Philodendron Verrucosum – Care Instructions

Growing Philodendron verrucosum in a premium coco coir 60/40 blend with Growth Technologies Foliage Focus requires understanding the unique qualities of this growing medium and how it interacts with this specialised fertiliser. Here's your comprehensive care guide:

Understanding Coco Coir as a Growing Medium

Premium Coco coir 60/40 Blends offer several advantages for growing Philodendron verrucosum. It retains moisture effectively while providing excellent drainage and aeration, making it an ideal medium for aroids that thrive in consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Furthermore, this60/40 blend has a neutral pH ranging from 5.2 to 6.8, aligning well with the philodendron's need for slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions.

Coco coir is an inert growing medium, meaning it naturally lacks nutrients. This allows you to control your plant's nutrition precisely. You can tailor a feeding schedule for your Philodendron verrucosum using Growth Technologies Foliage Focus.

Growth Technologies Foliage Focus Application

Mixing Instructions for Coco Coir

Since coco coir behaves more like a soilless/hydroponic medium than a traditional medium, use the hydroponic dilution rate of 5-7ml per litre of water. For Philodendron verrucosum specifically:

·         Standard feeding: 5ml per litre of water

·         Heavy feeders or fast growth periods: Up to 7ml per litre

·         Younger plants or slower growth: Start with 3-5ml per litre

Fertilising Schedule

·         Active growing season (spring/summer): Feed with every watering

·         Dormant period (fall/winter): Reduce to every 2-4 weeks

·         Monthly flushing: Use plain water once monthly to prevent

·          salt buildup

The complete nutrient profile of Foliage Focus, which includes all 12 essential minerals, such as calcium, makes it ideal for coco coir growing because the medium won't buffer or compete for nutrients.

Coco Coir

Using premium coco coir 60/40 Blend (60% Pith / 40% Chips), create a chunky aroid mix that provides the drainage and aeration Philodendron verrucosum requires

This Coco coir blend retains moisture while the chunky components ensure proper drainage and root aeration.

Watering Guidelines

With coco coir, adjust your watering approach:

·         Water when the top of the medium feels dry rather than waiting for complete drying.

·         Coco coir retains moisture longer than traditional potting mix, allowing excess water to drain effectively.

·         Water thoroughly, allowing excess to drain completely.

·         Monitor more carefully as coco coir can appear dry on the surface while retaining moisture below.

Environmental Requirements

Maintain optimal conditions to support healthy growth in your coco coir setup:

Humidity and Temperature

·         Humidity: 60%-80% minimum

·         Temperature Range: 20-26°C consistently

·         Use humidifiers, pebble trays, or plant groupings to maintain humidity

Lighting

·         Bright, indirect light for a minimum of 6 Plus hours/Day

·         Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the velvety leaves

·         East-facing windows provide ideal morning light with protection from direct, harsh afternoon sun

Monitoring Plant Health

Watch these indicators for successful care:

Signs of Healthy Growth

·         Deep green leaves with prominent light-coloured venation

·         Steady new leaf production during growing season

·         Strong, white root development when repotting

·         Upright growth when provided with climbing support

Common Issues and Solutions

Yellowing leaves: May indicate overwatering, nutrient imbalance, or low humidity. In coco coir, this often relates to watering frequency rather than drainage issues.

Crispy leaf edges: Usually indicate low humidity or fertiliser burn. Reduce feeding concentration if using higher rates of Foliage Focus.

Salt build-up: Flush the coco coir medium with clean water monthly

Slow growth: You might need to feed more often or provide more light. Coco coir's inert nature means consistent nutrition is vital.

Long-term Maintenance

Repotting Schedule

·         Every 1-2 years or when rootbound.

·         Refresh the coco coir mix each year as it gradually breaks down.

·         Spring is the best time for repotting.

Seasonal Adjustments

·         Increase fertiliser frequency during periods of active growth

·         Reduce both watering and fertiliser during cooler months

·         Maintain consistent humidity year-round, as heating/cooling systems can affect moisture levels

The combination of Coco Coir's excellent moisture management properties with Growth Technologies Foliage Focus's complete nutrition profile creates an ideal growing environment for Philodendron verrucosum, supporting the lush, vigorous growth of this stunning appressed climbing aroid.

Read more about Philodendron verrucosum in our Araceae Magazine Winter 2025 Edition