At first glance, the Philodendron Selloum “Hope and Philodendron Xanadu look to be nearly the same. A closer look will prove the two plant species have characteristics that make them each unique.
The main difference is the Philodendron Hope is more compact in size than the Xanadu. Another more visual difference is the leaf shape.
The Philodendron Selloum leaf is wiggly (wavy) and shaped like a spear. The Philodendron Xanadu leaf, on the other hand, is wiggly, but not as significant.
Another important difference is the coloration. The Xanadu is light green in coloration while the Selloum is dark green. The lobe of the Xanadu leaf is more rounded than the Philodendron Selloum, which tends to have a slightly sharper tip.
1. Leaf Shape
Have you recently discovered the beautiful Philodendron Xanadu and Philodendron Selloum? Maybe you are trying to decide which plant species will compliment your home best.
Whatever the case may be, you need to know the differences upfront to ensure you make the right decision the first go-round.
It is best to break down each plant species first, the make a comparison. Starting with the Philodendron Selloum, the leaf is obviously lobed like the Philodendron Xanadu. The lobes are what make these plant species stand out in gardens and greenhouses.
The Philodendron Xanadu lobes are smooth and rounded while the Philodendron Selloum lobes appear to have blades sticking out on each side. The veins of the Xanadu leaf are deeper and more prominent, especially along the lobes.
The stem of the Selloum leaf ranges between dark green and almost black while the Xanadu stem is light green in coloration. However, sunlight exposure can alter the coloration due to chlorophyll level fluctuations.
2. Height
As mentioned previously, the Philodendron Xanadu is the more compact of the two species. The plant is more ideal for indoor environments, thanks to its compact size.
The Philodendron Selloum has reportedly been documented at heights up to 15 feet (4-1/2 meters). The maximum height of the Xanadu is reportedly 7 feet (2 meters). Without height control, the Philodendron Selloum grows twice the height of the Xanadu.
With this said, it is possible to manage the height of the Philodendron Selloum for indoor gardens. Routine pruning will allow you to keep the plant to a manageable height in any location of your home.
3. Leaf Size
Since the Philodendron Selloum is the tallest of the two plant species, it is only to be expected that its leaves are larger as well. The leaf has reportedly been recorded at 5 feet (1-1/2 meters) in width, as compared to the Philodendron Xanadu leaf at 12 inches (30 centimeters).
The maximum length of the Philodendron Selloum leaf is recorded at 5 feet (1-1/2 meters), compared to the Xanadu leaf at 16 inches (40 centimeters).
The significant size variance is generally the determining factor for many gardeners. Why? First, and foremost, the Philodendron Selloum requires significantly more space than the Philodendron Xanadu.
3. Soil
Your first thought might be since these plant species belong to the Philodendron genus the soil setup would be the same. Surprisingly, this could not be further from the truth. The two plant species require different soil environments, which is vital for survival.
To prepare the soil for a Philodendron Xanadu, you must start by gathering your supplies. Botanists recommend nutrient-rich organic soil like aged manure, leaf mold, or compost.
To ensure the soil drains well, sphagnum peat moss is a necessity. It is also a good idea to add vermiculite to the mixture. Punch holes in the bottom of the pot prior to transplanting.
The Philodendron Selloum needs nutrient-rich clay soil, which will retain more water than other soils. Add a bit of dolomite lime to increase the pH to create a more alkaline soil environment for your Philodendron Selloum.
The soil pH recommendation for the Xanadu ranges between 5.6 and 7.5. For the Philodendron Selloum, the soil pH recommendation ranges between 6.1 and 7.8.
4. Pot Size
The pot size recommendation for the Philodendron Selloum is five gallons while the Philodendron Xanadu is three gallons. If your goal is to transplant in your garden or greenhouse, space is key to avoid smothering the plants.
The compact size of the Philodendron Xanadu means less space is needed. The Philodendron Selloum requires more height and width space than the Xanadu.
If you are concerned about space, it is recommended to stick with the more compact plant species.
5. Growth Rate
Philodendron plants are fast-growing. You start with a small immature plant and before you know it, it is three-foot tall. When you do a comparison of two or more plants like the Philodendron Xanadu and Philodendron Selloum, you may overlook the growth habit.
This measurement may be included in the width and height, but it is still worth noting.
The growth habit for the Philodendron Selloum is upwards while the Philodendron Xanadu is outwards. Instead of growing outwards, the Philodendron Selloum grows upwards, which explains the greater height.
The width of the Xanadu varies between 6 and 7 feet (1.8 and 2.1 meters) while the Philodendron Selloum is between 10 and 15 feet (3 and 4-1/2 meters).
6. Hardiness
The United States Department of Agriculture rates plant species on a scale that measures hardiness in various zones. The federal agency utilizes a GIS-based map to help gardeners and farmers determine if specific plant species are suitable for their location.
The hardiness zone for the Philodendron Xanadu is 10 -11 The agency rates the hardiness zone for the Philodendron Selloum is 8B – 11.
Summary
Determining which plant species, the Philodendron Xanadu or Philodendron Selloum will compliment your home may be as simple as a size comparison. This is not to mention, indoor growing may stun the growth of both plant species.
Since it is possible to manage the height through regular pruning, you may find yourself right back at the beginning.
Both plant species are eye-appealing and will make a great addition to your home, garden, or greenhouse. If you can’t make up your mind, you can always opt for both.
