The Philodendron Ventricosum, also called Philodendron Ventricosum Madison, is a tropical plant known for its air purifying abilities. This perennial is easy to maintain and enjoys humidity.
Philodendron Ventricosum is a scandent epiphytic plant that will bring color to any indoor garden. This houseplant is classified as Endangered, so plant collectors are incredibly cautious in handling this rare plant.
In this post, we’re sharing all the advice you’ll need to know to successfully raise a Philodendron Ventricosum.
Table of Contents
What Is Philodendron Ventricosum?
Philodendron Ventricosum is a perennial known for its air purifying abilities. It’s one of the lesser popular Philodendron varieties as it has been officially classified as an Endangered species.
It is scientifically known as Philodendron Ventricosum Madison and has been given the common names Ventricosum Philodendron and P. Ventricosum. It has heart-shaped and deep emerald-colored leaves and rope-like stems, which make it a beautiful plant worthy of being conserved.
When Philodendron Ventricosum is grown indoors, it can be placed near an east or west-facing window. When raised outdoors, it should be in hardiness zones 10-12 to survive.
Origin And Family
The Philodendron Ventricosum Madison belongs to the Philodendron genus in the family Araceae. It is endemic to Ecuador’s forest floor. However, due to habitat loss, this plant has been classified as Endangered.
Calaway H. Dodson first published about this plant in 1977. It produces what’s known to be a spathe that’s white and green in color, persistent, and constricted halfway.
Where To Buy
Etsy and other nurseries do not sell this protected plant for its conservation status. We encourage our fellow plant lovers to be responsible plant parents and help conserve this endangered beauty. Whether in the wild or cultivated, let’s all do our part and shower this beloved plant with the love (and water) it deserves.
Philodendron Ventricosum Plant Size
At its maturity, this Philodendron plant grows about 20-25 inches tall. Its long sheath stems are 2-3 cm and are rope-like. Considering this plant’s growth potential, light needs, and high humidity requirements, you can place it near an east or west-facing window.
Philodendron Ventricosum Care Needs
Your Philodendron Ventricosum, like any other houseplant, will thrive when adequately cared for. With its air purifying abilities, this plant adores humidity and wants relatively moist soil throughout the year.
You typically want to water your Philodendron when the top inch of the soil is dry. Allot some time for the water to flow through the pot’s drainage hole. In terms of lighting, this rare plant needs bright indirect light to thrive.
Read our detailed care guide below for more specific advice!
Care Difficulty
Generally, all Philodendron plants are easy to care for. The most significant considerations for this beauty are the well-draining soil and the amount of light.
Growth Rate
The P. Ventricosum grows to a mature height of 20-25 inches as a houseplant. Typically, you will observe quicker and bushier growth during spring and summer.
The majority of Philodendron species, including the Ventricosum, grow at a fast rate.
Soil
For the Ventricosum Philodendron, a standard commercial potting soil is suitable. Add components such as peat, perlite, and sand to make your soil mixture. Do not forget that this plant prefers a relatively moist growing medium.
Make sure the soil you choose allows for adequate drainage and aeration so the roots can breathe.
We suggest the following potting mixes:
| Photo | Title | Price | Buy |
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Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix 6 qt., Grows beautiful Houseplants, 2-Pack | $12.59 ($0.03 / Ounce) |
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Burpee, 9 Quarts | Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil Mix Food Ideal for Container Garden-Vegetable, Flower & Herb Use for Indoor Outdoor Plant | $12.99 |
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Sun Gro Horticulture Black Gold 1310102 8-Quart All Purpose Potting Soil With Control, Brown/A | $16.40 ($0.06 / Fl Oz) |
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Miracle-Gro Potting Mix | $16.48 |
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FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Mix Indoor Outdoor for Garden and Plants | Plant Fertilizer | 12 Quarts | The Hydroponic City Stake | $22.99 ($0.06 / Fl Oz) |
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pH
For the P. Ventricosum, you’ll need a neutral to acidic soil with around 5.1-6.0 pH, the general soil pH in its native habitat. In most circumstances, standard commercial potting soil is close to this pH level, so this shouldn’t be a significant concern.
Run a pH test to see if your soil has the right acidity by using affordable pH meters available at garden centers or online.
