Lantana Camara vs Philodendron Selloum Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Lantana Camara
Lantana camara
Lantana camara is a sprawling shrub typically grown outdoors, known for its clusters of small, brightly colored flowers that bloom almost continuously in warm climates. The flower colors vary widely, often displaying multiple hues within the same cluster, including yellow, orange, red, pink, and white. It's a vigorous grower, often used in gardens for its vibrant color and ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. While it can be grown in containers, it thrives outdoors in full sun and well-drained soil. Due to its aggressive growth and potential toxicity, it's important to manage its spread and handle it with care.
Philodendron Selloum
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (syn. Philodendron selloum)
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, commonly known as Selloum, is a large, evergreen plant characterized by its deeply lobed, glossy green leaves. It is often grown as an ornamental plant, both indoors and outdoors, although it thrives best in warm, humid environments. While often referred to as a Philodendron, it was reclassified into the genus Thaumatophyllum. In its natural habitat, it can grow quite large, forming a trunk-like stem. People grow it for its dramatic foliage and tropical appearance, adding a lush, architectural element to landscapes and interiors. It is primarily an outdoor plant but can adapt to indoor conditions with proper care.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Lantana Camara | Philodendron Selloum |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) | Bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct morning sun, but avoid intense afternoon sun. |
| Watering | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. More frequent watering is needed during hot, sunny periods. | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 40-70% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C | 18-24°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Moderate |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate |
| Max Height | 0.3-1 meter indoors (much larger outdoors) | 1-1.5 meters indoors |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix or garden soil. A mix of loam, sand, and compost is ideal. | Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | With Caution |
| Weekly Maintenance | 30 minutes weekly (including watering, pruning, and pest control) | 15 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Lantana Camara
| Scientific Name | Lantana camara |
|---|---|
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Native To | Tropical regions of the Americas and Africa |
| Also Known As | Lantana, Shrub Verbena, Yellow Sage, Red Sage |
| Leaves | The leaves of Lantana camara are ovate or lance-shaped, about 2-5 inches long, and have a rough, textured surface. They are typically dark green and emit a pungent odor when crushed. |
| Flowers | Lantana camara produces clusters of small, brightly colored flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, and white. The flowers bloom almost continuously in warm climates. It is unlikely to flower indoors without very bright light conditions. |
Philodendron Selloum
| Scientific Name | Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (syn. Philodendron selloum) |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Native To | South America, specifically Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina |
| Also Known As | Split-leaf Philodendron, Selloum, Horsehead Philodendron, Lacy Tree Philodendron |
| Leaves | The leaves are large, deeply lobed, and glossy green. They can grow up to 90 cm long and 60 cm wide. The lobes are irregular and give the leaves a distinctive, feathery appearance. New leaves emerge a lighter green and gradually darken with age. |
| Flowers | It rarely flowers indoors. When it does flower, it produces a spadix and spathe, typical of plants in the Araceae family. The flowers are not particularly showy. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Lantana Camara
Philodendron Selloum
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Lantana Camara
Methods: Stem cuttings, Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Take stem cuttings in spring or summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist until roots develop. Seeds can be sown in spring after soaking them in water for 24 hours.
Philodendron Selloum
Methods: Stem cuttings, Division, Seed (rarely used)
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Take stem cuttings with aerial roots. Allow the cut end to callous over for a day or two before planting in moist potting mix. Keep the cutting warm and humid.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Lantana Camara
Lantana camara is known for its vibrant, multi-colored flower clusters that attract pollinators. The flower colors can change as they mature, adding to its visual appeal. It is also relatively drought-tolerant once established.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
- ✓ Provides vibrant, long-lasting color to the garden.
- ✓ Drought-tolerant once established.
- ✓ Can be used as a ground cover or in containers.
- ✓ Provides a natural habitat for beneficial insects.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Philodendron Selloum
Its deeply lobed leaves give it a unique and dramatic appearance. It's also relatively easy to propagate from stem cuttings. The plant's size and architectural form make it a standout feature in any space.
- ✓ Adds a tropical aesthetic to your space.
- ✓ Can improve indoor air quality.
- ✓ Provides a sense of calm and connection to nature.
- ✓ Its large leaves create a visually striking focal point.
- ✓ Relatively low-maintenance once established.
- 🌬️ NASA-verified air purifier
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Lantana Camara
Philodendron Selloum
🌞 Light Requirements
Lantana Camara
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Philodendron Selloum
Bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct morning sun, but avoid intense afternoon sun.
Low light tolerant: ✅ Yes
💧 Watering Needs
Lantana Camara
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry soil. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and soggy soil.
