If you’re looking for a houseplant that feels like a piece of the rainforest, look no further. The philodendron verrucosum – exotic velvet-leafed climbing is a true standout, known for its stunning heart-shaped leaves that have a soft, velvety texture and dramatic light green veins.
This plant is a climber by nature, and with the right care, it can become a magnificent centerpiece in your home. Its exotic apperance does mean it needs a bit more attention than some common houseplants, but the effort is absolutely worth it. Let’s get into everything you need to know to help this beauty thrive.
Philodendron Verrucosum – Exotic Velvet-Leafed Climbing
This heading says it all. The Philodendron verrucosum is defined by its climbing habit and its spectacular foliage. Unlike some self-heading philodendrons, it wants to grow upwards, attaching itself to a support with its aerial roots.
Those leaves are the main attraction. They emerge a coppery-bronze color before maturing into a deep, lush green. The surface feels like suede or velvet, and the contrasting veins can range from silver to a bright, almost neon green. The leaf backs and the stems are often a striking reddish-purple, adding to the visual intrest.
Where Does This Plant Come From?
Understanding its origins is key to good care. The Philodendron verrucosum is native to the cloud forests and rainforests of Central and South America, particularly in countries like Ecuador and Colombia.
In these habitats, it grows as an epiphyte or hemiepiphyte. This means it often starts life on the forest floor and then climbs up tree trunks to reach brighter light. It lives in an environment with constant high humidity, dappled sunlight, and warm temperatures.
To make it happy in your home, we need to recreate these conditions as closely as possible. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds with a few simple strategies.
Essential Care Requirements for Your Velvet Leaf
Getting the basics right will set your plant up for success. Focus on these four pillars: light, water, soil, and humidity.
Light: Bright But Indirect is Best
Direct sunlight is the enemy of those beautiful velvet leaves. It will quickly scorch them, causing brown, crispy patches that cannot be repaired.
- Place your plant near an east-facing window for gentle morning sun.
- A north-facing window can also work well.
- If you only have a south or west window, use a sheer curtain to filter the intense rays.
- Rotate the pot a quarter turn every time you water to ensure even growth.
Watering: The Balance of Moisture
Overwatering is the most common mistake. These plants like consistent moisture but despise soggy, waterlogged roots.
- Check the soil before you water. Stick your finger about 2 inches into the potting mix.
- If the top 2 inches feel dry, it’s time to water thoroughly.
- Water until you see it draining freely from the holes in the bottom of the pot.
- Always empty the saucer or cache pot after 15 minutes so the plant isn’t sitting in water.
- In winter, reduce watering frequency as growth slows down.
Soil and Potting: The Foundation for Health
A chunky, airy, and well-draining mix is non-negotiable. Think of the loose, organic matter on a forest floor.
- A good basic recipe is: 1 part high-quality indoor potting soil, 1 part orchid bark, and 1 part perlite or pumice.
- You can also add a handful of horticultural charcoal to help keep the mix fresh.
- Choose a pot with excellent drainage holes. Terracotta pots are great because they allow the soil to dry more evenly.
- Repot every 1-2 years in spring, or when you see roots circling the bottom of the pot.
Humidity: The Secret to Large, Velvety Leaves
This is the most critical factor for a truly spectacular Philodendron verrucosum. Low humidity leads to small leaves, slow growth, and crispy brown edges.
- Humidifier: This is the most effective and consistent solution. Aim to maintain 60-70% humidity around the plant.
- Pebble Tray: Place the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles, ensuring the pot base sits above the water line.
- Grouping: Cluster your humidity-loving plants together to create a microclimate.
- Bathroom/Kitchen: If these rooms have good light, the steamy environment can be perfect.
Misting is not recommended as it only raises humidity for a few minutes and can promote fungal spots on the velvety leaves.
Supporting Its Climbing Nature
To see your plant reach its full potential, you must give it something to climb. This mimics its natural growth habit and encourages larger, more mature leaves.
- Moss Pole: The ideal choice. The aerial roots can attach to the moist moss, which provides extra humidity and nutrients.
- Coco Coir Pole or Wooden Plank: Also good options, though you may need to gently tie the stems initially.
- How to Attach It: Place the pole in the pot when repotting. As the plant grows, use soft plant ties or strips of old nylon to loosely secure the main stem to the pole. Don’t tie it tightly.
