Philodendron Atabapoense

A hemiepiphytic climber native to the lowland Amazonian forests of southern Venezuela and Brazil, named for the Atabapo River. It produces remarkably long, narrow, lance to strap-shaped leaves with a deep matte green upper surface and a striking deep maroon to burgundy-purple underside — a two-toned character visible with every leaf movement. The leaves are carried on elongated petioles in an upright climbing habit, growing progressively larger as the plant ascends. A vigorous and relatively forgiving climber.

• Light: Bright to moderate indirect light; adapts across a reasonable range and tolerates slightly lower light without losing character, though bright indirect light produces the largest leaves. Avoid direct harsh sun.

• Soil: Chunky, well-draining aroid mix of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir; excellent drainage essential. Never waterlogged.

• Temperature/Humidity: Warm temperatures between 65-85°F; humidity of 60-70%+ supports the best growth and most prolific aerial root development.

• Watering: Allow the top 1-2" of medium to dry between waterings; water thoroughly and drain completely. Never waterlog.

• Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during active growth; supplement with calcium and magnesium for best leaf quality. Reduce in winter.