To increase the pH level of your soil, calcitic or dolomitic lime, add baking soda or wood ash. To cut the pH, you can use sulfur or aluminum sulfate.
Water
Proper watering is essential for Philodendron Ventricosum Madison. If you water too much, you risk generating diseases such as root rot. If you water too little, especially during warm days, your plant’s roots may dry out. In general, Philodendron Ventricosum Madison should have a growing medium that is relatively moist.
One simple way to determine if your plant needs to be watered is to stick a pencil or a wooden skewer into the pot and see if it’s wet, muddy soil is still sticking to it. You can also use your finger to feel for moisture. When the upper inches of soil is dry, it’s time to water your plant.
Excess moisture may be eliminated by using a porous container with drainage holes and an aerated, chunky soil mix.
Light
This easy-to-care-for houseplant favors bright indirect light for approximately 6-8 hours a day. If there’s too much light, its foliage gets sunburned. If there’s a lack of light, its growth may get stunted.
If your Philodendron Ventricosum isn’t getting enough light, it would be best to move it closer to a window, or you can invest in LED grow lights. Here are suggested products for you to choose from:
Avoid putting your Philodendron Ventricosum in direct sunlight, as this could severely damage or even kill it.
Fertilizer
Here’s a frequent mistake by some indoor growers, they forget to fertilize. They believe that water and solid indirect light are both excellent sources of nutrition. However, the nutrients in the soil are equally as crucial to the general health of your plant.
Feeding your plant once a month is recommended during spring and summer. A balanced liquid fertilizer will work best for your Ventricosum Philodendron. If you’re using a stronger fertilizer, you may need to dilute it first.
In the colder season, you don’t need to fertilize at all.
Propagating Philodendron Ventricosum
If your Philodendron Ventricosum has grown too tall, you can trim the stem and save the cuttings for propagation! Below, we wrote down step-by-step guides for different propagation methods.
Stem Cuttings In Soil
The most convenient way to propagate a Philodendron Ventricosum Madison is by cutting and planting. Seeds are sometimes available, but they might be challenging to find and start. Spring to early summer is considered the best time to propagate your plant.
1. Cut. Find a healthy section of the stem with new growth and at least one node. Make sure to use clean gardening shears to cut it.
2. Plant. Plant the cutting into sterile soil.
3. Maintain. Maintain a wet soil and an air temperature of around 70°F.
4. Cover. To trap humidity and encourage faster rooting, enclose your plant in a plastic bag.
5. Rotate. Rotate the pot regularly to ensure constant development on all sides.
Stem Cuttings In Water
The following are key steps in water-propagating your Ventricosum Philodendron:
1. Cut. Find a healthy area of your plant that has at least one node. Trim it with clean shears.
2. Submerge. Allow your cutting to sit in a clear jar filled with water. Make sure no leaves are submerged to avoid rotting.
3. Maintain. Keep your cutting in a well-lit, well-ventilated place as you wait for roots to develop.
4. Refill. Refill the jar when it’s empty, or the water looks dirty. The plant nodes must be continually exposed to water in order to generate roots.
5. Transplant. Check after 2-3 weeks to determine whether your cutting has enough roots to be planted in the soil.
Humidity And Aeration
High humidity levels (between 70%-90%) are the best for your Philodendron Ventricosum.
Crispy leaves and browning edges often characterize humidity deficiency in houseplants. Consider purchasing a humidifier or locating your plant in well-lit areas that are naturally humid (such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms).
Temperature
The ideal temperature for your P. Ventricosum is between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. This tropical houseplant will appreciate being kept in warm locations.
More importantly, make sure you avoid any sudden spikes or drops in temperatures. Don’t use cold or hot water to water your P. Ventricosum so its roots won’t go into shock.
Flowers
Albeit rarely, the Philodendron Ventricosum Madison is capable of producing flowers (technically a spathe) that are green and white in color and is halfway constricted.