Without support, the plant will grow in a more trailing, leggy manner with smaller leaves that are spaced further apart.
Feeding and Fertilizing for Growth
During its active growing season (spring and summer), your plant will benefit from regular feeding.
- Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half the recommended strength.
- Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer.
- In fall and winter, stop fertilizing altogether as the plant’s growth naturally pauses.
- Always water the soil lightly with plain water before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn.
An ocassional dose of a fertilizer with a slightly higher nitrogen content can support lush leaf growth, but a balanced feed is perfectly sufficient.
Propagation: How to Make More Plants
Sharing this beautiful plant with friends or expanding your own collection is rewarding. The best method is stem cuttings.
- Choose a Healthy Stem: Look for a section with at least one node (the bump where leaves and roots emerge) and 1-2 leaves.
- Make the Cut: Using clean, sharp scissors or pruners, cut just below a node.
- Rooting Medium: You can root in water or sphagnum moss.
- Water: Place the cutting in a jar so the node is submerged. Change the water weekly. Roots should appear in 2-4 weeks.
- Sphagnum Moss: Soak moss, squeeze out excess water, and place the cutting in it. Keep the moss consistently moist in a warm, bright spot.
- Potting Up: Once roots are at least 2-3 inches long, pot the cutting into your chunky aroid mix. Keep the humidity extra high for the first few weeks as it adjusts.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
Yellowing Leaves
- Older leaves: This is natural aging. Simply pluck them off.
- Many leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering. Check your soil moisture and watering schedule.
- New leaves: Could indicate a nutrient deficiency; consider a light feed.
Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges
This is almost always due to low humidity. Revisit your humidity-boosting strategies, with a humidifier being the best fix. It could also be from underwatering or fertilizer burn.
Drooping Leaves
This can be confusing because it can mean either too much or too little water. Always feel the soil to diagnose. Soggy soil = overwatering. Bone-dry soil = underwatering.
Pests to Watch For
Check the velvety leaves and stems regularly, especially the undersides.
- Spider Mites: Tiny red or brown specks, fine webbing. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth, then treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: Look like small bits of white cotton. Dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Thrips: Leave silvery streaks and black specks on leaves. Isolate the plant and treat consistently with an appropriate insecticide.
Early detection is key for managing any pest infestation. Isolate affected plants immediately.
Displaying Your Philodendron Verrucosum
This plant is a living work of art. Here are some ideas to show it off:
- Let it climb a large moss pole in a standing floor pot to create a living column of green.
- Place it on a pedestal or plant stand near a window, allowing its leaves to cascade down slightly before climbing up its pole.
- Use it as a stunning focal point on a shelf where the light catches its velvety texture.
- Pair it with other plants that have different leaf textures, like ferns or peperomias, for a lush display.
Remember to keep it away from cold drafts, heating vents, and direct air conditioning flows, which can cause stress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Philodendron verrucosum rare?
It used to be quite rare, but thanks to propagation by collectors and nurseries, it has become more available in recent years. You may still need to check specialty plant shops or online retailers.
Is this plant toxic to pets?
Yes, like all philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic if ingested by cats, dogs, or humans. Keep it in a place where curious pets cannot reach it.
Why are the new leaves on my verrucosum smaller than the old ones?
This is often a sign the plant needs more light, higher humidity, or better nutrition. Ensure it’s getting bright indirect light, boost the humidity, and consider a light fertilizer during the growing season.
Can I grow Philodendron verrucosum in a terrarium?
It can be grown in a very large, tall terrarium or greenhouse cabinet where it has room to climb and the high humidity is constant. It will quickly outgrow a standard small terrarium.
How fast does it grow?
With ideal conditions (warmth, high humidity, good light), it can be a moderately fast grower during spring and summer, putting out a new leaf every few weeks. Growth slows or stops in the winter.
Should I wipe the leaves?
Gently dust the velvety leaves with a soft, dry brush (like a makeup brush) to keep them clean and efficient at absorbing light. Avoid using leaf shine products or wet cloths on the velvet surface.
Caring for a Philodendron verrucosum is a deeply satisfying experience. Watching a new, intricately veined leaf unfurl is a moment of pure joy for any plant lover. By providing the right balance of humidity, light, and moisture, you’ll be rewarded with a healthy, climbing specimen whose beauty is truly captivating. Pay attention to its signals, adjust your care as needed, and enjoy the process of nurturing this exotic piece of the tropics.