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Philodendron Verrucosum Care | Humidity, Temperature & More

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The Philodendron Verrucosum plant (also called the Ecuadorian Philodendron) is one tricky plant to take care of. You have to keep the humidity high (60-90%) and make sure that your temperatures are above 55°F (12°C). You’ll have to manage a strict watering schedule and maintain the plant within the right environment for it to thrive.

Philodendron Verrucosum care

The Philodendron Verrucosum has big, heart-shaped leaves. On top, you can expect dark green foliage with thick light-colored veins running through it.

The leaves are a purplish color on the underside, making it quite a unique (and therefore pricy) addition to your plant collection.

The Verrucosum Philodendron is a little harder to manage than most Philodendron varieties.

This collector’s item adds a full jungle finish to wherever you choose to put it. The climbing variety tends to grow quite big and needs extra support.


Be sure to learn all you need to know before accepting this challenge. In this Philodendron Verrucosum care guide, you’ll learn how often to water and fertilize your plant as well as how to propagate and repot your Philodendron.

Philodendron Verrucosum Foliage and Flowers

The typical Philodendron Verrucosum is best identified by its full and rather large dark green leaves. The leaves tend to have a velvety texture, while tiny hairs cover the stalks (petioles).

Philodendron Verrucosum Care Guide

The most sought-after variant has a purplish-red color on the backside of the leaf, which makes them stand out against other types of Philodendron Verrucosum. Another drawcard on this beautifully big and heart-shaped leaf is the veins that run through them.

You’ll notice that the light yellowish veins contrast the darkish green leaves. These veins become more striking as the leaf ages.

The Philodendron Verrucosum can also flower once it hits maturity. You can expect beautiful inflorescences (clusters of flowers), usually near the main stem of the plant.

These flowers open up into a cone-shaped spathe (outer part of the flower, with a pinkish hue and a white spadix in the center.

The flowers can be hand pollinated with the hopes of creating Philodendron Verrucosum seeds, but you’ll need more than one plant to ensure pollination successfully. 

Types of Philodendron Verrucosum

There are so many varieties of Philodendron. After becoming such a sought-after plant, the Philodendron Verrucosum has become just as varied.

Philodendron Verrucosum care 1

Here are just a few of the Philodendron Verrucosum varieties left many a plant lover swooning.

  • Philodendron Verrucosum Incensi
  • Philodendron Verrucosum Panther
  • Philodendron Ecuadorian Canoe
  • Philodendron Verrucosum Red Back
  • Philodendron Verrucosum Forms
  • Philodendron Verrucosum Purple
  • Philodendron Verrucosum Cobra
  • Philodendron Verrucosum Rojo
  • Philodendron Verrucosum Mini
  • Philodendron Verrucosum Tambillo
  • Philodendron Verrucosum Esmeralda
  • Philodendron Verrucosum Bosco

Understanding Philodendron Verrucosum Plant Care

Caring for any plant can become quite daunting if you’re unsure about precisely what the plant needs. With any plant you purchase, you’ll have to understand a little bit more about the natural habitat that the plant lives in.

Philodendron Verrucosum is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. This means it thrives in jungle-like conditions with high temperatures, lots of moisture, high humidity, and nutrient-rich soil.

The leaves are usually your first tell-tale sign that something is wrong. So be sure to observe and check your plant regularly for the thick veins, dark green color, and uniform heart-shaped leaves.

Keep reading to learn some specifics that will help you get your Philodendron to thrive.

Philodendron Verrucosum Soil Requirement

As with all Philodendron types, your Verrucosum is no different. This plant requires soil that is rich in nutrients and has excellent drainage. You can use the pre-mixed indoor potting soil, or you can hand-mix your soil mixture.

Philodendron Verrucosum Soil Requirement

For a good soil potting mix, try a bit of compost, regular soil, peat moss, and perlite to help maintain all the relevant nutrients that the plant needs. Perlite and peat moss will ensure enough air pockets for water to drain out easily.

Philodendron Verrucosum Watering Requirements

As this tropical plant is most accustomed to consistent rainfall, you’ll have to try to simulate these conditions. Your plant needs regular watering and occasional deep watering.

The soil needs to be kept moist at all times but never too soggy or left standing in water. So, you’ll have to determine how often to water your Philodendron Verrucosum (usually once every 7 – 14 days).

If you’re unsure of how much water your Philodendron is using, you can pop in a water meter in there to let you know how moist the soil is.

Another method is by dipping your finger in the top two inches of soil. If the soil is still wet (or damp), you can hold off watering for a while. If the soil feels dry, you can go ahead and give it a good cup or so.

