Philodendron Verrucosum 2 × Pastazanum
Philodendron verrucosum (clone 2) × Philodendron pastazanum

A cross between P. verrucosum — the velvety-leaved, hairy-petiole climber from the cloud forests of Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador — and P. pastazanum, the beloved broad-leaved Ecuadorian terrestrial creeper. The two parents bring contrasting habits and surface qualities: verrucosum contributing velvet texture, bristly trichome-covered petioles, and warm emergent coloration; pastazanum contributing broad leaf scale, deeply glossy surface, and the strongly impressed primary venation of its characteristic large-format leaves. Individual seedling expression varies — some offspring lean toward pastazanum's creeping, wide-spreading habit while others show the climbing tendency of the verrucosum parent.

• Light: Bright indirect light for the best leaf size and most vivid surface quality from both parent lineages. Avoid direct sun which damages the verrucosum-derived velvet texture.

• Soil: Chunky, well-draining aroid mix of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir; provide a wide pot or moss pole depending on whether the individual plant trends toward creeping or climbing.

• Temperature/Humidity: Cool to warm temperatures between 60-78°F; high humidity of 65-75% supports the best growth — verrucosum's humidity sensitivity carries into this cross.

• 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 supplemented with calcium and magnesium every 4 weeks during active growth. Reduce in winter.