Philodendron Selloum
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Allow excess water to drain away. Overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves and a musty smell. Underwatering results in drooping leaves and dry, crispy edges.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Lantana Camara
Temperature: 18-27°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Philodendron Selloum
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 40-70%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Lantana Camara
Lantana camaraExperienced gardeners in warm climates who want a vibrant, butterfly-attracting plant for their outdoor garden.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You live in a warm climate with plenty of sunshine.
- You want to attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden.
- You are looking for a plant with a long blooming period.
- You have experience managing potentially invasive plants.
- You appreciate vibrant, multi-colored flowers.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets or small children who might ingest the plant.
- You live in a cold climate with limited sunlight.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant.
- You are concerned about invasive species.
- You don't have time for regular pruning.
Philodendron Selloum
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (syn. Philodendron selloum)Experienced plant enthusiasts who can provide ample space and attention to its specific needs.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a bold, tropical statement plant.
- You have a bright, indirect light location.
- You are experienced with plant care and can manage its needs.
- You appreciate its architectural foliage.
- You are prepared to provide ample space for its growth.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You have limited space.
- You tend to overwater your plants.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Lantana Camara is rated Expert care level, while Philodendron Selloum is Moderate.
Lantana Camara has fast growth, while Philodendron Selloum grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Lantana Camara Care Tips
Lantana camara is primarily an outdoor plant that requires full sun and well-drained soil. It can be challenging to grow indoors due to its high light requirements and tendency to become leggy. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain its shape. Toxicity to pets is a major concern.
- Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
- Monitor for pests and diseases and treat promptly.
Philodendron Selloum Care Tips
While adaptable to indoor conditions, Selloum prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Maintaining adequate humidity and avoiding overwatering are crucial for its health. It can become quite large, requiring ample space. Regular cleaning of the leaves will keep it looking its best.
- Wipe the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
- Provide a moss pole or other support for the plant to climb, mimicking its natural growth habit.
- Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth on all sides.
- Avoid placing the plant near drafts or heating vents.
- Monitor for pests regularly and treat promptly.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Lantana Camara
Philodendron Selloum
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Lantana Camara
What are the light requirements for Lantana Camara?
Lantana Camara demands ample sunlight to flourish and produce its characteristic vibrant blooms. Ideally, it should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth, reduced flowering, and dull foliage. When grown indoors, place Lantana near a south-facing window where it can soak up the maximum amount of sunlight. If natural light is lacking, consider supplementing with grow lights to ensure adequate illumination. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even exposure to light on all sides. Outdoor placement should prioritize sunny spots in the garden or on the patio.
How do I care for Lantana Camara?
Lantana Camara thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Well-draining soil is essential. Fertilize regularly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer, or one specifically formulated for blooming plants, to encourage abundant flowering. Prune regularly to maintain shape and remove spent flowers (deadheading). In colder climates, treat Lantana as an annual or bring it indoors for the winter. Maintain moderate humidity levels. Protect from frost. Monitor for pests like aphids and whiteflies, and treat promptly with insecticidal soap. Repot only when necessary, when the plant becomes root-bound.
How do I propagate Lantana Camara?
Lantana Camara is easily propagated through stem cuttings. Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, removing the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light. Roots should develop within a few weeks. Division is possible for larger, established plants, carefully separating the root ball. Keiki propagation is not applicable to Lantana.
Philodendron Selloum
What are the light requirements for Philodendron Selloum?
Philodendron Selloum flourishes in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, as it can cause leaf burn. An east-facing window is ideal, or a spot near a south or west-facing window that is filtered by a sheer curtain. If the plant is not receiving enough light, the leaves may become pale or the stems may become leggy. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth on all sides. Artificial grow lights can be used to supplement natural light, especially during winter months.
How do I care for Philodendron Selloum?
Philodendron Selloum thrives in bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight which can scorch its leaves. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain. Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot. Maintain humidity levels around 60-70% through misting or a humidifier. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Prune any yellow or damaged leaves to encourage healthy growth. Repot every 1-2 years as needed, when the plant becomes root-bound. Provide support for mature plants as they grow larger. Protect from drafts and sudden temperature changes.
How do I propagate Philodendron Selloum?
Philodendron Selloum can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, or air layering. For stem cuttings, take a cutting with at least one node and place it in water or moist soil. For division, carefully separate the plant into multiple sections, ensuring each section has roots. For air layering, make a small cut on the stem, wrap it in moist sphagnum moss, and cover it with plastic wrap until roots develop. Plant the rooted cutting or division in well-draining soil. Maintain high humidity during propagation.
Last updated: April 25, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.