Philodendron rugosum

Taxonomy

Philodendron rugosum, also known as Pigskin Philodendrom, is a species of plant in the family Araceae that is endemic to Ecuador. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, but it is threatened by habitat loss. The plant is characterized by its thick, leathery leaves with a hide-like texture that wrinkle up as they come together with the stem, resembling alien pig ears. Philodendrons grow aerial roots that grip the bark of trees, allowing them to grow over 20 feet tall. As they climb, their leaves change shape and can grow larger than a dinner plate. Interestingly, fossils show Philodendrons growing as far back as 30 million years ago when South America was still connected to Antarctica.

How to care for Philodendron rugosum

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Philodendron rugosum is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

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

Soil

Philodendron rugosum 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.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Philodendron rugosum prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Philodendron rugosum to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

The Philodendron rugosum does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Philodendron rugosum should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

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


More info:
Wikipedia