Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop August 29 @ 11 am / Macramé Air Plant Holder Class Sunday Sept. 13th @ 3 pm / Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm
Philodendron Squamiferum is a distinctive tropical houseplant known for its deeply lobed green leaves and unusual fuzzy red petioles. The stems supporting each leaf are covered in soft, hair-like bristles, giving the plant an unmistakable appearance even among other Philodendrons. As it matures, its foliage becomes larger and more dramatically divided, making it a great choice for collectors, moss poles, trellises, and bright indoor spaces.
The proper botanical name is Philodendron squamiferum. It is a naturally occurring species native to tropical regions of South America, including parts of Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. The species is especially recognized for its distinctive reddish, bristly petioles and mature multi-lobed foliage.
Philodendron Squamiferum does best in bright, indirect light. Plenty of filtered light encourages strong growth and helps the plant develop larger, more mature foliage. It can tolerate medium light, but growth may be slower. Avoid prolonged harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil feels dry and allow excess water to drain. Philodendron Squamiferum prefers lightly moist soil during active growth but should not remain consistently wet. Avoid allowing the plant to sit in standing water.
Use a well-draining, chunky potting mix and a pot with drainage. A mixture containing houseplant soil, orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir works well and provides a good balance of moisture retention and airflow around the roots.
Philodendron Squamiferum prefers warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity. It can adapt to average household humidity, but additional humidity can encourage larger, healthier foliage. Keep it away from cold drafts, heating vents, and air conditioning.
This plant has a climbing growth habit and benefits from a moss pole, coco pole, plank, or trellis. Providing support allows it to climb naturally and can encourage increasingly large, deeply lobed leaves. Avoid removing the fuzzy growth from the petioles, as the reddish bristles are a natural and defining characteristic of the plant.
Philodendron Squamiferum is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Like other Philodendrons, it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation of the mouth and digestive tract. Keep it away from pets and small children.
Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop August 29 @ 11 am / Macramé Air Plant Holder Class Sunday Sept. 13th @ 3 pm / Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm
