Philodendron Xanadu vs Selloum comparison review is designed for gardeners who can not decide which of these Philodendrons are best suited for their home gardens. Although these two may come from the same habitat, they are very different plants.
You have come to the right place if you are confused about the difference between Philodendron Selloum and Xanadu. This complete and comprehensive review will answer all your queries and dispel any myths.
Contents
Comparison Table
Here is a quick table detailing the differences between Philodendron Xanadu and Selloum.
| Selloum | Xanadu | |
| Growing Zones | 8B – 11 | 10 – 11 |
| Height | 12 to 15 feet | 4 to 6 feet |
| Width | 15 feet | 6 to 7 feet |
| Habit | Upwards | Outwards |
| Light | Bright, indirect | Medium, indirect |
| Soil | Rich soil ,moisture retentive | Rich soil, well-draining |
Difference Between Philodendron Xanadu and Selloum
The main difference between Philodendron Xanadu and Selloum is in the size of the foliage and height of the plant, as Philodendron Selloum size reaches up to 6 feet high with leaves that can grow up to 5 feet long, while Mature Philodendron Xanadu will remain small like a shrub and is more aesthetically pleasing.
– Care Requirements
These two Philodendrons are from the tropics and are part of the same plant family, but they do have slightly different care requirements.
The Philodendron Xanadu is a perennial plant from the Araceae family. It is also known as Thaumatophyllum Xanadu and has a tropical growing habit. It likes to grow in medium indirect bright light and moderate temperatures, and that is why it is considered a good house plant.
Selloum Philodendron is an evergreen tropical plant from Florida, South Africa and Australia. It grows big, and the leaves also spread several feet wide. It likes to grow in indirect bright light and thrives in rich, moisture-retentive soil. It will not tolerate frost well and needs to be protected from cold weather.
Our guide below will help you understand the differences and similarities in the care of both plants.
– Soil Requirements
The soil for Xanadu needs to be well-draining and is usually made by mixing perlite, peat and compost. Selloum likes the soil to be rich, slightly alkaline and retains a lot of moisture.
– Light Requirements
Both of these plants need indirect light and will scorch in bright direct light. The leaves of Selloum and Xanadu are delicate and can not tolerate sunlight. They will thrive in indoor or outdoor spaces that receive indirect bright light.
Xanadu Philodendrons like to grow in medium indirect light, which makes them a good candidate for a houseplant. Selloum will prefer bright, indirect light to grow beautifully, and that is why it grows outdoors more frequently.
Both of them will not prefer shade or a dark space. If they are placed in the shade then they will begin to grow leggy stems or branches and will lose their bright appearance. In case there is low light indoors, you can rotate your pots often to make indirect light reach all sides of the plant.
– Humidity and Temperature Requirements
Selloum and Xanadu will thrive in temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They love humidity like their other tropical family members and prefer humidity higher than 40 percent.
If these plants are close to heaters and air conditioning units, then install a humidifier. It will be a challenge to humidify the Selloum tree outdoors if there is not enough rain and humidity in the air around it.
– Water Requirements
Philodendrons Selloum and Xanadu do not like to be overwatered, but Xanadu is more sensitive. It will easily develop root rot if it is overwatered and the drainage is poor.
The best trick is to water these plants when the soil gets dry and check your soil for good drainage. Slow down watering during winter for both of these plants.
– Fertilizer Requirements
Xanadu and Selloum Philodendrons like to grow in rich soil. The difference is that Xanadu likes to grow in well-draining soil and Selloum prefers water-retentive soil. This means that the fertilizer can be different for both to make sure we do not alter the texture or the soil too much.
Here are some more tips:
- Use a liquid fertilizer for the Xanadu plant as it likes to be in well-draining soil.
- Apply slow-release fertilizer for Xanadu plants.
- Add compost or manure to the Selloum soil to improve its water retention qualities.
Features
Philodendron Selloum and Xanadu may be from the same plant family, but they have very different growing habits. Let us explore the difference and similarities of their growing habits, foliage and flowers.
– Leaves and Growth
The leaves are the main features of these plants, and they can be identified through their different widths and lengths. Selloum leaves can grow as large as 5 feet long on the plants that are 15 feet tall, while the Xanadu leaves are much smaller as the plant also stays small. Both have lobed leaves, but the leaves of Xanadu are more attractive and intricate.
Xanadu grows as a smaller plant whose leaves clump up to create a dense look, while Selloum plants will turn into a tree-like plant outdoors. Xanadu Philodendron is more suitable for potted indoor plants, and Selloum grows outdoors best.
It can be planted in a pot and kept inside, but this will make it unlikely to grow big and turn into its best shape. Both can be trimmed and pruned when needed.