​​Philodendron Verrucosum Light Requirements

Imagine going to the jungle and sourcing a Verrucosum from its natural environment. What kind of light would it receive on the floor, beneath the high canopy of trees and among the ever-growing life forms that surround it?

Philodendron Verrucosum Light Requirement

You’ve guessed it, as long as your plant is kept somewhere in the home that receives lots of bright, indirect sunlight, your plant will do relatively well. If you’ve got lots of direct sunlight, your baby will inevitably burn and shrivel up.

Sometimes, a little bit of direct sunlight won’t hurt your plant. But, you’ll have to harden off the plant and allow it to acclimatize to the direct UV rays.

These plants can survive in darker areas of the home. But, it’s best to err on the side of caution and prop him somewhere with a medium amount of indirect light.

Philodendron Verrucosum Temperature

The Philodendron Verrucosum plants does better in warmer temperatures – provided there is very little direct light. The temperature surrounding your plant should be above 55°F (12°C).

If you notice that your plant is drying out, it may be a little bit too warm, and you’ll have to lower the surrounding temperatures.

Luckily, low temperatures cannot kill the plant per se. However, it does slow down growth and can have adverse effects on leaf growth (depending on what else is at play). If your plant is not growing as you’d hoped, you may want to consider the temperature of your plant – even at night.

Pro Tip

Plants do most of their growing at night when less is going on in their external environments. If your plant is getting colder temperatures at night, it may not develop and thrive as it would in somewhat consistent temperatures.

Philodendron Verrucosum Humidity

The Philodendron Verrucosum’s humidity is a major factor in ensuring a happy and healthy tropical plant.

You will need to provide surrounding humidity of around 60-90%. If your plant seems happy at first glance, you know that your humidity levels are in the right percentile.

If humidity seems to be a cause for concern, a humidity meter will help you establish the perfect environment. You could try a pebble tray beneath the pot and fill it up with water to increase humidity.

This is not designed to water the plant at all. Instead, you’ll allow the water to evaporate in the air and increase the humidity surrounding the plant.

Most plant parents tend to mist the leaves to create the same effect. In this case, misting is inadvisable since the Philodendron Verrucosum is prone to bacterial infections. Misting will leave water droplets on the leaves, a surefire way to create a breeding ground for disease.

Philodendron Verrucosum​​ ​​Fertilizer

For Philodendron Verrucosum, liquid fertilizer is best as you can easily wash it out in case of excess fertilizer in the soil. Try to fertilize your plants during the spring and summer growing seasons. 

Avoid fertilizing your plants during dormancy (winter) periods, as the roots won’t necessarily be able to absorb as many nutrients. If you’re unsure if all fertilizers are a good idea, it’s best to stick with a general fertilizer that is higher in nitrogen and potassium.

Once your plant matures and you’re hoping for some beautiful blooms, a fertilizer with an equal amount of phosphorus will aid in supporting your plant during a very energy-consuming season.

Philodendron Verrucosum Pruning

Pruning your Philodendron Verrucosum will help maintain the lush dark green leaves and keep any brown spots or dying leaves from ruining the beauty that your plant has to offer.

It’s best to prune your plant right before dormancy to allow it enough energy to survive the winter.

You can also prune your Philodendron Verrucosum throughout the growing season to ensure more blooms and direct any energy and nutrients to develop new leaves.

Be sure to prune your plant at the base and use a sharp pair of pruning shears. It’s also best to clean your shears after every pruning session to ensure that you do not transmit any pests or bacterial infections that may be present on other plants.

Philodendron Verrucosum Repotting

After you’ve brought your plant home, you may consider repotting your Philodendron Verrucosum. First, allow it to acclimatize to its new environment. Remember the lighting, watering schedule, humidity, and temperature will be different than in the nursery or during shipping.

Once your plant has proven its comfort in its new home, and you’ve noticed that it has outgrown its pot (usually through roots growing out the bottom). You can consider repotting your plant into a pot plant one size bigger.

Be sure not to ruffle the roots too much, as this can cause transplant shock. Gently remove the plant and root ball from the current pot. Place it gently in the new pot and fill it with rich soil and compost.

If you’ve noticed that your Philodendron seems a bit limp after transplanting, water it with an Epsom salt solution, as the Magnesium helps stabilize the roots.

Add one tablespoon to two cups of water and water the plant thoroughly – until you notice water draining out of the bottom.

How To Propagate Philodendron Verrucosum

There are a few ways to propagate your Philodendron Verrucosum. The most challenging (and surefire) way to ensure healthy pups is by air layering. Air layering does require a certain level of expertise.

Another method to propagate Philodendron Verrucosum is by using node cuttings and propping them in water until roots develop or simply growing the plant by seed.

