The Philodendron verrucosum ‘Hummingbird’ is a popular houseplant known for its distinctive foliage and growth habit. It is a prized addition to many indoor plant collections.
Discovering Philodendron Verrucosum Hummingbird
The ‘Hummingbird’ Philodendron verrucosum features velvety, dark green, heart-shaped leaves with prominent pale green to lime-green veins. The undersides of these leaves often display a rich red or maroon hue. Its fuzzy, reddish petioles, or leaf stems, are covered in fine hairs.
Native to the Andes mountains, this plant thrives in humid, understory layers of rainforests, receiving dappled sunlight. It exhibits an epiphytic or hemiepiphytic climbing nature, using aerial roots to attach to trees and grow upwards. The ‘Hummingbird’ cultivar is popular due to its more compact size compared to other P. verrucosum varieties.
Essential Care for Philodendron Verrucosum Hummingbird
Light
Philodendron verrucosum ‘Hummingbird’ thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat. Placing it near an east or north-facing window, or in a spot with filtered light, is ideal. Direct sunlight can scorch its velvety leaves. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth.
Watering
This philodendron prefers consistently moist, but not soggy, soil. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry, allowing excess water to drain completely. Avoiding overwatering is important, as it can lead to root rot, manifesting as yellowing and soft leaves. While it tolerates slight drying, allowing the soil to dry out completely can stress the plant and cause wilting or crispy leaf edges.
Humidity
High humidity, ideally 70% to 80%, is important for Philodendron verrucosum ‘Hummingbird’. In its natural environment, humidity often exceeds 60%. To increase indoor humidity, use a humidifier, place the plant on a pebble tray, or group it with other plants. Insufficient humidity can cause crispy, brown leaf edges.
Soil
The ideal potting mix for Philodendron verrucosum ‘Hummingbird’ is well-draining, airy, and rich in organic matter. A chunky aroid mix mimics its natural epiphytic growing conditions, preventing soggy soil and promoting aeration. A suitable blend includes potting soil, orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir or sphagnum moss. This combination allows for moisture retention and efficient drainage.
Temperature
Philodendron verrucosum ‘Hummingbird’ thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Consistent temperatures within this range maintain its well-being. Protect the plant from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, as these can stress it. Temperatures below 60°F (16°C) can cause damage, and it should not drop below 40°F (4.5°C).
Fertilizer
During the spring and summer growing season, a balanced liquid fertilizer supports the growth of Philodendron verrucosum ‘Hummingbird’. Fertilize monthly or every 4-6 weeks, diluted to half strength. Reduce or stop fertilization during fall and winter, as the plant’s growth naturally slows. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root damage.
Promoting Healthy Growth and Form
Providing a climbing structure is beneficial for Philodendron verrucosum ‘Hummingbird’ due to its natural vining habit. A moss pole or trellis encourages vertical growth, leading to larger, more mature leaves and healthier development. This support system mimics the trees the plant climbs in its native environment, allowing aerial roots to absorb moisture and nutrients efficiently. Without proper support, the plant may exhibit sprawling or leggy growth.
Light pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages bushier growth. This involves removing yellow, damaged, or dead leaves to direct energy towards new, healthy foliage. Pruning can also manage leggy stems or control the plant’s size. Use clean, sharp scissors or shears, making cuts just above a node to promote proper healing and new growth.
Propagating Philodendron Verrucosum Hummingbird
Stem cuttings are the most effective method for propagating Philodendron verrucosum ‘Hummingbird’. To take a cutting, select a stem portion with at least one node and one or two leaves, cutting just below a node. Remove any leaves that would be submerged to prevent rot. Cuttings can be rooted in water, sphagnum moss, or directly in a well-draining soil mix.
When rooting in water, change the water weekly. For sphagnum moss or soil, ensure the medium remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Providing warm temperatures and high humidity, possibly by covering the cutting with a plastic bag or humidity dome, helps root development. Roots typically form within a few weeks; once several inches long, transplant the cutting into a permanent pot.
Addressing Common Challenges
Several common issues can affect Philodendron verrucosum ‘Hummingbird’, often stemming from environmental imbalances. Yellowing leaves frequently indicate overwatering, especially if the soil feels soggy, but can also signal underwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Adjusting watering frequency and ensuring proper drainage can resolve this. Crispy leaf edges or browning tips often point to insufficient humidity or fertilizer salt buildup. Increasing humidity and periodically flushing the soil can help.
Stunted or leggy growth often results from inadequate light or nutrients. Move the plant to a brighter spot with indirect light and ensure regular fertilization during the growing season. Common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids can affect the plant. Manage these by increasing humidity, wiping leaves, or using insecticidal soap or neem oil for severe infestations. Root rot, caused by overwatering, leads to mushy roots and yellowing leaves, requiring improved drainage and repotting.