**2 new growth points emerging on stem**

Philodendron Fuzzy Petiole

An undescribed species from the rainforests of Ecuador that arrived in the collector trade mislabeled as Philodendron verrucosum — a reasonable mistake given the shared characteristic of densely textured, hairy petioles, but a plant that is clearly something distinct once examined closely. Where verrucosum is a climbing hemiepiphyte with elongated, velvet-surfaced, corrugated leaves and hairy petioles, the Fuzzy Petiole is a terrestrial creeper with a horizontal rhizome, round to broadly semi-heart-shaped, leathery leaves that emerge in a striking deep pink-to-red coloration before fading to glossy green at maturity, and reddish petioles covered in dense, hard tubercles that create the characteristic fuzzy, almost bristly appearance that gives the plant its name. The emergent pink coloration is one of the more dramatic new-leaf color transitions in the genus — vivid enough to draw attention at every new unfurling — and the rounded, compact leaf form paired with that extraordinary petiole texture makes this a plant with a very different visual personality than the velvet-leaf climbers it superficially resembles. An accessible and genuinely rewarding collector species.

As a terrestrial creeper, this species performs best in a wide, shallow pot that accommodates the horizontal rhizome spread, with the rhizome kept at or just above the soil surface. Bright indirect to moderate filtered light supports the most vivid pink emergent coloration and the most vigorous growth; the plant tolerates somewhat lower light given its forest floor origins but produces noticeably smaller, paler leaves. Water when the top 1-2" of medium is dry, keeping the rhizome consistently but lightly moist and never allowing waterlogged conditions; use a chunky, well-draining aroid mix of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir. Humidity of 60-70%+ supports the best growth and most lustrous mature leaf quality. Maintain warm temperatures between 65-80°F. Toxic to humans and pets if ingested.