Ornithogalum vs Philodendron Selloum Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Ornithogalum
Ornithogalum umbellatum
Ornithogalum umbellatum, commonly known as Star-of-Bethlehem, is a bulbous perennial flowering plant. It features basal, linear, grass-like leaves and erect stems bearing clusters of star-shaped, white flowers with green stripes on the reverse of the petals. It typically grows to a height of 15-30 cm. It is primarily grown outdoors in gardens and meadows for its attractive spring blooms. While sometimes forced indoors, it can be challenging to maintain long-term due to its specific light and dormancy requirements. It is known to spread readily via bulb offsets and seeds.
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 | Ornithogalum | Philodendron Selloum |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade outdoors. Indoors, requires very bright, direct light for several hours daily. | Bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct morning sun, but avoid intense afternoon sun. |
| Watering | Every 1-2 weeks during active growth, much less during dormancy. | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 40-70% |
| Temperature | 10-21°C | 18-24°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Moderate |
| Growth Rate | Moderate To Fast, Aggressive Spreader | Moderate |
| Max Height | 15-30 cm | 1-1.5 meters indoors |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining, loamy soil. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and sand is suitable. | Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | With Caution |
| Weekly Maintenance | 10 minutes weekly during growing season, less during dormancy. | 15 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Ornithogalum
| Scientific Name | Ornithogalum umbellatum |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Native To | Europe, North Africa, Western Asia |
| Also Known As | Star-of-Bethlehem, Sleepydick, Summer Snowflake |
| Leaves | Basal, linear, grass-like leaves that are typically 15-30 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide. They are green and emerge in the spring. |
| Flowers | Flowers are star-shaped, white with green stripes on the reverse of the petals. They are borne in clusters on erect stems. Flowering typically occurs in spring. Rarely flowers indoors unless provided with very specific 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
Ornithogalum
Philodendron Selloum
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Ornithogalum
Methods: Bulb offsets, Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Separate bulb offsets in the fall and replant them in well-draining soil. Sow seeds in the spring.
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
Ornithogalum
The star-shaped, white flowers are distinctive and attractive. It has a tendency to spread readily, forming colonies in suitable conditions. The bulbs contain toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested.
- ✓ Provides beautiful spring blooms.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators to the garden.
- ✓ Naturalizes easily, creating a lovely ground cover.
- ✓ Adds a touch of elegance to the garden.
- ✓ Relatively low-maintenance once established outdoors.
- ⚠️ 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
Ornithogalum
Philodendron Selloum
🌞 Light Requirements
Ornithogalum
Full sun to partial shade outdoors. Indoors, requires very bright, direct light for several hours 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
Ornithogalum
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry during the growing season (spring). Reduce watering significantly after flowering as the plant enters dormancy. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot, especially during dormancy. Underwatering will cause leaves to yellow and wither prematurely.
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
Ornithogalum
Temperature: 10-21°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Philodendron Selloum
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 40-70%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Ornithogalum
Ornithogalum umbellatumExperienced gardeners who want a spring-blooming bulb for their outdoor garden.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a beautiful spring-blooming flower in your garden.
- You are looking for a plant that naturalizes easily.
- You have a sunny spot in your garden where you want to add some white flowers.
- You are an experienced gardener who can manage its spreading habit.
- You want a plant that attracts pollinators.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You are a beginner gardener looking for an easy-to-care-for indoor plant.
- You want a plant that stays contained and doesn't spread.
- You don't have a very sunny location.
- You are looking for a plant with year-round interest.
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
Ornithogalum is rated Expert care level, while Philodendron Selloum is Moderate.
Ornithogalum has moderate to fast, aggressive spreader growth, while Philodendron Selloum grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Ornithogalum Care Tips
Ornithogalum umbellatum is primarily an outdoor plant. Indoor cultivation is challenging due to its high light requirements and dormancy needs. It requires a period of dormancy with reduced watering after flowering. It is also a potentially aggressive spreader, so container planting is recommended to control its spread.
- Provide well-draining soil to prevent bulb rot.
- Allow the plant to enter dormancy after flowering by reducing watering.
- Divide and replant bulbs every few years to prevent overcrowding.
- Monitor for aphids and treat promptly.
- Provide ample sunlight for optimal flowering.
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
Ornithogalum
Philodendron Selloum
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Ornithogalum
What are the light requirements for Ornithogalum?
Ornithogalum requires bright, indirect light to thrive and produce abundant blooms. A south- or east-facing window is ideal, but be sure to filter the light to prevent scorching the leaves. Insufficient light can result in weak stems, fewer flowers, and leggy growth. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. During the winter months, when light levels are lower, consider supplementing with a grow light to maintain optimal growth and encourage future blooming. Avoid placing the plant in direct, harsh sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
How do I care for Ornithogalum?
Ornithogalum thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize every two to four weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, focusing on a fertilizer higher in phosphorus to promote blooming. Reduce watering and fertilization in the fall and winter months during the dormancy period. Maintain moderate humidity levels, but avoid misting the foliage, as this can encourage fungal diseases. Repot every one to two years in spring, using a well-draining potting mix. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming. Provide support if the flower stalks become too heavy.
How do I propagate Ornithogalum?
Ornithogalum is primarily propagated by bulb division. Carefully separate offsets from the mother bulb during repotting in the spring. Plant the new bulbs in individual pots with well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly and provide bright, indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist until new growth appears. Division is the most reliable method. Stem cuttings and keiki propagation are not applicable to Ornithogalum as it is a bulbous plant. Ensure each division has healthy roots for successful establishment. With proper care, the new plants will bloom in the following season.
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 9, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.