Philodendrons In The Landscape
Philodendrons are a fantastic choice for adding a lush, tropical feel to your landscape. Their vibrant green leaves and robust growth bring a sense of the exotic right to your backyard. Among the many varieties, Selloum (Split Leaf) and Xanadu preform the best for the Gulf Coast Region. The Selloum variety, with its large, deeply lobed leaves, creates a dramatic statement, ideal for larger spaces. In contrast, Xanadu offers a more compact and dwarf size, more refined leaves, perfect for adding structure and texture to smaller garden areas. Both varieties are low-maintenance, making them a favorite for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to create an inviting outdoor space.
Split Leaf Philodendrons General Description
Scientific Name: Philodendron selloum; reclassified to Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum; alt. Philodendron bipinnatifidum
Common Name(s): Split Leaf Philodendron
Native Range: South America
Hardiness Zones: 8b – 11
Size & Habit: 6 – 12 ft – Clumper
Xanadu Philodendrons General Description
Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Xanadu’; reclassified as Thaumatophyllum xanadu
Common Name(s): Xanadu Philodendron; Winterbourn Philodendron
Native Range: South America
Hardiness Zones: 9a – 11b
Size & Habit: 3 – 5 ft – Clumper
General Care & Cultural Requirements
Light: Part Sun to Shade (While Split Leaves can tolerate the full sun in damp soils, they thrive in a part sun location)
Soil Tolerance: Occasionally wet, acidic to slightly alkaline sandy loam
Drought Tolerant: Moderate
Salt Tolerance: Poor to soil salts
Watering: Well to establishment, can tolerate occasionally wet soils
Trimming: As needed to remove spent leaves; Hard (Rejuvenation) pruning after winter damage
Fertilizer: Balanced water-soluble fertilizer in spring and summer to support healthy growth
Recommended Planting Season: Spring – Summer
Uses In The Landscape
Split Leaf Philodendron: Foundation and Specimen planting.
Xanadu Philodendron: Foundation plantings, large specimens in containers, mass plantings
Pests & Diseases
Spider Mites and Scale can be occasional issues; No major disease issues