Philodendron Xanadu Vs Selloum

If you’re looking for a bold, tropical statement in your garden or home, two plants often come to mind: the Philodendron Xanadu and the Philodendron Selloum. Understanding the philodendron xanadu vs selloum differences is key to picking the perfect one for your space. While they share a family tree and a love for warm, humid conditions, they are distinct plants with unique personalities. This guide will walk you through everything you need to tell them apart and care for them.

At first glance, these two philodendrons can be confused. Both have deeply lobed, glossy green leaves that scream “tropical paradise.” However, once you know what to look for, the distinctions become clear. It’s like recognizing two siblings; similar features, but different expressions. The main differences lie in their size, growth habit, leaf shape, and overall manageability. Getting this right means you won’t end up with a giant where you wanted a compact clump.

Meet the Philodendron Xanadu

Philodendron Xanadu, sometimes called the “Winterbourn,” is the more refined and compact cousin. It’s a patented cultivar known for its tidy, self-contained growth.

Growth Habit: It grows in a dense, clumping form. The stems are shorter and tend to curve inward, creating a mounded, shrub-like appearance. It does not have a vining or climbing habit.
Mature Size: Outdoors in ideal climates, it can reach about 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Indoors, it typically stays smaller, making it an excellent floor or table plant.
Leaf Structure: The leaves are smaller, usually 12 to 18 inches long. Each leaf has 10 to 15 distinct, narrow lobes that are more finely divided. The lobes are symmetrical and give the plant a very elegant, almost feathery look.
Overall Vibe: Neat, organized, and perfectly suited for contained spaces like living rooms, offices, or patio corners.

Meet the Philodendron Selloum

Philodendron Selloum is the classic, dramatic statement plant. Botanically, it’s now often classified as Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, but you’ll still find it sold under its old name. This is the plant that wants to be the center of attention.

Growth Habit: It grows from a thick, central trunk-like stem. It’s a non-climbing, self-heading type, but it spreads outwards with long, arching leaf stems (petioles). It can look somewhat tree-like as it matures.
Mature Size: This is a much larger plant. In the ground in tropical areas, it can soar to 10-15 feet tall and wide. Even as a container plant indoors, it can easily reach 6 feet or more in spread.
Leaf Structure: The leaves are enormous, often 3 to 4 feet long on mature plants. The lobes are broader, deeper, and less numerous (typically 5-10 per leaf) than the Xanadu. They have a more rugged, deeply cut appearance.
Overall Vibe: Bold, architectural, and jungle-like. It commands a large space.

Side-by-Side Comparison Chart

Here’s a quick reference to summarize the key philodendron xanadu vs selloum differences.

Scientific Name: Xanadu: Philodendron ‘Xanadu’. Selloum: Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (formerly Philodendron selloum).
Common Names: Xanadu: Winterbourn. Selloum: Tree Philodendron, Split-Leaf Philodendron (though this also refers to Monstera).
Mature Height: Xanadu: 3-4 ft. Selloum: 6-15 ft.
Mature Width: Xanadu: 4-5 ft. Selloum: 8-15 ft.
Leaf Size: Xanadu: 12-18 inches. Selloum: 36-48 inches.
Leaf Lobes: Xanadu: 10-15, narrow & symmetrical. Selloum: 5-10, broad & deep.
Growth Form: Xanadu: Dense, clumping mound. Selloum: Spreading, tree-like with a trunk.
Best For: Xanadu: Containers, indoor decor, small gardens. Selloum: Large indoor spaces, outdoor focal points in warm climates.

How to Care for Your Philodendron Xanadu

Caring for a Xanadu is straightforward, making it a fantastic choice for beginners and busy plant lovers. Its compact size means it adapts well to indoor life.

Light Requirements

Xanadu prefers bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is ideal. It can tolerate medium light but will grow slower. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. If the leaves start to stretch or the plant becomes leggy, it’s asking for more light.

Watering and Humidity

Water your Xanadu when the top inch of soil feels dry. Stick your finger in to check. It likes consistent moisture but hates soggy feet, so ensure your pot has drainage holes. Reduce watering in the winter. It appreciates average household humidity but will be happiest with a boost from a humidifier or pebble tray, especially if your air is dry.

Soil and Fertilizing

Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. A standard indoor plant mix with some perlite added works great. Feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during the spring and summer. Don’t fertilize in the fall and winter when growth slows.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning is mainly for aesthetics. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves at the base of the stem to keep the plant looking tidy. You can also remove outer leaves to control its spread. Wear gloves, as the sap can irritate skin. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth occasionally to keep them dust-free and shiny.

How to Care for Your Philodendron Selloum

The Selloum’s care is similar but scaled up. Its large size means it has a bigger appetite for water and nutrients, and it needs plenty of room to shine.

Light Requirements

Selloum thrives in bright, filtered light. It can handle some morning sun. In too low light, its growth will be stunted, and the leaf stems may become weak and floppy. Indoors, place it near your brightest window, but shield it from harsh direct rays. It’s more tolerant of sun than Xanadu when acclimated outdoors.