The foliage color of both plants is the same dark green, but it may change as the light shifts. It becomes darker in indirect light and loses its depth with indirect exposure to light. Xanadu leaves sometimes turn reddish too.
– Flowering
Be it Philodendron Xanadu or Selloum, neither will produce flowers indoors. As a houseplant, both will produce lots of green leaves.
When both Philodendron Selloum and Xanadu mature, one will be able to see a protective spathe around a spadix that is informally called a flower. This appears even in 15 to 20-year-old plants, and the flower remains open for two days only.
– Pests
Philodendron Xanadu and Selloum are both pest-resistant plants and do not attract pests. In very moist conditions, Xandadu may get mealybug attacks that can be countered with neem spray. Selloum gets attacked by spider mites in dry conditions, and this can be treated with soapy water.
– Toxicity
Both Selloum and Xanadu Philodendron plants are very toxic plants and must be kept away from children and pets. If any part of these plants are ingested, they may cause swelling, nausea, and other symptoms.
What Is Philodendron Xanadu Best For?
Philodendron Xanadu is best for growing as an indoor plant that has beautiful, deeply-lobed leaves. The plant grows more in width and not much in length. The plant reaches a height of 4 feet and spreads out over 6 feet.
The dense clumps of large leaves create a lush green ambiance and bring a soothing sense to an indoor environment. Here are some of the Philodendron Xanadu’s characteristics:
- For indoor placement
- Low light tolerance
- Good as a potted plant
- Pest-resistant
- Beautiful leaves
What Is Philodendron Selloum Best For?
Philodendron Selloum is best for growing outdoors as it is a tropical plant that can grow up to 15 feet tall and popularly grown as a tree because of its height. It is also known for being an excellent outdoor or houseplant and can be grown in spaces that allow it to spread to its maximum size.
It will grow best in soil that retains moisture and is more suitable for spaces with high humidity. Here are some of this plant’s characteristics:
- Best grown outdoors
- Has a beautiful tall structure
- Pest-resistant
- Easy to propagate
- Interesting leaves
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of your burning questions about these two plants.
– Is Philodendron Xanadu a Climber?
No, the Philodendron Xanadu is not a climber unlike other Philodendrons. It is an upright plant that gains more beauty as it ages. It will not need a support structure, and its leaf stems will shape the plant in a very attractive manner.
– What Can I Plant With Philodendron Xanadu?
Many plants can pair well with Philodendron Xanadu, including Dracaena, Crotons and Cape Jasmine. Here are some suggestions for you:
- Crotons
- Cape jasmine
- Dracaena
- Bird of paradise
- Peace lily
– Which One Is Prettier, Selloum or Xanadu Philodendron?
When it comes to the prettier plant between the Selloum and Xanadu, the answer is Philodendron Xanadu, which has more attractive leaves. However, the overall appearance of both plants is stunning, and Philodendron Selloum looks very unique in its maturity as well.
This will largely depend on what you are looking for.
– How Can I Propagate Xanadu and Selloum Philodendrons?
Propagate Philodendron Xanadu and Selloum through the plant division method of offshoots plantation and stem cuttings in water, respectively.
For the Xanadu, divide the plant during spring or summer, which is the growing season of the plant. It is best done with sterilized tools and with proper care management.
The best way to propagate Selloum is to propagate through stem cuttings in water. Once the stems begin to grow, they can be moved into the soil.
– Why Does My Plant Look Unhealthy?
Philodendrons may look unwell or the leaves may start wilting largely due to overwatering, as both Xanadu and Selloum do not like to be overwatered and can develop root rot fast. The symptoms of root rot are wilting and dropping off of the foliage. This disease is caused by wet roots and poor drainage and can be solved by soil amendments.
Selloum likes water-retentive soil, but that doesn’t mean it will be happy on soggy soil. Keep the soil moist, not wet, and water only when it gets dry.
Other reasons for an unhealthy plant could be lack of nutrients and poor soil condition. Improve soil by adding organic fertilizers and feed like compost. Being in direct sunlight can also affect both plants, and to be in low light can make them leggy and weak.
Conclusion
Philodendron Selloum vs Xanadu comparison review is aimed at exploring the similarities and differences between the two plants. Both plants are tropical and like to grow in indirect light as houseplants or outdoor plants.
Selloum grows into a large, tree-like plant while Xanadu remains small and of low height. The leaves of both plants are quite similar, but Xanadu seems to be more attractive in that regard.
Philodendron Selloum likes rich soil that retains moisture, while Xanadu likes well-draining soil, and both will be affected by overwatering. Both are not frost-resistant but will keep pests away.
These plants can be easily propagated through stem cuttings or root division methods in the growing season. The guide above provided details about their growing habits, features and problems, and we hope that it helps you grow whichever is more suitable to your environment and needs.
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