Philodendron verrucosum Incensi ('Ppipve007'PBR)
Ecuador philodendron [Incensi]
An evergreen, perennial vine native to the tropical rainforests of Central America, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru, where it climbs up the trunks of forest trees. The heart-shaped leaves can be over 30cm across when mature and are a velvety deep green, with bright green veins on the upper-side and reddish green colouration on the undersides. The reddish-green leaf stalks and stems are covered in soft, pale, translucent bristles. Suitable for indoor cultivation although it prefers higher atmospheric humidity than many others in the genus. Mature plants in ideal conditions produce flowers consisting of a greenish white spathe flushed red at the base, surrounding a greenish white spadix or column
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red White | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Climbing
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant/allergen - For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Philodendron can be shrubs, trees or climbers, with glossy, leathery, evergreen, simple to pinnately divided leaves, and tiny flowers borne within arum-like white, green or reddish spathes
- Name status
Trade
- Plant range
- C. America, Ecuador, Colombia and Peru
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in an open, ericaceous, well-drained, but moisture-retentive mix, which can include, lava rock or pumice, fine fir bark and leafmould or chopped sphagnum moss, choosing a position in bright but diffused light. During the growing season, allow the surface of the compost to become just dry before thoroughly watering the compost. Avoid plants sitting in water which can cause the roots to rot. Apply a liquid houseplant fertiliser monthly during April to September. Water less frequently in winter, when growth slows right down, and stop feeding until the spring. Repot every 2-3 years. See Philodendron and houseplant cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by stem-tip or leaf bud cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required, other than to trim stems as required
Pests
May be susceptible to red spider mite, mealybugs and scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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