With its deep green foliage and golden ribbing, the Ecuador Philodendron (Philodendron verrucosum) is one of the most fashionable Philodendrons and will steal the show in your plant collection. But don’t let its beautiful appearances deceive you. Care for Philodendron verrucosum is not simple; quite the opposite.
The Philodendron verrucosum is a wonderful climbing container plant, but it is rather picky and needs close attention to conditions like humidity and temperature. Additionally, you’ll need to be prepared to change the lighting and watering. In addition, a healthy Ecuador Philodendron will immediately expand and soon transform your indoor growing area into a lush, green rainforest.
Let’s examine the ideal technique to maintain this Ecuadorean gem in your home, which is green.
Philodendron Verrucosum Care
Lighting
The optimal lighting for these climbers is bright indirect light or filtered light. By brilliant indirect light, I mean illumination from a nearby window that is not directly in contact with the leaf blades.
The optimum location for these conditions is a window facing east, where the indoor plants will receive intense indirect light for the majority of the day and some morning direct sunshine.
Temperature Requirments
Even though Philodendron verrucosum is a jungle plant, it really prefers milder temperatures! Keep it around 16 to 21 Celsius, or about 60 Fahrenheit, as that is the temperature at which it grows best in its native Ecuador.
Humidity
This is difficult. Over 70% humidity is ideal for Philodendron verrucosum, however it prefers lower temps. The best course of action is to make sure you routinely alter the humidity levels in your home as well as make sure you maintain it well-watered. See our irrigation advice below for additional information.
Soil Conditions
To allow your Philodendron to benefit from the water without actually sitting in it, pot it in a quick-draining soil mixture. Avoid muddy, rainy soils as well as sandy or dry soils.
Growing
If the correct circumstances are present, this stunning green plant will expand swiftly. They enjoy climbing, so make sure there is enough of room for them to do so. To further orient them, think about including a moss totem.
Look and Form
Its heart-shaped leaves are light at first and get darker with time. At maturity, the stems might grow up to 8 to 10 inches tall.
Size
A healthy philodendron may reach a height of two to three feet.
More Advice on Caring for Philodendron Verrucosum
The Ecuadorean Philodendron is considered minimal maintenance by some individuals. They are most likely the ones who, by fortunate coincidence, found themselves in the ideal circumstances! Here are some crucial pieces of advice for taking care of your plant.
Watering
To simulate the conditions of a tropical rainforest, water thoroughly. The soil should always be moist but never waterlogged. Additionally, avoid letting the soil of your Philodendron verrucosum totally dry up, as is frequently advised in plant care manuals.
Replanting and Potting
You must give your Philodendron’s roots time to become free once it has grown past its original size. The plant will grow higher if there is more room for its roots. Repot appropriately.
Fertilizing
You can think about fertilizer to aid the growth of your jungle kid, but nothing special for this one. You can get away with applying some basic fertilizer three times a year, six inches away from the base.
However, be cautious when using inexpensive fertilizer since if it contains excessive salts, the roots may be damaged, and the plant may die.
Pruning
Unless you want to reduce the size, you shouldn’t really bother with this one. Why would you, though?
Propagation
Leave at least two leaf nodes bare on a 6-inch stem by removing two or three sets of leaves. This will help you propagate your plant.
You may easily spread Philodendron verrucosum using water because it tolerates it so well. In addition, you may plant roots in moss and watch them grow. Alternately, you can just transplant it into a brand-new pot with some well-drained soil mix.
Pests & Issues
The absence of pests in the Philodendron verrucosum makes up for its fussiness. You won’t need to worry if you prevent yours from becoming cold and damp.
Last Word
You might be tempted to relocate your Philodendron verrucosum outside if you have the space. The leaves will burn if you place them in full sunlight, so be careful! Move the plant outside for a few hours, then bring it back inside over the course of a week or two to try to acclimate it. If it’s frigid outside this winter, don’t even consider taking your plant outside!