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Philodendron verrucosum is yet another stunning philodendron species known for its large and impressive heart-shaped leaves. Read on for everything you need to know to successfully care for and propagate Philodendron verrucosum!
Philodendron verrucosum, sometimes called the Ecuador Philodendron, is native to parts of Central and South America.
While it is a very sought-after houseplant, you might also find it growing as an outdoor plant (if the climate is right, that is).
This plant is actually a hemiepiphyte.
A hemiepiphyte is not quite an epiphyte. It spends part of its lifecycle as an epiphyte, as its seeds germinate in the forest canopy. Then, they send their roots down and eventually make contact with the ground.
Where can I buy a Philodendron verrucosum?
You can easily find a Philodendron verrucosum for sale on Etsy! Check out these gorgeous verrucosums on Etsy!
Is Philodendron verrucosum rare?
Philodendron verrucosum is somewhat rare in that it’s not as common as other philodendrons and can be difficult to find locally.
They are also very sought after. So, although you can find one for sale relatively easily online, they do tend to have a bit of a price tag.
How do you take care of a Philodendron verrucosum?
The key to successful Philodendron verrucosum care is proper moisture levels in terms of watering and humidity. Read on for more details and other care requirements.
Light
Provide your Philodendron verrucosum with bright to medium indirect light. Do not put it in direct light, or it could hurt the leaves.
If you don’t think you have enough light to keep your philodendron happy, not to worry! I used to let low light limit what kind of plants I buy. Hah! Never again.
Grow lights are a serious gamechanger. Below are two of my current favorite grow lights:
You can also check out my guide to grow lights for indoor plants for more help.
Water
Water your Philodendron verrucosum when the top inch or so of the potting mix is dry. Don’t let it totally dry out, but don’t overwater it either or you could put your plant at risk of root rot.
To help maintain proper moisture levels, always feel the potting mix with your finger before watering to determine if the plant actually needs to be watered.
Humidity
This plant will thrive in higher humidity levels. The easiest way to provide this is to simply use a humidifier. Below is my current favorite humidifier because it can last up to 96 hours.
My post on the best humidifiers for houseplants also has some additional recommendations.
Click here to buy a Philodendron verrucosum!
Temperature
Philodendron verrucosum prefers to be warm but will be fine in normal household temperatures. Just be careful about drafts and cold air. If you have it on a windowsill, you might have to move it in the winter.
Potting Mix
A well-aerated, well-draining potting mix is best for this plant. A mixture like indoor plant potting mix, orchid bark, and perlite will work. About a 2-1-1 ratio, but I usually just eyeball it.
Fertilizing
Fertilize your Philodendron verrucosum once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) using a fertilizer for aroids. While this plant benefits from some fertilizer, you stillvwant to be careful not to overdo it.
Repotting
Philodendron verrucosum does not like to be rootbound so you’ll need to repot it every year or two.
Choose a pot the next size up that has good drainage, and if possible, try to repot during the growing season (spring and summer).
You can check if a plant is rootbound by seeing if there are any roots coming out of the drainage holes, if there is stunted or generally sad-looking growth, and by slipping the plant out of its pot and seeing if the roots are all in a big coil around the outside of the soil.
Pruning
Pruning is not really necessary, but if you want to control the size and shape of your plant, you can use a clean, sharp pair of scissors to cut above a node, which will encourage new growth. (A node is where leaves and roots grow out of the stem.)
Be sure to also gently remove any dead or dying leaves once they can be plucked away from the plant (but if you can’t pluck it away, you can cut the leaf off.)
Climbing
The Philodendron verrucosum is a climber, and providing plants that climb naturally with something TO CLIMB is very beneficial to their growth. It will help them grow to their full potential.
The easiest way to do this is with a moss pole. Here is the moss pole I use for another climbing plant.
Foliage and Flowers
Philodendron verrucosum has large, heart-shaped, velvety, dark-green leaves with lighter green veins. It also occasionally flowers in the form of a pink and white spathe and spadix.
Problems and Pests
Whenever you experience a problem with your plants, it’s important to evaluate your overall care routine. However, below are a few problems you might experience with your Philodendron verrucosum and their common causes.
- Yellow leaves – Usually due to too much water. Make sure you’re feeling the potting mix with your finger first BEFORE watering to determine if you actually need to water it.
- Long and leggy stems – Usually due to not enough light and the plant is reaching out to find more light. Move your plant to brighter light, but make sure to keep it indirect.
- Brown leaves and edges – Your plant might be too dry—either from not enough water, or too little humidity if your air is very dry.
- Pests – Luckily, Philodendron verrucosum is relatively pest resistant! However, there is always a risk of pests with houseplants. For general pest control and prevention, I really like Bonide Systemic Insect Control. Be sure to read the instructions and use caution if you have kids or pets.
How to propagate Philodendron verrucosum
You can propagate Philodendron verrucosum in water or in potting mix.
Propagate Philodendron verrucosum in water
Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors to take a cutting from your plant, cutting below a node (where leaves and roots grow out of the stem).
Make sure the cutting is at least a few inches long, has at least one node, and at least one leaf. If possible, more nodes and leaves are better.
Place the cutting in a jar of room-temperature water and put it in bright, indirect light. Make sure the node is underwater, but keep any leaves out of the water.
Change out the water about once a week or when it looks murky, and top off the water level when needed.
Be patient. When the roots are two to three inches long, pot up your cutting into potting mix and give it a good watering.
It may need some time to adjust to the transition, but you can now start caring for your cutting like a normal plant.
Propagate Philodendron verrucosum in potting mix
To propagate your Philodendron verrucosum in potting mix instead of water, repeat the first paragraph in the above section to remove a cutting from your plant.
Then, instead of placing it in water, place the cutting in your potting medium, so at least one node, but no leaves, are buried.
The medium is up to you, but a few suggestions are sphagnum moss, perlite, or the potting mix I described earlier in the post (indoor plant potting mix, perlite, orchid bark).
Put the cutting in bright, indirect light and keep the potting medium moist, but not wet, as the roots develop.
Providing extra humidity using a humidifier or a clear plastic bag over the top of the cutting will help it along. Just remove the bag once a day or so to let in airflow.
After a few weeks, you can test the progress of your cutting. Give it a very gentle tug.
If you feel resistance, that means a root system has developed and you can start treating your cutting like a normal plant, potting it up into a more permanent home if needed.
Click here to buy a Philodendron verrucosum!
Additional Information
Growth Rate and Size
In optimal conditions, the Philodendron verrucosum can be a faster grower and can reach two to three feet in height.
Is the Philodendron verrucosum pet safe?
No, Philodendron verrucosum is toxic to pets so be sure to keep this plant out of your furry friends’ reach.
Types of Philodendron verrucosum
Hybrids of Philodendron verrucosum include:
- Philodendron Majestic (Philodendron verrucosum x sodiroi)
- Philodendron Splendid (Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum)
More Philodendron Posts
- Philodendron Melanochrysum
- Philodendron Florida Ghost
- Pink Princess Philodendron
- Philodendron Gloriosum
- Philodendron Micans
- Heartleaf Philodendron
- Philodendron Brasil
- Philodendron Birkin
Katherine Tino says
Is there a “mini” variant of Verrucosum? Lots of sellers claiming this lately.
Julie, Houseplant Expert says
Hi Katherine – Yes, I believe there is a mini version.