Philodendrons Hope and Selloum, two fascinating members of the Araceae family, wield their unique charm in the world of tropical foliage.
Although they share a generic name and the exotic quality of abundant, glossy leaves, they are not to be mistaken as identical twin plants.
That’s why it’s important to discuss the topic of Philodendron Hope vs Selloum.
The most significant distinction lies in their leaf structuring: Philodendron Hope greets you with open, largely lobed leaves, while Selloum’s leaves, equally lush, mesmerize with a more intricate pattern of deep, tight lobbying.
In this article, we delve into intrinsic features, care guidelines and differences between these two philodendrons, ensuring an informed choice for your home or garden.

Philodendron hope vs Selloum
Philodendrons, a large genus within the Araceae family, are versatile adornments in any indoor or outdoor setting thanks to their impressive adaptability and aesthetic appeal.
No two Philodendrons are alike, as exemplified in the comparison of Philodendron Hope and Selloum.
Origins and Classification: A Deeper Understanding
Philodendron Hope and Selloum share a common heritage as part of the Araceae family, both carrying intrinsic features that make them desirable as houseplants. They diverge when it comes to their origins and classification, opening up a world of botanical diversity.

Philodendron Hope: This enigmatic hybrid, Philodendron Hope, has meticulously cultivated to amalgamate beneficial traits from distinct, pre-existing philodendron varieties. With its versatile mix of characteristics, the ‘Hope Philodendron’ thrives as a popular indoor and outdoor plant.
The parentage of this cultivar remains somewhat uncertain. However, it takes visual cues from its philodendron ancestors, inheriting a full-figured, lush appearance while maintaining a compact size.
The Philodendron Hope’s mild drought tolerance roots from its hybrid origin make it slightly more resilient to dry conditions than its Selloum counterpart.
Philodendron Selloum: Philodendron Selloum, as a true native species, has been associated with the lush environment of South American rainforests. The alternate name, ‘Lacy Tree Philodendron,’ draws inspiration from its leaves’ tightly lobed and intricate pattern, which resemble an artisan’s lacework design.
This species, also known as a split-leaf philodendron or Philodendron bipinnatifidum, belongs to a group of philodendrons classified as ‘tree philodendrons’. They usually boast an upright or self-heading growth pattern, most commonly found in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.
Exploring Morphology: An Elaborated Perspective
Dive a little deeper into Philodendron Hope and Selloum’s world, and one quickly realizes how much these plants rely on their leaf structures for photosynthesis and their characteristic charm. Let’s examine the morphology of these plants further:
Philodendron Hope: Philodendron Hope sets itself apart with its expansive lobed leaves. Unlike the usually pointed philodendron leaves, the Hope variety leads to a sculptural appearance due to its lobed structure. Each leaf can grow impressively—a mature leaf can extend up to 4 feet long.
In terms of shape, the leaves are elliptical to oblong. They are distinctly lobed but not deeply dissected, as seen in the Selloum variety, presenting a bold, aesthetically pleasing picture. This moderate lobbying makes the plant appear open and welcoming, befitting its name, “Hope.”
The leaf color of Philodendron Hope is another distinguishing aspect. It boasts a range of green shades, transitioning from a mid-green to a deeper, lush green. This visually appealing color gradation aids in enhancing the plant’s overall attractiveness and aesthetic value.
Philodendron Selloum: Philodendron Selloum endears houseplant enthusiasts with its vivid and ornate foliage. The tight lobbying, contrary to the moderate lobbing of a Hope Philodendron, pulls the individual leaves into a more complex, intricate pattern. Each leaf can be viewed as a miniature sculpture waiting to be admired.
The leaves have a reasonably organized structure, spiraling clockwise from the central stout stem, culminating in an astoundingly dense and large canopy. This composition makes the Selloum appear more compact and gives it a distinct sculpture-like profile that contrasts Hope’s expansive, open countenance.
Selloum’s leaf color further sets it apart from the Hope variety. The leaves exhibit a consistently dark green hue that presents a captivating depth in color. This ensemble of color, texture, and form combine to create an alluring plant that serves as a magnet for plant enthusiasts.
Digging Deeper: Growth and Care Requirements
Philodendrons are relatively easy to care for, but each variety has subtle quirks that must be considered. Let’s explore in further detail the unique care requirements and growth patterns of Philodendron Hope and Selloum.

