Philodendron lupinum aka Wolf Philodendron

Philodendron lupinum is a moderately challenging houseplant, best suited for intermediate plant parents. While it is drought-tolerant and forgiving of occasional missed waterings, it requires consistently high humidity (60% or above) to truly thrive and develop its characteristic mature foliage. The plant also needs a climbing support like a moss pole to reach maturity and display its spectacular corrugated leaves.

Philodendron lupinum is a slow-growing climbing vine that can reach 10-20 feet (3-6 meters) when given adequate support. Juvenile leaves start small at 1-2 inches, but mature leaves can grow impressively large, reaching 10-20 inches with their distinctive corrugated texture. The plant undergoes a dramatic transformation as it matures, with leaves changing from heart-shaped and velvety to larger, lobed, and glossy. Expect 2-3 years for the plant to reach its mature form under optimal conditions.

Philodendron lupinum thrives in temperatures between 55-80°F (12-27°C). As a tropical species from the Amazon Basin, it is not frost-hardy and should be kept indoors in most climates. Avoid placing it near cold drafts, air conditioning vents, or heating sources that could cause sudden temperature fluctuations. If you keep your plant outdoors during warmer months, bring it inside when temperatures drop below 55°F.

Philodendron lupinum propagates readily from stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section with at least one node and one leaf, making a clean diagonal cut just below a node with sterilized scissors. Allow the cutting to callous for a few hours before placing it in water, moist sphagnum moss, or a perlite-peat mix. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid spot with bright indirect light. Roots typically develop within 2-4 weeks, after which you can pot the new plant in well-draining soil or continue growing it in moss.

Repot your Philodendron lupinum every 2 years or when roots begin emerging from drainage holes. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current root ball with plenty of drainage holes. Use a well-draining mix of potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite, or 100% sphagnum moss. The best time to repot is during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. If using a moss pole, this is an ideal time to install or upgrade it.

Philodendron lupinum requires minimal pruning. Remove any yellow, brown, or damaged leaves as they appear by cutting them off at the base of the petiole. If the vine becomes leggy or overgrown, you can trim it back to encourage bushier growth—these cuttings can be propagated. Always use clean, sterilized scissors or pruning shears to prevent disease transmission.

Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust, which helps the plant photosynthesize efficiently. Take extra care with juvenile leaves, which have a delicate velvety texture—use a soft brush or very gentle wiping to avoid damaging the tiny hairs. Mature glossy leaves can be wiped more thoroughly. Avoid using commercial leaf shine products, which can clog the leaf pores.

Philodendron lupinum can grow outdoors year-round only in USDA zones 10a-11b, where temperatures remain consistently warm. In cooler climates, it can be moved outdoors during warm summer months but must be brought inside before temperatures drop below 55°F (12°C). Outdoors, place it in a shaded or dappled light location, as direct sunlight will burn the leaves. High humidity environments like covered patios work well.

Yellow leaves on Philodendron lupinum typically indicate watering issues. Overwatering is the most common cause—check if the soil is staying too wet and ensure the pot has adequate drainage. Underwatering can also cause yellowing, especially of lower, older leaves. Other causes include insufficient light, nutrient deficiency (particularly nitrogen), or natural aging of older leaves. If yellowing is widespread, inspect the roots for rot and repot in fresh, well-draining soil if needed.

Brown leaf tips or edges on Philodendron lupinum usually indicate low humidity or overfertilizing. Since this species requires 60%+ humidity, brown crispy edges often signal the air is too dry—try grouping plants together, using a pebble tray, or running a humidifier. If you see brown tips with curling, you may be giving too much fertilizer. Flush the soil with water to remove salt buildup and reduce fertilizer concentration. Brown spots with a yellow halo may indicate bacterial leaf spot, requiring removal of affected leaves.

Drooping leaves on Philodendron lupinum are usually a sign of watering problems. Underwatering is the most common cause—if the soil is dry, give the plant a thorough watering and it should perk up within hours. Overwatering and root rot can also cause drooping; check if the soil is soggy and the roots are mushy or brown. Occasionally, pest infestations or sudden temperature changes can stress the plant and cause wilting.

Philodendron lupinum is susceptible to common houseplant pests including spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, thrips, and scale insects. The velvety juvenile leaves can be particularly attractive to spider mites and thrips. These pests thrive in dry conditions, so maintaining high humidity helps prevent infestations. Treat outbreaks with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or by removing pests manually with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs. For diseases, root rot from overwatering and bacterial leaf spot (dark damp spots with yellow halos) are the main concerns. Ensure good drainage and remove any infected leaves promptly.

Philodendron lupinum is a single species without recognized cultivars or varieties. You may see plants labeled as "Philodendron cf. lupinum" (cf. meaning "compare to")—these are plants that closely resemble P. lupinum but may not be confirmed as the exact species. The plant is sometimes still sold under its informal synonym "Philodendron vanninii." Natural variation in leaf coloration and corrugation intensity may occur between individual plants based on growing conditions and maturity.

Wolf Philodendron’s native range is Central, South America, and the Caribbean.

Wolf Philodendron should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Wolf Philodendron loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Wolf Philodendron can survive in low light conditions, making them ideal for rooms that are far from windows or other light sources. However, for best results, place the plant less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light.

The Wolf Philodendron is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

The Wolf Philodendron should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

A typical dormancy pattern is not present in the Wolf Philodendron. If the growth slows down dramatically, confirm that the plant is getting enough sunlight and water for optimal growth.