Philodendron verrucosum

Description

Ohhh yes, Philodendron verrucosum — the velvet dream! This one is known for its deep green, velvety leaves with bright, glowing veins and fuzzy petioles (those hairy stems!). It’s a stunner, but also a bit of a high-maintenance queen. Here’s how to keep her thriving:

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🌿 Philodendron verrucosum Care Guide

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💡 Light

• Loves bright, indirect light.
• Avoid direct sunlight — it’ll scorch the velvety leaves.
• Too little light? You’ll see leggy growth and dull color.

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💧 Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out.
• Always use a pot with good drainage.
• Sensitive to overwatering — don’t let her sit in water.

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🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Temps: 65–80°F (18–27°C).
• Humidity: 70–90% is ideal — verrucosum lives for high humidity.
  • Great for greenhouse cabinets or with a humidifier.
  • Dry air = crispy leaves and sad vibes.

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🌱 Soil Mix

• Needs a light, airy, chunky mix. Think:
  • Orchid bark
  • Perlite
  • Sphagnum moss
  • A touch of potting mix or coco coir
• This mimics its natural epiphytic environment (growing on trees in the wild).

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🍽️ Fertilizer

• During spring and summer: every 4–6 weeks.
• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (diluted to ½ strength).
• Lay off during fall/winter when growth slows.

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🔁 Repotting

• Repot every 1–2 years or when root-bound.
• Go up just one pot size at a time to avoid overwatering issues.

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🪴 Support

• Loves to climb — offer a moss pole, plank, or coco pole.
• Leaves get bigger and more dramatic when it climbs!

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⚠️ Common Issues

Issue	Cause
Brown/crispy edges	Low humidity or underwatering
Yellowing leaves	Overwatering or poor drainage
Leaf spots or mushy stems	Root rot or bacterial infection
Pests	Spider mites, thrips, or mealybugs — especially in dry environments

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🧼 Tips for a Happy Verrucosum

• Boost airflow to avoid rot (small fan works wonders).
• Wipe leaves gently to remove dust and keep them breathing.
• Quarantine new plants — verrucosum is sensitive and prone to pest outbreaks.

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Want a setup suggestion for a high-humidity shelf or cabinet with verrucosum as the star? I got you.