Watering and Humidity

Water deeply when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. This plant drinks more due to its large leaves, but the same rule applies: no waterlogging. It loves high humidity. Brown leaf tips are a common sign the air is too dry. Misting can help, but a humidifier is more effective for such a large plant.

Soil and Fertilizing

A rich, well-draining soil is crucial. You can use an indoor mix amended with compost or orchid bark for extra nutrients and drainage. During the growing season, feed it monthly with a balanced fertilizer. Because of its vigorous growth, it benefits from regular feeding. An underfed Selloum will have pale leaves and slow growth.

Pruning and Maintenance

Prune to remove old, yellowing outer leaves—this is natural as the plant grows taller and forms its trunk. Use clean, sharp pruners. You can also remove leaves to manage its impressive spread. Support the leaf stem with one hand while cutting with the other to avoid damaging the main trunk. Keep those big leaves clean for optimal photosynthesis.

Choosing the Right Plant for Your Space

Now that you know the philodendron xanadu vs selloum characteristics, how do you choose? It boils down to space and commitment.

Choose Philodendron Xanadu if:

You have limited floor space.
You want a low-maintenance, tabletop or medium floor plant.
You prefer a neat, controlled growth habit.
You are growing indoors year-round.

Choose Philodendron Selloum if:

You have a large, empty corner that needs filling.
You want a dramatic, instant “wow” factor.
You live in a warm climate (USDA zones 9-11) and want an outdoor landscape plant.
You don’t mind a plant that will eventually demand a lot of room.

Common Problems and Solutions

Both plants are relatively pest-resistant but can face similar issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

Yellowing Leaves

This is the most common issue. Causes include:

Overwatering: The number one cause. Check your soil moisture and ensure the pot drains.
Underwatering: The plant will wilt and yellow if too dry for too long.
Nutrient Deficiency: Older leaves yellowing could mean it needs fertilizer.
Natural Shedding: It’s normal for the oldest outer leaves to yellow and die off occasionally, especially on Selloum.

Brown Leaf Edges or Tips

Usually a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering. It can also be caused by a buildup of salts and minerals from tap water or over-fertilizing. Use filtered water if possible, and flush the soil every few months by running water through it for a minute.

Pests

Watch for spider mites (fine webbing, stippled leaves), mealybugs (white cottony masses), and scale (brown bumps on stems/leaves). Treat early with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Wiping the leaves regularly helps prevent infestations.

Leggy Growth or Small Leaves

This signals insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location. A Selloum in low light will have very long petioles and smaller leaves, losing its compact, full look.

Propagation Tips

You can create new plants from your existing ones. The methods differ slightly due to their growth habits.

Propagating Xanadu: It’s best propagated by division. In spring, remove the plant from its pot. Gently separate a section of the clump that has its own roots and stems. Pot it up in fresh soil, water it, and keep it in a warm, humid spot until new growth appears.

Propagating Selloum: Mature Selloums can be propagated from cuttings or air layering.

Stem Cutting: Cut a section of the stem that includes at least one node (a bump where leaves/aerial roots emerge). Let the cut end callous for a day, then place it in water or moist sphagnum moss until roots develop.
Air Layering: This is great for large plants. Make a small upward cut on a stem below a node, prop it open with a toothpick, wrap it with damp moss, and cover with plastic. Once roots form in the moss, cut the stem below them and pot it up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Philodendron Xanadu and Selloum the same?

No, they are different plants. Xanadu is a specific compact cultivar, while Selloum is a larger, species-type plant. They are often confused but have clear differences in size and leaf shape.

Which is easier to care for, Xanadu or Selloum?

Both are generally easy, but the Xanadu is often considered more forgiving for indoor growers due to its smaller size and slower growth rate. It’s less demanding in terms of space and humidity.

Can I grow these philodendrons outdoors?

Yes, but only in warm, frost-free climates (typically USDA zones 9-11). Xanadu works well in shaded garden beds or containers. Selloum can become a massive landscape specimen. In cooler zones, they must be brought inside before the first frost.

Are they pet-friendly?

No. Like all philodendrons, both Xanadu and Selloum contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It can cause oral irritation and digestive upset. Keep them out of reach of pets.

Why are the leaves on my Selloum drooping?

Drooping leaves usually mean the plant is thirsty. Check the soil. If it’s dry, give it a good drink. If the soil is wet, drooping could indicate root rot from overwatering. Also, ensure it’s not in a cold draft.

How fast do these plants grow?

With good care, Xanadu has a moderate growth rate. Selloum is a faster grower, especially when young and given ample light and nutrients. Its growth will slow as it reaches maturity indoors.

Choosing between a Philodendron Xanadu and a Selloum ultimately depends on the statement you want to make. The Xanadu offers a manageable, elegant texture perfect for complementing a room. The Selloum is the room, a living piece of sculpture that brings the heart of the tropics indoors. By understanding their unique needs—especially their space requirements—you can ensure either plant will thrive for years to come, adding a touch of lush, green beauty to your life. Just remember to give the Selloum plenty of elbow room, or you might be surprised by how big it gets!