Philodendron Hope
A Philodendron Hope’s care routine is reasonably straightforward, making it a perfect choice for beginners.
- Water and Soil: Overwatering this plant must be avoided as it could lead to root rot. Its semi-tolerant nature towards dry conditions allows this variety to withstand less frequent watering comfortably. A well-draining soil mix is essential to ensure excess water can escape and prevent the plant’s roots from standing in water.
- Sunlight: Philodendron Hope enjoys moderate indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, leaving unsightly marks, so a balance needs to be struck. Shaded, diffuse light, particularly during the peak sunshine hours, helps maintain the plant’s vibrant green color.
- Growth: Philodendron Hope has a more demure growth pattern than the Selloum variety. It does not achieve the same height and tends to present a more compact look, typical of indoor or shaded outdoor foliage plants.
Philodendron Selloum
A slightly more demanding plant, the Philodendron Selloum’s care entails close attention to replicating its native rainforest conditions.
- Water and Soil: Regular watering is essential for the Selloum variety to mimic the high-moisture environment of its natural habitat. The soil should provide excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging and resultant root rot—incorporating perlite, bark, or coarse sand aids in improving the soil’s drainage capacity.
- Light and Humidity: This plant prefers a brightly lit spot but avoids direct sunlight. The ideal light would be filtered, bright light akin to the light conditions in a rainforest under the canopy. Additionally, Selloum enjoys high humidity levels and will thrive if this aspect of its native conditions can be replicated.
- Growth: Philodendron Selloum has a striking growth pattern, with compact, spiraling leaves forming an impressive canopy. Its tree-like structure can reach considerable heights, making it a great indoor statement piece or a dramatic exterior feature.
Propagation
The propagation of these plants introduces us to another facet of their individuality.
- Philodendron Hope: This variety can be propagated using stem cuttings. The process is relatively simple: taking a healthy portion of the stem with 1-2 leaf nodes, letting it callus for a few days, and then placing it into moist soil or water to root. Philodendron Hope’s cuttings root readily, making it a satisfying plant for home propagators.
- Philodendron Selloum: Propagation for Philodendron Selloum also employs stem cuttings, but the process can be a bit more challenging due to the plant’s woody stalks. It requires a sharp, clean tool to make precise cuts and avoid damaging the mother plant or the cutting. Patience is vital as Selloum cuttings can take longer to root than their Philodendron Hope counterparts. However, seeing a new Selloum plant emerging from a cutting is worth the wait!
Exploring Growth Patterns: Unfolding the Structural Charm
The growth pattern of the Philodendron Hope and Selloum exemplifies their individuality, promising to add exciting elements to any space, indoor or outdoor. Let’s delve deeper into this unique feature.

Philodendron Hope
Philodendron Hope’s growth displays a unique synthesis of compactness and charm. Despite its smaller size than the Selloum, it doesn’t compromise its aesthetic appeal.
- Growth Habit: Hope portrays a more rounded growth habit that leans towards partial vining. This growth pattern gives it a filled, dense look that brings an air of tropical lushness to any setting.
- Ideal Use: Given its compact size and accommodating growth pattern, Philodendron Hope is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized spaces. It can be a beautiful addition to your interior decor or liven up shaded outdoor areas with rich green foliage.
Philodendron Selloum
A Philodendron Selloum starkly contrasts the Hope variety in terms of its growth pattern and size. It brings forth a grandeur that leaves an indelible mark.
- Growth Habit: Selloum features a tree-like growth habit, unique for an indoor plant. It produces a compact, leaf-layered canopy that erupts from a single, stout central stem, emanating an aura of an ornate, small tree.
- Potential Size: This variety can reach a substantial size, with its height potentially extending up to 15 feet, depending on the growing conditions and environments. Such impressive stature makes it an excellent statement piece for your house or backyard.
Temperature Preference
- Philodendron Hope: Philodendron Hope offers a certain resistance level towards cooler climates. It can manage well in lower temperatures, down to approximately 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This characteristic makes it suitable for growers living in cooler regions, enabling them to foster a tropical vibe without needing stringent heat control.
- Philodendron Selloum: Contrasting the Hope variety, the Selloum cultivar tends to be more sensitive to colder temperatures. It has a temperature preference of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Colder temperatures may lead to slowed growth and can cause potential harm in extremely cold temperatures.
Pruning

- Philodendron Hope: Regular pruning is advised for Philodendron Hope. This process encourages bushier growth and helps control the plant’s size, aligning with the natural ease it provides for compact indoor settings. Snip off excess growth and pinch it back just above the leaf nodes to promote fuller, bushier development.
- Philodendron Selloum: Given its tree-like growth pattern, regular pruning isn’t necessary for the Philodendron Selloum. It is generally a fast grower that naturally maintains a shaped appearance. However, it’s advisable to remove dead, diseased, or yellow leaves, aiding in the plant’s overall health and visual appeal. Be mindful when pruning to avoid harm to the plant’s growth nodes hiding behind “leaf scars” on the woody trunks.
frequently asked question (FAQs)
What is the most expensive Philodendron plant?
The Philodendron Spiritus Sancti is the most expensive Philodendron plant. This plant’s rarity and extraordinary beauty contribute to its high price.
What is the easiest climbing Philodendron?
The Philodendron Hederaceum, also known as Heartleaf Philodendron, is the easiest climbing variety. It shows vigorous growth and adaptability, making it suited for novice gardeners.
What is the queen of Philodendrons?
Philodendron Gloriosum is commonly referred to as the “Queen of Philodendrons”. It’s recognized for its strikingly large, velvety leaves that are heart-shaped.
What is the rarest Philodendron?
The rarest Philodendron is believed to be the Philodendron Spiritus Sancti. This species is critically endangered in the wild, with less than 100 known mature specimens.
What is the difference between Philodendron Hope and Little Hope?
The primary difference lies in their sizes. While both varieties possess deeply lobed, evergreen leaves, the Philodendron Little Hope is a dwarf version of the larger Philodendron Hope and tends to grow more compactly—perfect for small spaces.
Conclusion:
The choice between Philodendron Hope and Selloum concerns individual preferences concerning growth patterns, size, and required plant care. With its compact and partially vining habit, Philodendron Hope fits well in smaller spaces, while the grand Philodendron Selloum brings a tree-like charm to any room.
Both plants share common needs of bright light, moist soil, and humidity. Understanding these distinctions ensures a well-informed decision, allowing for the seamless incorporation of these beautiful tropical plants into your home or garden while creating the desired ambience.