Problems

Philodendron Selloum Problems: Causes & Quick Fixes

Quick answer

Philodendron Selloum is prone to 4 common issues - each link below is a plant-specific fix guide.

Philodendron Selloum problems

Use the guides below to diagnose and fix common issues on Philodendron Selloum. Each problem page explains why it happens on this species and what to do first.

Or use our problem diagnosis tool to narrow down symptoms.

Common problems on Philodendron Selloum

Brown Tips

Medium

Likely cause: Low humidity from dry indoor air

Quick fix: Increase humidity to 50%+; large leaf surface transpires heavily

Full fix guide →

Root Rot

High

Likely cause: Dense soil or winter overwatering

Quick fix: Repot in chunky aroid mix; correct winter watering

Full fix guide →

Spider Mites

Medium

Likely cause: Dry indoor heating on large leaf surface

Quick fix: Rinse leaves; apply neem oil; increase humidity

Full fix guide →

Yellow Leaves

Medium

Likely cause: Overwatering in winter when growth slows

Quick fix: Reduce watering in winter; allow top 5 cm to dry

Full fix guide →

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water Philodendron Selloum?

Every 7–10 days in summer - allow top 5 cm to dry. Every 14–21 days in winter. Large leaf mass uses water quickly in warm conditions.

What light does Philodendron Selloum need?

Philodendron Selloum grows best in bright indirect light, medium indirect light.

Is Philodendron Selloum toxic to pets?

Philodendron Selloum is toxic to cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, horses, turtles, and tortoises. Keep out of reach of curious pets and choose pet-safe alternatives for accessible spots.

How do I propagate Philodendron Selloum?

Propagate Philodendron Selloum from healthy stem or root divisions during active growth.

What soil is best for Philodendron Selloum?

Use chunky aroid mix: potting mix + 25 % perlite + 25 % orchid bark + 10 % worm castings. Large pots with multiple drainage holes.

When should I repot Philodendron Selloum?

Repot Philodendron Selloum when roots circle the pot or growth slows despite good care.

Why does my Philodendron Selloum have brown tips?

Low humidity from dry indoor air Quick fix: Increase humidity to 50%+; large leaf surface transpires heavily

How this Philodendron Selloum problems guide is reviewed?

Editorial policy Review board

Written by · Reviewed by LeafyPixels Review Board · Updated June 14, 2026

This Philodendron Selloum problems problem guide was researched and written by . Problems symptoms on Philodendron Selloum, lookalike causes, and step-by-step fixes are cross-checked against extension pest, disease, and care references before publication.

We prioritize sources that hold up under scrutiny:

University cooperative extension bulletins and fact sheets (Penn State, Clemson, UMD, NC State, and similar programs)
Botanical garden and horticultural society publications
Peer-reviewed plant science and veterinary toxicology references where pet safety matters (including ASPCA Animal Poison Control)
Established reference works on indoor plant culture

The LeafyPixels editorial team then reviews the draft for clarity, step-by-step usefulness, and fit with real apartment and home conditions-not ideal greenhouse setups. When guidance changes materially, we update the page and note the revision date.

Sources used

browning leaf tips to humidity needs (n.d.) Philodendron Houseplant How. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.sdstate.edu/philodendron-houseplant-how (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
cause of brown leaf tips (n.d.) Diagnosing Houseplant Problems Improper Environmental Conditions. [Online]. Available at: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/diagnosing-houseplant-problems-improper-environmental-conditions (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
deeply dissected evergreen leaves up to three feet long (n.d.) PlantFinderDetails. [Online]. Available at: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276569 (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
Drooping (n.d.) Pest And Disease Problems Of Indoor Plants. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.psu.edu/pest-and-disease-problems-of-indoor-plants (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
Horticultural oils are among the most effective houseplant controls (n.d.) Insect Control Horticultural Oils. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/insect-control-horticultural-oils/ (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
increasing humidity around the plant (n.d.) Managing Houseplant Pests. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/managing-houseplant-pests/ (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
low household humidity (n.d.) Philodendron Pothos Monstera. [Online]. Available at: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/philodendron-pothos-monstera/ (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
low humidity as the most likely cause (n.d.) Why Does My Houseplant Have Brown Leaf Tips And Edges. [Online]. Available at: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/why-does-my-houseplant-have-brown-leaf-tips-and-edges (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
magnesium deficiency (n.d.) Philodendron Diseases. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.psu.edu/philodendron-diseases (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
overwatering among causes of old-leaf yellowing (n.d.) Diagnosing Poor Plant Health. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.psu.edu/diagnosing-poor-plant-health (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
overwatering decreases oxygen (n.d.) Houseplant Diseases Disorders. [Online]. Available at: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/houseplant-diseases-disorders/ (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
overwatering is the number one way we kill houseplants (2024) Diagnosing Houseplants 101 Is Your Plant Diseased Or Just Overwatered. [Online]. Available at: https://epi.ufl.edu/2024/07/03/diagnosing-houseplants-101-is-your-plant-diseased-or-just-overwatered/ (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
philodendrons tend to see more spider mite outbreaks (n.d.) Houseplant Pests. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umn.edu/news/houseplant-pests (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
reproduce rapidly in warm, dry conditions (n.d.) 7506. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umn.edu/node/7506 (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
root rot can occur in overly damp soil (n.d.) Philodendron Bipinnatifidum. [Online]. Available at: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/philodendron-bipinnatifidum/ (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
saturated compost can eventually cause root rot (n.d.) Growing Guide. [Online]. Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/philodendron/growing-guide (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
spider mites prefer indoors (n.d.) Managing Spider Mites Houseplants. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.umn.edu/news/managing-spider-mites-houseplants (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
top 1 to 2 inches (n.d.) End Of Winter Houseplant Care How To Prepare Indoor Plants For Spring. [Online]. Available at: https://hgic.clemson.edu/end-of-winter-houseplant-care-how-to-prepare-indoor-plants-for-spring/ (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
toxic to cats and dogs (n.d.) Lacy Tree Philodendron. [Online]. Available at: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/lacy-tree-philodendron (Accessed: 14 June 2026).
twospotted spider mite (n.d.) Spider Mites. [Online]. Available at: https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/spider-mites/ (Accessed: 14 June 2026).