Philodendron squamiferum aka Brezilian Chemagadda

Taxonomy

Philodendron squamiferum is a rare and eye-catching species of plant from tropical rain forests in South America. Its long, red stems are covered in soft fuzzy hairs, giving them a hairy appearance. The foliage is glossy and can grow up to 18 inches long, with five lobes giving it a distinctively shaped leaf. Philodendrons are fast-growing, so it won't take over, and can be tied to a wooden post, trellis, or other support. It's an epiphyte in the wild, and its roots grip the bark of trees allowing it to grow over 20 feet tall, with leaves changing shape and growing larger than a dinner plate. The stems of young plants are shaped like a violin, and the hairs can be green or red. It's believed to have grown as far back as 30 million years ago, when South America was still connected to Antarctica. Philodendron squamiferum is ideal for any shady location and is a terrific addition to any home or office.

Common names

Brezilian Chemagadda

How to care for Brezilian Chemagadda

Difficulty

If you're an experienced gardener looking to push your limits, Brezilian Chemagadda will provide you with a rewarding and challenging experience.

Water

Brezilian Chemagadda should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Brezilian Chemagadda 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 Brezilian Chemagadda 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 wintertime, it is common for Brezilian Chemagadda plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Brezilian Chemagadda does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

Once the Brezilian Chemagadda has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Brezilian Chemagadda’s native range is Central, South America, and the Caribbean.


More info:
Wikipedia