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Ecuador philodendron (Philodendron verrucosum)

Philodendron verrucosum is a climbing plant that is usually a semi-epiphyte, less often terrestrial or epiphytic, and can climb along supports.

LightSources differ in describing its light conditions as bright indirect light to partial shade, while recommending avoidance of strong direct sunlight. It is generally described as suited to bright indirect light.
WaterIt is reported to benefit from regular watering in a moist but well-drained medium; water can be applied thoroughly with excess allowed to drain, and the surface may dry slightly before watering again.
HumidityIt is generally reported to prefer high humidity.
TemperatureIt is generally described as frost tender; keep above freezing.
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Ecuador philodendron illustration

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Overview

Philodendron verrucosum is a climbing plant that is usually a semi-epiphyte, less often terrestrial or epiphytic, and can climb along supports.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range, which is described as extending from Costa Rica to Peru and including Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Sources differ on habitat details: it occurs mainly in foothill and tropical lower montane rainforest and also in tropical wet forest, with Central American records mainly on the Atlantic side or near the central divide and South American records on the Pacific side of the Andes and some eastern slopes. Its environment is tropical wet to lower montane rainforest, with warm, humid conditions and intolerance of frost.

Characteristics

The leaves are broadly ovate to heart-shaped, dark green to bronze-green, and velvety to matte, with conspicuous paler veins; the undersides may be reddish purple to burgundy, and new leaves may show a stronger reddish-purple tone. It is reported to produce inflorescences in the leaf axils, with spathes that may be medium green, white-green, or red-green outside and white to pink inside; the spathe tube may be red-green, medium green, or dark violet outside and red or pale red inside, while the spadix has female-flower and male-flower zones. The berries are reported to be white when the fruiting structure matures.

Light

Sources differ in describing its light conditions as bright indirect light to partial shade, while recommending avoidance of strong direct sunlight. It is generally described as suited to bright indirect light.

Watering

It is reported to benefit from regular watering in a moist but well-drained medium; water can be applied thoroughly with excess allowed to drain, and the surface may dry slightly before watering again.

Humidity and airflow

It is generally reported to prefer high humidity.

Temperature and dormancy

It is generally described as frost tender; keep above freezing.

Growing medium and mounting

It is generally recommended to use an organic-rich, well-drained medium, with a slightly acidic medium recommended after division.

Feeding

During the growing season, dilute liquid fertilizer can be applied regularly, and genus-level information likewise recommends regular feeding during active growth.

Propagation

Sources differ on propagation information: Philodendron verrucosum can be propagated by dividing mature plants, while genus-level information also describes stem cuttings and layering for Philodendron.

Common problems

In cultivation, Philodendron is generally reported to be susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, aphids, thrips, and slugs. Genus-level cultivation information generally records soft rot, leaf rot, leaf spot, and root rot associated with overwatering in Philodendron. Overwatering may cause root rot, strong direct light may scorch the leaves, and the leaf surface is susceptible to scratches and can be damaged during cleaning. It is sensitive to frost and should be kept from freezing conditions; Philodendron is also described at genus level as sensitive to low temperatures and cold drafts.

Identification

Philodendron verrucosum is distinguished by large, dark green, velvety leaves with conspicuous pale veins, often reddish-purple undersides, and petioles densely covered with scales and long, slender bristles.

Photos

Philodendron verrucosum
📷 Chhe (talk) · Public domain · source
Philodendron verrucosum
📷 Todd Boland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Todd · CC BY · source
Philodendron verrucosum
📷 Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jare · CC BY · source

Sources