If you have heard about Philodendron Verrucosum, let us introduce to you its look-alike, Philodendron Pseudoverrucosum, which is equally beautiful and pleasing as the former one.
Philodendron Pseudoverrucosum is a compact, medium-sized plant from the Araceae family. It has dark-green, velvety leaves that grow on olive-green petioles. It is a vining plant, so it can also be mounted on a trellis, stake, or hanging basket.
Without further ado, let’s read some more fascinating features of this beautiful Philodendron variety.
Classification
- Family: Araceae
- Subfamily: Aroideae
- Genus: Philodendron
Origin
This Philodendron variety is native to Ecuador to Peru.
Appearance
Foliage
This lovely plant has large ovate to sagittate leaves that have dark-green, velvety blades and light-green veins. As the leaves mature, their texture changes from leathery to somewhat soft and smooth. These broad leaves are held up by short-sized petioles that grow compactly.
Size
The mature height of this plant ranges from 1 to 3 feet, depending on its growing conditions. Its foliage can grow 3 to 4 feet wide.
Philodendron Pseudoverrucosum Care
Philodendron Pseudoverrucosum is a tropical plant that needs a warmer temperature range (20-27°C) to grow. It should be watered weekly in the growing season and once every two weeks in winters. You should maintain the humidity level at 60% or above.
Quick Guide
- Watering: Once every week.
- Soil type: Lightweight and loose potting mix.
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect sunlight.
- Temperature: 20°C to 27°C.
- Humidity: 60% or above.
- Fertilizer: Slow-release or liquid.
Let us explain its care needs one by one.
Watering Requirements
You should water it regularly in the growing season. Only the top two inches of its soil should be allowed to dry before it is watered again. You should set its watering schedule to water it once every week in spring, thrice every week in summers, and once every 10 to 14 days in winters.
Directly water the soil; do not pour water from above the leaves. However, you can mist the leaves to increase their moisture level. You should set the pot aside after watering it so that the excess water drains out of the pot. It reduces the risk of root rot.
Soil Requirements
This plant cannot survive in just regular potting soil. Regular potting soil does not allow enough drainage and does not have enough air pockets for airflow. For using it as a growing medium for your plant, you should add peat moss and perlite. Peat moss increases drainage and moisture-holding capacity of the soil, and perlite increases aeration.
To prepare the ideal potting mix for this Philodendron, mix one part peat moss and one part perlite in one part potting soil. You can also add compost to the potting mix to increase its fertility.
Sunlight
This plant grows in tropical forests where diffused sunlight reaches the ground due to the thick canopy of trees above. It is why this plant grows best in diffused sunlight or partial shade. You should protect it from direct sun rays as they are intense and can burn its foliage. In its natural habitat, it is protected from direct sun by the canopy of trees. So, to protect it from direct sun indoors, do not place its pot too near a window, especially the south or west-facing window. A north-facing window is ideal for its placement. You can also place it near an east-facing window that is covered by drapes or sheer curtains.
Temperature Requirements
If you live in a region where the average room temperature stays between 20°C and 27°C, you can grow this plant indoors. This plant grows in the plant hardiness growth zones of 10 to 12. And it is why it can survive in a warmer temperature range only.
This plant cannot survive in temperatures below 12°C. So, if you live in a colder region, you should place it in a greenhouse to protect it from cold injuries.
Humidity
Philodendron Pseudoverrucosum needs high humidity to thrive. In low humidity, the vibrant color of its leaves starts to fade, and it is the last thing any plant owner can wish for. So, always keep the moisture level elevated in the room in which you are growing this Philo. You should keep the humidity level above 60% for the lush growth of its foliage.
Placing a humidifier in a room is the most convenient way to increase humidity. You can also place this plant over a pebble tray to increase the moisture level around it. Grouping it with the humidifying plants also increases humidity naturally.
Fertilizer
This Philodendron species is a heavy feeder, so it should be fertilized regularly. You should use a balanced fertilizer for this Philo. Its fertilization can be done using liquid or a slow-release fertilizer.
If you use liquid fertilizer, fertilize the plant once every month in summer and spring. But if you use a slow-release fertilizer, fertilize the plant only twice a year.
During winters, you should fertilize the plant with a liquid fertilizer every two months. Before fertilizing the plant, dilute the fertilizer to half its strength by mixing it in water.
