Philodendron squamiferum
Best vining statement plant for experienced indoor gardeners without curious pets.
Discover the uncommon Philodendron squamiferum, featuring striking large, lobed deep green foliage set against unique red-brown hairy stems that naturally climb. This evergreen houseplant offers a vining habit, starting beautifully as a young accent plant on a desk or table. As it matures, it benefits from support like a trellis or pole, eventually reaching up to 3 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It thrives in bright indirect sunlight and prefers average to dry soil conditions, making it relatively easy to care for indoors. Be mindful that this plant is known to be toxic to pets and humans.
$39.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
141
/ 9216
#141 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-23%
Below average
Foliage Color
Green
/ Green
Who it's for
- Indoor gardeners wanting a rewarding, fast-growing statement piece
- Intermediate plant owners ready for manageable tropical care
- Collectors seeking unique, tactile botanical displays
Who should skip it
- Gardeners unable to commit to regular pest monitoring
- Owners lacking space or time for vertical support structures
- Households with curious pets or small children
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Hairy stems and lobed leaves create a striking, high-contrast aesthetic.
Care Simplicity
Forgiving water requirements make this an accessible choice for most owners.
Growth Versatility
Transitions seamlessly from a compact desk plant to a climbing specimen.
Light Adaptability
Thrives in various indoor settings, from bright windows to artificial light.
Longevity Potential
A long-term companion capable of gracing your home for decades.
Safety Profile
Toxicity concerns require careful placement away from curious pets and children.
Key Specs
Foliage Color
Green
Family Name
Arums
Genus Name
Philodendron
Mature Height
3 feet
Mature Width
6 feet
Hardiness Zone
9a
Light Needs
Indoor High Light, Indoor Medium Light
Water Needs
Dry to Average
Features
- Features large, lobed deep green foliage.
- Stems are distinctively red-brown and hairy.
- Exhibits a vining habit, appreciating support as it grows.
- Young plants serve well as tabletop or desk accents.
- Performs well in both bright indirect sunlight and strong artificial light.
- Can be expected to live for approximately 30 years indoors.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Philodendron squamiferum received from Armstrong Garden Centers. Reviewers frequently highlight the plant's robust health, vibrant foliage, and well established root systems, indicating superior nursery care. The primary theme is the excellent value, as many feel the size and maturity of the specimen significantly exceed expectations for the price point. This combination of high quality and perceived value drives strong overall satisfaction, making it a highly recommended purchase for collectors seeking unique, healthy specimens.
Know before you buy
While young plants can sit on a desk, this is a vining species that naturally wants to climb. As it matures, providing a moss pole or trellis will help support its stems and encourage larger, healthier foliage.
It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight or strong artificial light. Avoid placing it in direct, harsh sun, which can scorch the leaves, or in low-light corners where growth will become leggy.
This plant prefers dry to average soil conditions. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot, as it does not like to sit in soggy soil.
No, the Philodendron squamiferum is toxic to both pets and humans if ingested. It is best kept in a location that is inaccessible to curious pets or small children.
When provided with proper care and support, this plant can reach a mature height of 3 feet and a width of up to 6 feet. Given its long lifespan of up to 30 years, it is a significant plant that will eventually require a generous amount of space.
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$40