Philodendron Selloum vs Sweet Alyssum Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
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.
Sweet Alyssum
Lobularia maritima
Sweet Alyssum is a low-growing, flowering annual (or short-lived perennial in warmer climates) known for its profuse clusters of tiny, fragrant flowers. It typically grows 4-12 inches tall and spreads 6-18 inches wide. The flowers are commonly white, but cultivars offer shades of pink, purple, and lavender. It's primarily an outdoor plant, valued for its ability to attract pollinators and its use in borders, rock gardens, and containers. While it can be brought indoors, it requires very bright light and cool temperatures to thrive.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Philodendron Selloum | Sweet Alyssum |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct morning sun, but avoid intense afternoon sun. | Full sun to partial shade outdoors. Indoors, requires very bright, direct light (south-facing window). |
| Watering | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. | Outdoors: Every 2-3 days in hot weather, every 5-7 days in cooler weather. Indoors: Every 7-10 days, depending on light and temperature. |
| Humidity | 40-70% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C | 15-24°C |
| Care Level | Moderate | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Max Height | 1-1.5 meters indoors | Indoors: 4-8 inches |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ✅ Safe |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark. | Well-draining potting mix or garden soil. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal. |
| Beginner Friendly | With Caution | With Caution |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly | 5-10 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
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. |
Sweet Alyssum
| Scientific Name | Lobularia maritima |
|---|---|
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Native To | Mediterranean region |
| Also Known As | Sweet Alyssum, Sweet Alison |
| Leaves | The leaves are small, narrow, and lance-shaped, typically 1-2 inches long and about 1/4 inch wide. They are usually gray-green in color and have a slightly hairy texture. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems. |
| Flowers | Sweet Alyssum flowers profusely outdoors. The flowers are tiny, about 1/4 inch in diameter, and are borne in dense clusters at the ends of the stems. They are typically white, but cultivars offer shades of pink, purple, and lavender. Indoors, flowering is less reliable and may require supplemental lighting. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Philodendron Selloum
Sweet Alyssum
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
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.
Sweet Alyssum
Methods: Seed, Stem cuttings
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: For seeds, sow directly into the soil in spring after the last frost. For stem cuttings, take 2-3 inch cuttings in spring or summer and root them in water or moist potting mix.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
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
Sweet Alyssum
The strong, sweet fragrance is its most notable characteristic. It's also known for its ability to attract beneficial insects, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. The plant's low-growing habit makes it ideal for edging and ground cover.
- ✓ Attracts beneficial insects to the garden
- ✓ Adds a sweet fragrance to the outdoor space
- ✓ Provides a beautiful ground cover or border
- ✓ Offers a variety of flower colors
- ✓ Easy to propagate from seed
- 🐾 Pet Safe
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Philodendron Selloum
Sweet Alyssum
🌞 Light Requirements
Philodendron Selloum
Bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct morning sun, but avoid intense afternoon sun.
Low light tolerant: ✅ Yes
Sweet Alyssum
Full sun to partial shade outdoors. Indoors, requires very bright, direct light (south-facing window).
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
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.
Sweet Alyssum
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Indoors, allow the soil to dry out slightly more between waterings. Signs of underwatering include wilting and dry, crispy leaves. Overwatering symptoms include yellowing leaves and a soggy soil.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Philodendron Selloum
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 40-70%
Sweet Alyssum
Temperature: 15-24°C
Humidity: 40-60%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
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.
Sweet Alyssum
Lobularia maritimaGardeners looking for a fragrant, low-maintenance flowering plant for borders, rock gardens, or containers.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a plant with a sweet, noticeable fragrance.
- You need a ground cover that attracts beneficial insects.
- You want a plant that is easy to propagate from seed.
- You want a plant that is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
- You want a plant that will self-seed and return the following year.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You don't have a location with very bright, direct sunlight.
- You live in a very humid climate where powdery mildew is prevalent.
- You are looking for a long-lived indoor plant.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Philodendron Selloum is rated Moderate care level, while Sweet Alyssum is Expert.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
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.
Sweet Alyssum Care Tips
Sweet Alyssum is primarily an outdoor plant that requires full sun and well-drained soil. Indoor cultivation is challenging due to the need for very bright light and cool temperatures. It's prone to leggy growth and reduced flowering indoors without optimal conditions.
- Provide excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
- Pinch back stems to promote bushier growth.
- Protect from frost in colder climates.
- Ensure adequate air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Philodendron Selloum
Sweet Alyssum
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
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.
Sweet Alyssum
What are the light requirements for Sweet Alyssum?
Sweet Alyssum thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates where intense afternoon sun can scorch the foliage. When planting Sweet Alyssum, choose a location that receives ample sunlight throughout the day. In indoor settings, place the plant near a sunny window or supplement with grow lights if natural light is insufficient. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced blooming. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Monitor the plant for signs of light stress, such as pale leaves or stretching stems, and adjust its position accordingly.
How do I care for Sweet Alyssum?
Sweet Alyssum thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least six hours of sunlight daily for optimal blooming. It prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote continuous blooming. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Prune back leggy growth to maintain a compact shape. Sweet Alyssum is relatively low-maintenance, but regular care will ensure vibrant blooms and healthy growth. Protect from frost in colder climates, as it is an annual in most regions. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
How do I propagate Sweet Alyssum?
Sweet Alyssum can be propagated by seed, stem cuttings, or division. To propagate by seed, sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or direct sow after the danger of frost has passed. For stem cuttings, take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy stems and root them in water or moist potting mix. To propagate by division, carefully divide established plants in the spring or fall, ensuring each division has healthy roots and foliage. Plant the divisions in well-drained soil and water thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist until new growth appears. Provide adequate sunlight and fertilize regularly to promote healthy growth. These methods are relatively simple and can produce new plants quickly.
Last updated: April 25, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.