El Choco Red (Philodendron rubrijuvenile, formerly verrucosum) hotsell 4in 6in 8in 10in

Philodendron verrucosum has been said to grow leaves 3 feet tall, but have yet to be documented at such length. These velvety leaves will average around 1-2.5 feet long by 1/2-2 feet wide. Primarily found from Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia down through Ecuador, and Peru, the species typically grows at 165 to 6550 feet above sea level, but typically in pre-mountainous rain forest regions mostly above 1600 feet above sea level. Originally identified in 1854, the plant is still considered "rare" today and specimen plants often demand steep prices. This plant has been classified as hemiepiphytic and as rarely completely epiphytic or terrestrial; to achieve full beauty and potential, this plant should be allow to climb.

Petioles of the Philodendron verrucosum are typically round and purple in color as well as covered with small hairs. Leaves feel and look like deep green velvet cutouts with lighter green, almost silver touches. Undersides of the leaves are typically red-violet to violet. Philodendrons are known for being highly variable with not every leaf on every specimen appearing the same. Specimens of P. verrucosum collected in Ecuador often differ from those collected in Central America.

This stunningly textured beauty is 'El Choc hotsell Red' - a variety typically found in Colombia and Ecuador, but particularly the Choco region of Colombia. The leaves start out with an exquisite red abaxial leaf surface that somewhat fades as the leaf matures. Petioles are textured with white scales and tinged red or greed.


*****THIS PLANT HAS NOW BEEN RECLASSIFIED AS PHILODENDRON RUBRIJUVENILE 'EL CHOCO RED' AS OF 2/22*****


Image #1 to #4 - Approximate 6" plant purchased
Image #5 - Approximate 4" plant purchased
Image #6 - Leaf underside color example
Image #7 - Leaf texture in macro view
Image #8 - Stem texture in macro view
Image #9 - Plant growth pattern and stem color
Image #10 - Philodendron verrucosum traditional


4", 6", and 8" pots contain only one plant
10" pots contain 2-3 plants depending on their size



*You will receive a plant similar to the one(s) pictured. Plants may or may not have dried ends or torn/broken leaves, but is unlikely. Not all leaves of this plant may be present when shipping as seen in the photos. Although they may ship sooner, this item is considered pre-order as they require additional processing time being that they are harvested or prepared as ordered (applies to larger, unavailable sizes).

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Foliage:
Leaves are cordate, conspicuously subvelvety adaxially and carmine to crimson abaxially surfaces when juvenile and fading to green when mature. Leaves average 3-9" when younger.


Zoned:
10-11


Environment:
Medium to high humidity. It will usually tolerate indoor levels with slight difficulty and will appreciate additional humidity if available. Grows best in 65-80 degrees F and will tolerate as low as 50 degrees for a short period of time. Cold-sensitive and will show it when upset.


Light:
Bright indirect light indoors (north or east-facing windows). Do not leave in direct, all-day sun. Grow in full to partial shade outdoors.


Soil:
Superior aroid mix or superior-draining peat based mix. Some chunky material is required to provide necessary and constant airflow to the roots.


Water:
This plant is slightly water loving in its native habitat, but indoors should dry out slightly between watering. Soggy or overly damp soil may encourage leaf drop and disease. Decrease water in winter.


Fertilizer:
For proper growth, use a balanced fertilizer ever 1-2 months during the growing period.


Notes:
This plant is considered toxic and should not be consumed. Plants are shipped with light wrapping and padding according to import/export regulations. Shipping usually occurs on Monday and Tuesday to minimize risk of damage to plants in transit. You may request shipping Wednesday - Friday provided your understanding the live-arrive guarantee is void. Prior to shipping, please contact the shop with questions or concerns and familiarize yourself with the shipping policy in FAQ section. Pot, driftwood, or grapewood in images not included.