How to Care For Philodendron Verrucosum

Last Updated on December 4, 2022 by Plant Mom Care

Philodendron Verrucosum is indigenous to South and Central America. It has large heart-shaped and velvety emerald-green leaves with burgundy undersides and white or light green veins. This plant has a vining habit and occasionally produces white and pink flowers in summer.

It can grow around 2 to 3 feet high and around 2 feet in width. The leaf stems can reach as long as 8 to 10 inches when the plant is mature. This plant due to its vining habit will take advantage of any chance to climb.

While moss or coir poles are a good option when the plant is young and small, it will need stronger support (like a metal trellis) as it gets older due to the weight of the foliage and stems.

The flowers are similar to those of peace lilies, with a spathe/spadix of pink and white that appear in the growing season. While indoor plants rarely bloom, plants growing outdoors will produce flowers.

Caring for this plant requires patience and skill, as it doesn’t tolerate any variance in growing conditions, particularly when it comes to humidity. 

Philodendron Verrucosum Light Requirements

This plant thrives under indirect bright lighting – near a window facing east is suitable. In its natural environment the plant grows in tree canopies where it receives filtered sunlight through the leaves of taller trees.

Direct sun will burn its leaves, try and mimic this kind of lighting indoors without placing it in direct sun.

Philodendron Verrucosum Watering

Although this plant does not like water-logged soil, it enjoys regular watering once every week. Only water it if the first couple of inches of topsoil feels dry but never let the soil dry completely, as the plant will get stressed. 

Philodendron Verrucosum Humidity

This plant loves very high humidity of 70 -90%, similar to its natural environment. You can grow the plant inside a terrarium or keep a humidifier nearby.

Philodendron Verrucosum Temperature

Being a tropical plant, this plant thrives in temperatures between 65-80°F. It thrives best in temperatures around 78°F.

Philodendron Verrucosum Soil

This plant is a hemiepiphyte by nature. It starts life growing in tree canopies until its roots eventually reach the soil. This means that the plant will not tolerate soggy soil and needs good aeration with well-draining soil.

Adding substrates like orchid bark, coco coir, or peat moss will make certain that the roots can breathe and that water does not stay stagnant in the soil.

Philodendron Verrucosum Repotting

Under proper conditions, this plant can grow fast meaning that it may have to be repotted annually. If the plant becomes root bound, it’s time for repotting to keep it thriving.

Pick out a pot that’s a couple of inches bigger than the existing one and make sure it has good drainage capability to prevent soggy soil. Terra cotta pots allow for good water drainage and airflow.

After tipping the pot on its side, tap the pot all around to help loosen the roots gently slide out the plant without damaging the roots and replant it in the new pot with fresh soil.  

Philodendron Verrucosum Propagation

Propagating can easily be done from cuttings that can be rooted in water or soil. Prepare sharp scissors, a glass container of water, or a pot filled with soil. 

Take a cutting, making sure it has one visible node and at least one leaf. Cut under the node, 

insert the cutting in water making sure the leaves don’t touch the water, or plant it in the prepared pot of moist soil. Regardless of the method, keep the cutting under indirect bright lighting. 

If you use water for propagation, change the water every week. If it is grown in soil, keeping it consistently moist, covering it with a plastic bag or keeping it near a humidifier will help you maintain high humidity. Remove the plastic bag every day to allow good airflow.

Rooting should take 2 – 3 weeks. Remove the bag when this happens. If the cutting is rooted in water, it can now be planted in soil.  

Philodendron Verrucosum types

This plant can be found growing with many different variations of color. Here are some varieties:

Philodendron verrucosum‘Rojo’ 

This variety, as indicated by its name, has a deep red coloring under the leaves. Mature plants can turn fairly woody, but the stems will never get thick staying around half an inch in diameter.

Philodendron verrucosum ‘Verde’

The leaves on this variety are darker green with more delicate veining and a more muted red color under its leaves. This variety also requires very high levels of humidity and often does not grow well as a houseplant.  

Philodendron verrucosum ‘El Valle’ 

This variety is a dwarf, with the leaves only reaching up to 4 inches. New leaves a unique coppery color with the undersides retaining this color.

This variety also needs high humidity. This together with its small size, makes it great for growing in a terrarium.

Additional Care

This vine is a fast grower and appreciates monthly feeding during its growing season with a fertilizer specifically designed for plants of the Araceae family.

This will also help flower production. Follow the instructions and do not overfeed the plant as too much fertilizer will damage the plant.  

To encourage it to flower make sure it grows under warm temperatures and gets plenty of humidity. 

As this plant is either grown indoors or in tropical environments, it doesn’t have to be overwintered. Just stop feeding it and reduce watering.

Types of Philodendron Plants

• Philodendron Birkin
• Philodendron Brasil (Heartleaf Philodendron)
• Heart Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron Scandens)