look.
- Growth habit: This plant grows in a more upright manner than other philodendrons, which typically exhibit a vining or trailing growth habit. However, it still requires support as it matures, so staking is necessary to keep it upright and healthy.
- Light requirements: The Philodendron Selloum prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate lower light conditions but will have more vibrant foliage and better growth when provided with ample, indirect sunlight.
- Humidity preferences: As a tropical plant, the Philodendron Selloum thrives in environments with higher humidity levels, ideally around 60% or more. Maintaining adequate humidity is vital for proper hydration and growth.
It is important to choose the right support and staking method for your Philodendron Selloum, especially as it matures and becomes more substantial. Providing the right conditions and care, this tropical plant will be a stunning addition to any indoor space.
How to Stake Philodendron Selloum
Choosing the Right Stake
Selecting an appropriate stake for your Philodendron Selloum is crucial to providing the necessary support for its growth. Look for sturdy, long-lasting materials like bamboo, wooden dowels, or coated metal stakes. The stake should be tall enough to reach the plant’s desired height, considering its growth pattern and size.
Installing the Stake
- Preparation: Before installing the stake, gently remove any dead or damaged leaves from the plant. Ensure the soil around the Philodendron Selloum is moist enough to avoid root disturbance during stake installation.
- Placement: Carefully choose a position for the stake. It should be about 2-3 inches away from the main stem, taking care not to damage the roots when inserting the stake into the soil. Insert the stake into the ground until it feels secure and stable.
- Depth: The stake should be inserted deep enough to provide ample support for the plant as it grows. Depending on the stake’s size and the plant’s current height, aim for a depth of around 6-8 inches.
Attaching the Plant
When attaching the Philodendron Selloum to the stake, follow these simple steps to ensure a secure connection:
- Soft Ties: Use soft ties made of cloth or soft plastic to avoid damaging the plant stem. Avoid using wire or tight materials that can cut into the stem and hinder growth.
- Loop Method: Create a loop around the plant stem using the soft tie, leaving some slack for the stem to grow. Gently secure the tie to the stake, adjusting as needed to accommodate the plant’s growth.
- Spacing: Attach additional ties every 6-8 inches along the plant’s stem as it grows in height. This will provide adequate support, while still allowing the plant to move and grow naturally.
By following these guidelines on how to stake Philodendron Selloum, you’ll provide the necessary support for your plant to thrive and maintain its attractive, tropical appearance.
Proper Care for Staked Philodendron Selloum
Watering Requirements
When caring for a staked Philodendron Selloum, maintain consistent soil moisture. Water the plant when the top two inches of soil are dry, and avoid over-watering, as it can lead to root rot source. Adjust the watering frequency depending on the season:
- Winter months: Water every 2 to 3 days to accommodate for the drier conditions
- Summer months: Water daily due to increased humidity
Use a quality potting soil that retains moisture but also drains properly source.
Light Requirements
Philodendron Selloum thrives in bright, indirect light. Ensure that the plant receives adequate light by placing it near a window with filtered light or using a sheer curtain to prevent direct sunlight exposure. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves and cause the plant to lose its vibrant color. If necessary, supplement natural light with artificial light sources like grow lights.
Fertilizing the Plant
To support healthy growth and maintain good leaf color, feed the Philodendron Selloum with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce the frequency to every 10 to 12 weeks in the fall and winter months. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for appropriate dilution and application.
Pruning and Maintenance
To maintain the Philodendron Selloum’s appearance and promote healthy growth, regular pruning is necessary. Remove dead or yellowing leaves using clean, sharp scissors, and trim any excessively long stems to maintain the plant’s shape. When pruning a staked Philodendron Selloum, take care not to damage the supporting stake source.
In addition to pruning, inspect the plant regularly for signs of pests, such as mealybugs or spider mites, and treat them accordingly using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other eco-friendly solutions.
Common Problems and Solutions
Pest Issues
One of the main problems that may affect Philodendron Selloum is the appearance of pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. To tackle these infestations:
- Inspect the plant regularly for any sign of pests and take action immediately if needed.
- Apply a mild insecticidal soap or neem oil to the affected areas of the plant, according to the product instructions.
- Keep the plant’s surroundings clean, and ensure it receives proper ventilation to minimize the risk of recurrent pest issues.
Disease Issues
Philodendron Selloum can also be susceptible to various diseases, including bacterial or fungal infections. The following solutions can help prevent and treat these diseases:
- Identify and remove any infected leaves, stems, or plant parts as soon as you notice any signs of disease.
- Dispose of infected plant material properly to prevent the spread of disease.
- Use proper watering practices to avoid creating an environment that encourages the growth of pathogens.
- Apply a fungicide or bactericide, if necessary, to control the spread of the disease.
Environmental Problems
Philodendron Selloum may experience some environmental problems such as poor draining soil, bad lighting, overwatering, underwatering, temperature and humidity issues, and fertilization problems1. These issues can lead to leaves turning yellow, mushy, brown, curling, and drooping. To address these problems:
- Ensure the plant receives proper lighting, preferably indirect or filtered sunlight.
- Use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering or underwatering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level to provide the ideal environment for the Philodendron Selloum.
- Follow a balanced fertilization schedule, as per the plant’s requirements. Avoid over-fertilizing or under-fertilizing the plant.
By being vigilant and addressing these common issues with appropriate solutions, you should be able to keep your Philodendron Selloum healthy and thriving.
Helpful Video
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