Air-layering Method: This method allows plants to grow roots while still attached to the parent plant. Start with a node, clean shears, sphagnum moss, and plastic wrap. Find a node, scratch the surface layer a tiny bit and wrap some sphagnum moss around it.

This will allow it to root better without endangering the roots when you’re ready to plant it. Cover the section with plastic wrap to secure the moss and retain water and humidity.

Node cuttings: You can also cut off a few nodes and place them in water. You’ll have to change the water regularly to avoid any rotting. Eventually, you’ll see new roots develop. Once your plant has enough roots growing out of the node, place it in a pot and keep a close eye on it.

After repotting your Philodendron Verrucosum cuttings, be sure to place the pot in a low light area so that it can adjust to its new home. Once you’ve noticed a few leaves and the plant seems firm, you can move it to its forever home.

Note

Different Philodendron Verrucosum varieties will respond to propagation differently. Check each variety out separately to see if you’re treating the different types of Verrucosum appropriately.

Common Problems With Philodendron Verrucosum

As with all plants, the Philodendron Verrucosum is prone to a few issues. This plant is specifically prone to certain bacterial infections and some common watering and fertilizing issues. Keep reading to learn how to combat these problems.

 Yellow or Brown Leaves

Yellow leaves at the plant base are usually older leaves dying off. So, there is no need to worry about any of those. As long as the leaves on top are still green – you have no problem.

The time for concern is when new leaves or leaves at the head of the plant are yellowing.

Yellow leaves are usually an indication of too much water. This can either be a sign of root rot beginning to form or simply too much water for the plant to manage.

You can alleviate this by allowing the plant to dry between waterings. If the issue persists, you may need to take the plant out of the pot and check the roots. If the roots are white and thick, they are healthy, and you may have a nutrient issue instead.

With unhealthy roots, you’ll just have to wash off the root ball and repot it in dry soil. The existing healthy roots will grow and develop more healthy roots.

 Not Enough Sunlight

If your plant is not getting enough indirect sunlight, you may notice limp and dull leaves. You can easily move your plant to a brighter section of your home or add a grow light near the pot to rectify this issue.

Sometimes, you’ll also notice that your Philodendron Verrucosum is becoming leggy. A leggy plant means that the stem is long with lots of space between new stalks and leaves. The plant looks incomplete and scrawny.

Be sure to adjust the plant’s location to avoid it getting too much direct sunlight. If you’re using a grow light, you’ll also want to be mindful that this too can burn your plants.

So you’ll have to read the instructions and understand the strength of your light before deciding how far your grow light should be from your plant.

 Pests – Spider Mites and Mealybugs

Common pests you’ll find on your Philodendron Verrucosum are aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Each of these infestations is easily identified through close observation.

Philodendron Verrucosum With Buug

You’ll have to inspect your plant and look out for any broken leaves, gaps along the stem, or simply just tiny little bugs crawling around your plant.

If you do happen to see a pest infestation, there are a few ways to get the problem under control. If the infestation localizes to a leaf, node, or stalk, you could consider simply snipping that section right off and throwing it in the trash.

If you notice the infestation has started spreading across a few leaves and stems, you could implement pesticides. One of the most trusted organic methods among plant parents is a neem oil solution.

Some come pre-packed and ready to spray. Or, you could invest in some neem oil and dilute it with water. Spray the infected areas regularly and wipe away the pests.

It’s also worth noting that rubbing alcohol on a cleaning wipe will do just as well. Some may consider it a bit too strong so, you may benefit from diluting it slightly.

Once you’ve managed to wipe away any pests, keep spraying neem oil or wiping the plant down regularly to keep any other infestations at bay.

Root Rot in Philodendron Verrucosum

Root rot in the Philodendron Verrucosum plant can be caused by a few different things. One is overwatering, which can cause the roots to become waterlogged and die.

Another possibility is that the plant is not getting enough light, which will limit its ability to produce energy and can cause the roots to die. Finally, if the soil is too acidic or alkaline, it can damage the roots and make them susceptible to rot.

To correct root rot, you’ll need to identify which factor is at play. To help determine this, you should check the soil’s pH and moisture level before taking other steps.

Philodendron Verrucosum Best Products

Here are some of the best products to use for Philodendron Verrucosum Ecuador:


FAVOURITE PLANT SUPPLIES

Frequently Asked Questions About Philodendron Verrucosum

Do you still have a question or two about the Verrucosum Philodendron? Maybe we’ve managed to answer them below.

Where Can I Buy a Philodendron Verrucosum?

There are tons of online shops these days that will sell a Philodendron Verrucosum. While you may have to wait a while for it to be in stock (in some cases), you’ll find it easier to source online than at your favorite nursery. 

