Muhly Grass vs Philodendron Selloum Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Muhly Grass
Muhlenbergia capillaris
Pink Muhly Grass is a warm-season perennial grass prized for its airy, pinkish-red flower plumes that appear in the fall. It forms an upright, rounded clump of fine-textured, green foliage. Typically grown outdoors in gardens and landscapes for its ornamental value, it provides beautiful texture and color. It is not naturally an indoor plant and will likely struggle to thrive indoors due to insufficient light and humidity. People grow it for its stunning fall display and low-maintenance nature.
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 | Muhly Grass | Philodendron Selloum |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6 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 weather and soil drainage | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 40-70% |
| Temperature | 18-30°C | 18-24°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Moderate |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Max Height | 0.6-1 meter (outdoor); significantly smaller if grown in a container indoors | 1-1.5 meters indoors |
| Pet Safety | ✅ Safe | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining soil, sandy or loamy | Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | With Caution |
| Weekly Maintenance | 5 minutes weekly (mostly for watering and occasional pruning) | 15 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Muhly Grass
| Scientific Name | Muhlenbergia capillaris |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Native To | Southeastern United States |
| Also Known As | Pink Muhly Grass, Hairawn Muhly Grass |
| Leaves | The leaves are fine-textured, linear, and green. They typically grow to about 30-60 cm long and have a slightly arching habit. |
| Flowers | It rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, it produces masses of tiny, pinkish-red flowers in the fall, creating a cloud-like effect. The flower plumes are airy and delicate. |
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
Muhly Grass
Philodendron Selloum
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Muhly Grass
Methods: Seed, Division
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Divide clumps in spring or fall. Sow seeds in spring after the last frost. Ensure good drainage.
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
Muhly Grass
The airy, pinkish-red flower plumes are its most distinctive feature, creating a cloud-like effect in the fall. It is also known for its drought tolerance and low-maintenance nature. It is a warm-season grass, meaning it actively grows during the warmer months.
- ✓ Adds beautiful fall color to the landscape.
- ✓ Provides habitat for beneficial insects.
- ✓ Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
- ✓ Erosion control on slopes.
- ✓ Creates a soft, textural element in the garden.
- 🐾 Pet Safe
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
Muhly Grass
Philodendron Selloum
🌞 Light Requirements
Muhly Grass
Full sun (at least 6 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
Muhly Grass
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Signs of underwatering include dry, brittle foliage. 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
Muhly Grass
Temperature: 18-30°C
Humidity: 30-50%
Philodendron Selloum
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 40-70%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Muhly Grass
Muhlenbergia capillarisGardeners looking for a low-maintenance, ornamental grass with beautiful fall color.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a low-maintenance ornamental grass for your garden.
- You desire a plant with beautiful fall color and texture.
- You live in a region with full sun and well-draining soil.
- You want to attract pollinators to your garden.
- You are looking for a drought-tolerant plant.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You lack a location with full sun exposure.
- You are primarily looking for an indoor plant.
- You live in a very cold climate with prolonged freezing temperatures.
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
Muhly Grass is rated Expert care level, while Philodendron Selloum is Moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Muhly Grass Care Tips
Pink Muhly Grass is primarily an outdoor plant and requires full sun to thrive. It is very difficult to maintain indoors due to light requirements. If attempted indoors, provide the brightest possible location and excellent drainage. It will likely not flower indoors.
- Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering.
- Cut back foliage in late winter to encourage new growth.
- Water deeply but infrequently.
- Avoid over-fertilizing.
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
Muhly Grass
Philodendron Selloum
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Muhly Grass
What are the light requirements for Muhly Grass?
Muhly Grass demands ample sunlight to flourish and produce its signature blooms. Aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. A location with full sun exposure will ensure vibrant flower production and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. If grown in partial shade, the grass may still survive, but the flowering will be significantly reduced, and the plant will be weaker overall.
How do I care for Muhly Grass?
Muhly Grass thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Plant in well-draining soil, preferably sandy or loamy. Fertilize sparingly, using a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage growth and blooming. Prune back to a few inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
How do I propagate Muhly Grass?
Muhly Grass is most easily propagated by division. In early spring, carefully dig up the clump and divide it into smaller sections, ensuring each section has healthy roots and foliage. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil and water thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist until new growth appears.
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: May 15, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.