Philodendron Nangaritense

If you’re looking for a truly special houseplant, the philodendron nangaritense is a rare and stunning tropical that deserves your attention. This isn’t your everyday philodendron you find at the garden center. Its unique, textured leaves and vining habit make it a prize for any serious plant collector.

Getting your hands on one can be a challenge, but caring for it is surprisingly straightforward once you know what it needs. This guide will walk you through everything from finding a plant to keeping it thriving in your home.

This plant stands out immediately. Unlike the glossy, heart-shaped leaves of many common philodendrons, the Philodendron nangaritense has elongated, narrow leaves with a deeply corrugated surface. The texture is often described as like bumpy reptile skin or thick velvet. New leaves emerge a bright, coppery red or orange before maturing to a deep, rich green. It’s a climber in nature, so it will appreciate some support as it grows.

Why is it Considered So Rare?

Several factors contribute to its rarity. It has a limited native range, primarily in parts of Ecuador. Collection from the wild is restricted to protect natural populations. While it is being propagated by specialty nurseries, the process is slower than for many hybrid plants. High demand from collectors also means they sell out quickly, keeping them in the “rare” category for now.

Where to Source Your Plant

You won’t likely find this at a big-box store. Your best bets are:

Specialized Online Nurseries: Look for reputable sellers known for healthy, ethically-sourced plants. Read reviews carefully.
Plant Auctions and Sales: Online plant communities often host auctions or sales where collectors offer cuttings or established plants.
Local Plant Swaps: Sometimes you get lucky! Connect with other rare plant enthusiasts in your area.

Always inspect photos closely and ask about the plant’s health and shipping methods. Be prepared for a higher price tag compared to common houseplants—this is an investment piece.

Perfecting the Light Conditions

Light is crucial for bringing out the best color and growth in your philodendron. It needs bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight it would get under the canopy of taller trees in the rainforest.

Ideal Spot: An east-facing window is often perfect. A west or south-facing window is good too, but you may need to diffuse the stronger afternoon sun with a sheer curtain.
Signs of Too Much Light: Leaves will look washed out, develop crispy brown patches, or the vibrant new growth may scorch.
Signs of Too Little Light: Growth will become very slow, the stems will stretch out awkwardly (etiolate), and the leaves will lose their intense coloration, becoming a dull green.

Watering Needs and Humidity

This is where many new owners make mistakes. The Philodendron nangaritense likes consistent moisture but absolutely hates soggy roots.

Check the Soil: Before watering, stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days.
Water Thoroughly: When you do water, pour slowly and evenly over the soil until you see water running out of the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball gets moisture.
Let it Drain: Never let the plant sit in a saucer of water. Empty the cachepot or saucer after 15-20 minutes.

Humidity is very important for this tropical native. Aim for 60% or higher. You can increase humidity by:

Using a humidifier (most effective method).
Placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (ensure the pot sits above the water line).
Grouping it with other plants to create a microclimate.

Low humidity can lead to crispy leaf edges, even if your watering is correct. Misting is not very effective and can promote fungal issues if the leaves stay wet for to long.

Soil and Potting Mix Recipe

A well-draining, airy potting mix is non-negotiable. A standard, dense potting soil will hold to much water and cause root rot. You can make an excellent mix at home.

Simple DIY Mix:

2 parts high-quality indoor potting soil
1 part orchid bark (for chunkiness and aeration)
1 part perlite or pumice (for drainage)
A handful of horticultural charcoal (optional, helps keep the mix fresh)

Mix these ingredients thoroughly before potting. Choose a pot with excellent drainage holes. A terracotta pot is a great choice because it wicks away excess moisture from the soil.

Fertilizing for Optimal Growth

During the active growing season (spring and summer), feed your plant to support its development. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula) diluted to half the recommended strength. Apply this about once a month when you water.

In the fall and winter, when growth naturally slows, stop fertilizing. The plant isn’t actively growing and won’t use the nutrients, which can then build up and harm the roots. Over-fertilizing can cause more problems than under-fertilizing, so when in doubt, use less.

Pruning and Propagation

Pruning isn’t strictly necessary for health, but it helps maintain a bushy, attractive shape. You can trim back any long, leggy vines just above a leaf node (the bump on the stem where a leaf attaches). This encourages new growth from that point.

The cuttings you take are perfect for propagation! Here’s how to propagate your Philodendron nangaritense:

Using clean, sharp scissors or pruners, cut a stem section that has at least one node and one or two leaves.
You can root the cutting in water or moist sphagnum moss. Place the node in the medium, but keep the leaf out.
Put it in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Change the water weekly if using that method.
In a few weeks, you should see roots developing that are an inch or two long. Once they are, you can pot the cutting in your regular soil mix.

Common Problems and Solutions

Yellowing Leaves

This is the most common issue. It usually points to overwatering. Check your soil moisture and make sure the pot drains well. Sometimes, the oldest leaves yellow and drop naturally as the plant grows, which is normal.

Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges

This is typically a sign of low humidity. Try increasing the moisture in the air around your plant with a humidifier. It could also be from underwatering or, if the brown spots are in the middle of the leaf, from too much direct sun.

Pests

Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Inspect the undersides of leaves regularly. If you spot pests, isolate the plant immediately. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, applying repeatedly as directed to break the pest life cycle.

Slow or No Growth

This often happens in winter and is normal. If it’s during the growing season, assess the light and fertilizer. The plant likely needs more bright, indirect light or a gentle feeding schedule.

Displaying Your Plant

Showcase its beautiful trailing or climbing habit. You can train it up a moss pole, which it will attach to with its aerial roots—this mimics its natural growth and can lead to even larger leaves. Alternatively, let it trail gracefully from a shelf or hanging basket. Its unique texture looks fantastic against plain walls or alongside plants with smoother foliage.

FAQ

Is the Philodendron nangaritense toxic?
Yes, like all philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Keep it out of reach of curious cats, dogs, and children.

How fast does the Nangaritense philodendron grow?
With ideal care, it has a moderate growth rate. You can expect several new leaves during the spring and summer months. Growth slows or stops in the winter.

What’s the difference between this and a Philodendron micans?
While both have textured leaves, the micans has a softer, velvety texture and broader, heart-shaped leaves. The nangaritense has a more pronounced, bumpy texture and elongated, narrower leaves. The new growth color is also different, with micans being more bronze-purple.

Should I mist my rare tropical philodendron?
As mentioned, misting is not recommended as a primary method for raising humidity. It offers a very temporary boost and can leave water spots on the leaves or encourage disease. A humidifier is a far better solution.

Why are the new leaves on my plant smaller than older ones?
Small new leaves can indicate the plant needs more light or nutrients. Ensure it’s getting enough bright, indirect sunlight and consider a diluted fertilizer during the growing season. Also, providing a moss pole for support can encourage larger leaf growth over time.

Caring for a Philodendron nangaritense is a rewarding experience. By providing the right balance of light, water, and humidity, you’ll be able to enjoy this rare and stunning tropical’s unique beauty for years to come. Its striking apperance is sure to be a conversation starter in your home.