Philodendrons are renowned for their capacity to purify the air, flourish in low light, and adapt well to indoor spaces.
The unique Ecuador Philodendron accomplishes this elegantly! The stunning deep emerald-green leaves of this climber have golden ribbing, making them a beautiful container plant. It crawls over the forest floor as a little leafed vine until it reaches a tree and starts to climb. The huge, beautiful leaves then start to emerge. Any indoor area is enhanced with beauty and tropical greenery thanks to this rare, simple-to-grow foliage plant.
The dreamy plant Philodendron verrucosum is distinguished by its heart-shaped velvety leaves. On top, you may see dense, light-colored veins in the dark green leaves. It makes a quite distinctive (and hence expensive) addition to your plant collection since the undersides of the leaves have a reddish tint. Wherever you decide to place this piece of art, it adds a completely wild finish. The climbing kind typically grows rather large and requires additional support.
This unique tropical plant, sometimes known as the Ecuador Philodendron, has a lot to offer. Although it isn’t the simplest plant to love — it might require a little know-how to get it right – as you might anticipate with such a lovely, intriguing species. Before taking this challenge, be sure you have all the information you require. This Philodendron Verrucosum care guide will teach you how to propagate and repot your plant, as well as how frequently to water and fertilize it.
Philodendron Verrucosum Care: Growing Requirements
Light
These plants flourish best in areas with indirect, strong light, including those next to east-facing windows. The vines’ natural home is under tree canopies, where they get sunlight that is filtered by the leaves above. The leaves will be scorched by direct sunlight. The easiest way to replicate this sort of lighting in the home is to place these plants next to a sunny window rather than directly in the sun.
Soil
Philodendron verrucosum roots require healthy soil that drains properly and has sufficient air circulation. These plants cannot stand suffocating or wet soil. The roots will be able to breathe and water will not pool in the pot if coco coir, orchid bark, or peat moss are mixed with potting soil.
Water
Although they dislike damp soil, these plants grow well with regular hydration. When the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch, watering is preferable. However, avoid letting the container totally dry up because this might stress the plant. Before watering, always check the soil’s moisture level. These plants normally require weekly irrigation on average.
Temperature and Humidity
Philodendron verrucosum needs temperatures over 68°F (20°C) in order to flourish. If you have a kind that thrives in warmer environments, your plant will develop pretty fast if the temperature is over 77°F (25°C) and there is a lot of humidity. They may also be cold growers, which means that they do well in cooler environments.
The plant prefers a lot of humidity because that’s where it lives in nature. The plant loves to be moist and does best in an environment with a humidity of about 90%. Your plant will flourish if you keep it here in a terrarium. However, to maintain the plant healthy, the minimum humidity level should be at least 60%.
Fertilizer
The ideal fertilizer for Philodendron verrucosum is liquid fertilizer since surplus fertilizer in the soil may be readily removed by washing. When your plants are growing, try fertilizing them in the spring and summer. During seasons of dormancy (winter), avoid feeding your plants since the roots might not be able to absorb as many nutrients. It is better to go with a general fertilizer that is richer in nitrogen and potassium if you are unclear about whether or not all fertilizers are a good option.
Philodendron Verrucosum Propagation
Philodendron verrucosum can be propagated in a range of ways. Stem cuttings tend to be the easiest and most effective method. We have compiled a detailed guide to assist you with the propagation of the Philodendron verrucosum.
Stem Cutting Method
- For propagation, select the top portion of the stem that has one or two leaves and a growth point or node.
- Prepare a set of razor-sharp scissors or disinfected shears.
- This plant has a single stem with several petioles and leaves since it is a vine. Consequently, depending on how many plants you wish to propagate, you may cut the stem after the top cutting.
- To avoid root rot, allow plant stems to dry after cutting for at least 30 minutes.
- For a quicker rooting process, now submerge the aerial roots of the cuttings in water before covering them with rooting powder.
- Insert the aerial roots and stem cutting nodes with care into the glass jar or pot. The roots will be surrounded by moisture, which will support growth.
- If the cutting includes a little leaf, you can gently compress the leaf to fit inside the jar or pot.
- Leave the cuttings alone for a month or two to allow them to develop strong roots and fresh growth.
- When the roots form, you may remove the cuttings and possibly replant them alongside the mother plant to give it a bushier appearance.
Air Layering Method
Air layering is another approach you might choose. It describes the effort made to obtain roots from the future prior to cutting. Sphagnum moss is wound around an air-rooted node and covered with plastic for this technique. You should begin to notice roots forming in around two weeks. Once the length of the root is sufficient, you can cut and obtain a rooted cutting. Because you obtain a cutting with roots, this procedure has a greater success rate. It is more challenging to execute, though. For a newbie, fixing the moss at the Philodendron verrucosum stem might be challenging.
Seed Sowing
Philodendron verrucosum seeds can be utilized for propagation, but the likelihood of success is very low. Aroid seeds are difficult to collect since they rarely blossom. You must first pollinate the blooms in order to gather the seed. We advise stem cutting and air layering for propagation because producing the seeds is a nuisance.
Potting and Repotting Philodendron Verrucosum
It’s advisable to not underpot these plants because they tend to develop big root systems. Pick a pot size that enables the plant to have a substantial root system. Clay pots are an option. These also have the added benefit of removing excess soil moisture. However, as a result of this, you will need to water more frequently.
Every 1-2 years, repot your philodendron just before it starts to grow in a pot. By examining for roots emerging from the drainage holes, evaluating whether the growth is stifled or dejected-appearing, and removing the plant from the container to check the roots, you may determine whether a plant is rootbound.
Philodendron Verrucosum Pruning
By pruning your Philodendron Verrucosum, you can preserve its rich, deep-green leaves and prevent any brown areas or withering foliage from detracting from the plant’s aesthetic appeal. To give your plant enough vitality to survive the winter, it is ideal to trim it just before it becomes dormant. In order to encourage additional blooms and focus all available energy and nutrients toward the growth of new leaves, you can trim your Philodendron verrucosum at any time throughout the growing season.
Use a good set of pruning shears and be sure to trim your plant from the base up. To avoid spreading any pests or bacterial illnesses that may be present on other plants, it is also advisable to clean your shears after each trimming session.
Common Pests and Diseases
Pests
Aphids, Mealybugs, Spider Mites, and White Flies, these little pests are all frequent issues with indoor houseplants. The fact that the little insects like jumping from one plant to another are the biggest issue. The secret to pest avoidance is routine plant examination. and addressing any symptoms right away. Check the entire plant for insect indicators after each watering. Don’t forget to examine behind the leaves since bugs frequently gather there. Brown or black patches on the leaves or stems are one definite symptom of a pest infestation. Use an alcohol wipe to remove any bugs you observe. Use a neem oil spray on the soil and leaves (tops and undersides).
Root Rot
With this Philodendron, root rot is a frequent problem. It results from excessive irrigation and poor drainage. The plant’s roots become wet and decay as a result. When watering, take care to wait until the top two inches of soil are completely dry. And only use containers that have holes for drainage.
Final Thoughts
Philodendron verrucosum is a great option if you’re searching for a display houseplant to touch up your interior environment. The Ecuador Philodendron will stand out wherever it lives because of its enormous beautiful heart-shaped leaves and prolific growth pattern. However, pay particular attention to the heat and humidity requirements since it is a regular issue with the magnificent specimen that houseplant parents have to deal with.