Annie's Garden
Aglaonema commutatum
Sellum is a foliage houseplant known for its large, deeply lobed, glossy green leaves that add a lush, tropical feel to any room.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Sellum / Lace Tree Philodendron
Botanical Name: Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
Arabic Name: فيلوديندرون سيلوم
Plant Color: Green
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Thaumatophyllum
Species: Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to South America, specifically Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. It thrives naturally in tropical and subtropical forest environments.
4. Visual Characteristics
This plant features massive, glossy, dark green leaves with deep, finger-like lobes. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy, woody trunk-like stem marked with circular leaf scars that look like "eyes."
5. Size & Dimensions
Indoors, it typically reaches a height and spread of 3 to 5 feet. Outdoors in ideal climates, it can grow over 10 feet tall and wide.
6. Light Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct morning sun, but harsh afternoon sun may scorch the foliage. It can adapt to medium light but growth will be slower.
7. Watering Needs
Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. It prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil. Avoid overwatering as it is susceptible to root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Requires a rich, well-draining potting mix. A combination of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark is recommended to provide both moisture retention and aeration.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C–27°C). It enjoys high humidity but performs well in standard household humidity levels. Mist the leaves during dry winter months.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding during the fall and winter months.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Easy. Maintenance involves wiping the large leaves with a damp cloth to keep them free of dust and occasionally pruning dead or yellowing lower leaves to maintain its shape.
12. Growth & Propagation
Moderate to fast growth rate. Propagation is primarily achieved through stem cuttings (ensure there is a node or aerial roots) or by dividing offsets from the base of a mature plant.
13. Common Problems
Susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Yellow leaves are often a sign of overwatering, while brown, crispy edges usually indicate low humidity or underwatering.
14. Benefits & Uses
A powerful air-purifying plant that filters common indoor toxins. Its dramatic size makes it an excellent focal point for home décor, office lobbies, and large living spaces.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Toxic to both humans and pets. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals which, if ingested, can cause severe swelling and irritation of the mouth, throat, and digestive system.
Aglaonema commutatum
Sellum is a foliage houseplant known for its large, deeply lobed, glossy green leaves that add a lush, tropical feel to any room.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Sellum / Lace Tree Philodendron
Botanical Name: Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
Arabic Name: فيلوديندرون سيلوم
Plant Color: Green
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Thaumatophyllum
Species: Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to South America, specifically Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. It thrives naturally in tropical and subtropical forest environments.
4. Visual Characteristics
This plant features massive, glossy, dark green leaves with deep, finger-like lobes. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy, woody trunk-like stem marked with circular leaf scars that look like "eyes."
5. Size & Dimensions
Indoors, it typically reaches a height and spread of 3 to 5 feet. Outdoors in ideal climates, it can grow over 10 feet tall and wide.
6. Light Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct morning sun, but harsh afternoon sun may scorch the foliage. It can adapt to medium light but growth will be slower.
7. Watering Needs
Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. It prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil. Avoid overwatering as it is susceptible to root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Requires a rich, well-draining potting mix. A combination of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark is recommended to provide both moisture retention and aeration.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C–27°C). It enjoys high humidity but performs well in standard household humidity levels. Mist the leaves during dry winter months.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding during the fall and winter months.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Easy. Maintenance involves wiping the large leaves with a damp cloth to keep them free of dust and occasionally pruning dead or yellowing lower leaves to maintain its shape.
12. Growth & Propagation
Moderate to fast growth rate. Propagation is primarily achieved through stem cuttings (ensure there is a node or aerial roots) or by dividing offsets from the base of a mature plant.
13. Common Problems
Susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Yellow leaves are often a sign of overwatering, while brown, crispy edges usually indicate low humidity or underwatering.
14. Benefits & Uses
A powerful air-purifying plant that filters common indoor toxins. Its dramatic size makes it an excellent focal point for home décor, office lobbies, and large living spaces.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Toxic to both humans and pets. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals which, if ingested, can cause severe swelling and irritation of the mouth, throat, and digestive system.