Toxic
If you have small children or pets, you should be responsible when handling this plant. Toxic to humans and animals alike, the Ventricosum Philodendron is potentially dangerous if consumed. The following are possible side effects if eaten: swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat and general irritation. In most cases, this plant is considered non-life-threatening.
| Toxic To Pets? | Care Specifics |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Philodendron Ventricosum |
| Common Name | Philodendron Ventricosum Madison, Ventricosum Philodendron, P. Ventricosum |
| Plant Family | Araceae |
| Origin | Ecuador |
| Plant Type | perennial |
| Leaf Shape | heart-shaped |
| Leaf Color | deep emerald |
| Recommended Home Placement | near an east or west-facing window |
| Growth Rate | fast |
| Light | bright indirect light |
| Soil | standard commercial potting soil |
| When To Water | Water when the top inch of the soil is dry. |
| When To Fertilize | once a month during growing season |
| Preferred pH | 5.1-6.0 |
| Humidity Range | 70%-90% |
| Toxic To Pets? | Yes – symptoms include swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat and general irritation |
| Common Pests & Diseases | spider mites, brown tips, scale insects, yellow leabes, root rot, drooping leaves |
Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems
The Philodendron Ventricosum is a plant resistant to several bugs, issues, and diseases. I’ll lay out some of the common problems for the Philodendron Ventricosum, as well as some tips and tricks for treating them.
Spider Mites
Houseplants can sometimes bring unwanted visitors to your home in the form of pests. One would be the spider mite. Its larvae will not be visible, but adult mites can be seen quickly scampering around when disturbed.
Spraying diluted neem oil on your plant’s leaves can help eradicate spider mites at their larval stage. There are also organic Pyrethrin sprays that are effective in killing adult mites. When spraying any pesticide indoors, make sure you choose products that are non-hazardous for humans when inhaled.
Scale Insects
Scales are insects that eat plant sap. How they differ from other bugs is that the adult scale will latch onto a part of the plant and stay put. These insects are called armored scales and may look like brownish lumps on the petioles or stems of a plant.
As prevention, you can dilute a teaspoon of neem oil in 500 mL of water and spray it on your plant’s leaves to discourage scales from latching onto your Philodendron Ventricosum.
Another recourse would be to release lacewings or ladybugs near your infected plant and let these valuable bugs take care of the problem for you!
Brown Leaf Tips
The edges of your Philodendron Ventricosum Madison’s leaves turn brown when it does not receive enough moisture, both from the air and from its roots. Water your plant on time and make sure the humidity level in its area is appropriate for its demands.
You should also think about the amount and frequency with which you apply fertilizer. Overfeeding can burn the foliage of your houseplants, typically manifesting as browning edges on their leaves.
Drooping Leaves
Mealybugs and other pests that infest the Philodendron Ventricosum can cause leaves to droop. This problem can also be caused by underwatering, lack of humidity, and lack of nutrients.
Yellow Leaves
If you see yellowing leaves on your Ventricosum Philodendron, you might need to consider several factors to determine the culprit. Are you overwatering your plant, and is it getting enough light? Are there sudden changes in the weather? Did you fertilize your plant recently?
Of course, bottom leaves that are turning yellow can also indicate that the leaf’s energy has been spent and your plant is growing. Simply remove the yellowing leaves so the plant may focus on developing new green leaves.
Root Rot
Root rot is a prevalent killer of P. Ventricosum. Some indoor gardeners might get rabid with watering their plants, or they may forget to provide adequate drainage for their plants. These mistakes are the two leading causes of root rot.
Root rot is difficult to treat, so prevention is the best option. If you don’t own a soil meter device, get used to touching your soil to feel for moisture. If you feel that the top few inches are still moist, skip the watering for later!
Use pots high in porosity (such as clay, unglazed ceramic, and concrete) to allow excess moisture to escape from the sides. Give your plant a well-aerated soil mix to let its roots breathe and grow freely.
Similar Plants
Want to learn more about other endangered Philodendrons? Here are some similarly conserved but equally beautiful varieties to consider:
Philodendron Rugosum: The unique and textured foliage of this protected species is intriguing. It resembles a pig’s ear and is what earned its Pigskin Philodendron name. It’s another conserved plant due to habitat degradation.
Philodendron Bipennifolium: The peculiar-shaped leaves of this Fiddle Leaf Philodendron make it a scarce and highly-coveted plant. It is expensive, too! So make sure to give this rare plant the proper TLC it deserves if you’re fortunate enough to get your hands on one.
Conclusion
With its attractive characteristics, Philodendron Ventricosum is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a new houseplant. Your efforts in taking care of this plant will be rewarded with beautiful exotic flora you will enjoy having in your home!
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