Grooming and Pruning
This plant does not need pruning to look admirable. Its foliage grows in the perfect shape. However, you have to cut the yellow leaves from time to time. This type of pruning relieves the plant from the burden of saving dead leaves. You can also prune this plant to remove any leggy growth or overgrown branches.
Never forget to disinfect your gardening shears before pruning your plant. You can use rubbing alcohol or ethanol for disinfecting your gardening tools.
How to Propagate Philodendron Pseudoverrucosum
This plant is propagated the same way as Philodendron Hastatum, Philodendron Plowmanii, and Philodendron Black Cardinal. All these Philodendron varieties are propagated through their stem cuttings. You can take the stem cuttings from early spring to mid-summer when these plants are actively growing.
Follow this step-by-step guide for propagating a Philodendron Pseudoverrucosum.
- Using disinfected pruners, cut a 4-6 inches long, healthy stem from your plant.
- Dip this cutting in the rooting hormone and then leave it overnight for callus formation.
- Fill 1/3rd of a small container with a potting mix.
- You can use the same potting mix as used for the mother plant.
- Plant the stem cutting in the center of this potting mix and water it deeply.
- You should place this container in a brightly lit spot.
- In 4 to 6 months, new roots and branches will grow out of this stem cutting.
- This will be the right time when you will have to move this stem cutting to a bigger container or pot.
Philodendron Pseudoverrucosum Basic Features
Growth
It is a fast-growing plant. It can vine and climb over totems and wood stakes. To increase its growth rate and height, place its pot in a well-lit spot and tie its stem to a stake or totem.
Toxicity
It is a toxic plant having poisonous foliage. Its leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that are unhealthy for humans and pets. So you should keep this plant away from the reach of your nibbling pets or toddlers.
Drought Tolerance
The thick leaves of this Philo can retain water. And it is why this Philodendron Pseudoverrucosum is a drought-tolerant species. If you miss some of its waterings, it goes dormant to conserve its energy. To revive your plant, you will have to water it thoroughly and place it in a bright spot.
Maintenance
One of the main reasons that this Philodendron is grown abundantly as a houseplant is its low-maintenance foliage. This beautiful plant does not fuss about anything, so it is easy for beginners to take care of it indoors. If you know the basics of indoor gardening, you can easily grow this plant in your home.
Dormancy
It is an evergreen plant, but it goes dormant in winters due to decreased light and temperature levels. But if you want your plant to keep growing throughout the year, provide it with ideal growing conditions even in winters. If you grow it in a terrarium or a greenhouse and provide it with artificial light, it will not stay dormant in winters.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Diseases
This incredible plant is disease-resistant, but it can still get root rot or other fungal diseases. You can prevent these by avoiding overwatering. The appearance of water-soaked blisters on the surface of leaves is a common symptom of a fungal attack. You can treat it by spraying a solution of baking soda on the foliage.
Pests
The only pests that attack Philodendron Pseudoverrucosum are spider mites, mealybugs, and scales. These can be prevented by maintaining good air circulation around the plant. Also, wipe the leaves with a soft cloth whenever you can.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pseudoverrucosum
How Are Philodendron Pseudoverrucosum and Philodendron Verrucosum Different From Each Other?
The main characteristics, appearance, and care needs of both these varieties are almost similar. These two Philo species can be differentiated by the size of their petioles and the color of their veins. Philodendron verrucosum has longer petioles than Pseudoverrucosum. Also, Verrucosum has contrasting shiny, light-green, deep veins that the other species do not have.
Can I Grow This Plant in a Hanging Basket?
Yes! As it is a vining aroid, you can grow this plant in a hanging pot or basket. You can also tie its branches to a stake for linear growth.
Why Are the Leaves of Plants Losing Their Dark Color?
If your plant’s leaves are turning yellow, it means your plant is being overwatered or has a nutrient deficiency. It can also be due to low sunlight exposure. But losing vibrant color and becoming dull is a sign of low humidity. So, to find the perfect solution, identify your problem first. If your plant has discolored leaves, increase your indoor humidity to about 60%.
Conclusion
Philodendrons are one of the most beautiful plants one can keep indoors. They are also easy to care for, so no extra effort is required to grow a Philo indoors. One of these incredible Philodendron plants is the Philodendron pseudoverrucosum. It is a low-maintenance plant with beautiful heart-shaped leaves. Its leaves not only beautify the space but also purify the air around them. So, growing this plant in your home is a win-win situation!
