Philo Selloum | Lacy Tree Philodendron | Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum

In the wild, the Lacy Tree is a tropical plant that is usually grown in full sun, but can tolerate and adapt to deep shade.

As it matures, it may exhibit epiphytic characteristics if given the opportunity to attach itself to a nearby supporting tree and climb upon it. The trunk of this plant can send down many strong aerial roots that not only give support to the overall plant mass, but also serve to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

In 2018, the plant has been reclassified as they turn out to have very different genetics from the Philodendrons. Paired with the fact that they also grow trunks like trees and shed their lower leaves, the plants were then moved to their own new genus: Thaumatophyllum.

Things you need to know

Botanical name

Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (reclassified)

Philodendron bipinnatifidum

Philodendron selloum (synonym)

Origin

Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay

Nickname

Philo Selloum

Lacy Tree

Horsehead Philodendron

Philodendron Hope