Philodendron Verrucosum for Sale

Since this plant is relatively rare, you may have some trouble finding a true Philodendron Verrucosum plant for sale.

Be sure to always check your sources, ask for pictures, and remain in contact with your seller to ensure that you’re getting the desired beauty you’ve paid for.

Philodendron Verrucosum Seeds

Philodendron Verrucosum seeds usually grow from a tree’s stem before developing roots and forming their own home in the ground.

Seeds are not usually a standard method for propagation as it may be extremely difficult to replicate the perfect conditions for germination.

Are Philodendron Verrucosum Climbing Plants?

A Philodendron Verrucosum matured will climb as long as there is support for it. These plants are accustomed to living under trees and using their trunks as support. In the home environment, they will need a moss pole to ensure adequate growth and reach a mature height.

Various varieties like the Philodendron Verrucosum Tambillo will grow a little bit faster than others. So, it’s important to know exactly which variety or cultivar you’ve got so that you can provide adequate support.

Does Philodendron Verrucosum Need High Humidity?

The Philodendron family is native to the tropical regions of the Americas. Their natural habitat is jungle floors surrounded by a myriad of other life forms.

Any tropical plant needs high humidity to thrive, and the Philodendron Verrucosum is no different.

Why Are My Philodendron Leaves Curling?

The leaves of a Philodendron Verrucosum are relatively thin and somewhat fine for such a big plant. One reason for curling leaves is a lack of water or humidity.

Test your plant by watering a touch more and monitoring the humidity levels to see which aspect is causing your philodendron leaves to curl. 

Is a Philodendron Verrucosum Toxic?

Yes, your Philodendron Verrucosum (as with most Philodendrons) contains calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals technically keep the plant safe from herbivores and make it toxic to humans and pets.

How Do You Fix an Overwatered Philodendron?

If you’ve overwatered your Philodendron, you’ll notice yellowing along the edges of the leaves. This yellowing can easily be rectified by carefully draining the pot and watering less frequently.

Ensure that you have a great soil mix to avoid this issue, as an underwatered Philodendron is much easier to fix than an overwatered one.

Is Philodendron Verrucosum Rare?

Yes! This plant started as an extremely rare Philodendron. The plant has become much more desirable in recent years, and some institutions have begun expanding production to meet demand. While it isn’t as rare as it once was, it is still relatively hard to find (and expensive).

How Many Philodendron Verrucosum Types Are There?

As with any designer plant, information about its exact history, the number of variants, cultivars, and care can become quite challenging to trace accurately.

The Philodendron Verrucosum has two definite varieties (one with a purple back and one with a green underside), while there seem to be around 12 different cultivars overall (mentioned above). 

Is Philodendron Verrucosum Purple?

Your dark green beauty is also purple. This is normal; as the leaves unfurl and develop until it reaches maturity, you’ll notice a purplish underside.

Is the Philodendron Verrucosum Pet Safe?

As with many Philodendron types, this particular variety is toxic to pets. Be sure to keep them away from nibbling cats and dogs.

The Philodendron Verrucosum contains calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested, it can penetrate the mouth and stomach tissues, causing irritation.

Does Philodendron Verrucosum Need Fertilizing?

An Ecuador Philodendron can survive without fertilizer, but it will definitely thrive with the right kind of plant food. It’s best to fertilize your Philodendron Verrucosum every few weeks to ensure strong and healthy growth.

How Do I Get My Philodendron Verrucosum to Flower?   

To ensure a flowering Philodendron Verrucosum, maintain the ideal environment and be sure to fertilize your plant as needed.

This will allow the plant to develop with all of the nutrients and energy to produce the desired blooms.

Your Philodendron Verrucosum will generally flower in spring. They don’t have regular flowers as one would expect from a Calathea Rufibarba, for example, but instead, they produce inflorescences similar to a Peace Lily’s flower shape.

In Conclusion on the Philodendron Verrucosum

Owning a big, lush, gorgeous Philodendron Verrucosum species is completely worth any hassle you may first experience while caring for this plant. The big heart-shaped leaves will uplift any dead space with some serious jungle vibes.

Ensure that you’re only repotting your plant when the roots protrude out of the bottom and be gentle to avoid any transplant shock.

You will have to keep this plant on a strict watering schedule as they can be considered creatures of habit. Prune your plant regularly, and be sure to check the moisture level, humidity and temperature frequently to ensure optimal living conditions.

Getting to know this plant is truly a rewarding feat. All the compliments from your jealous family and friends are just a bonus. So, go ahead and get yourself that glorious Philodendron Verrucosum to brighten up your favorite space.