
Philodendron Rugosum
The philodendron rugosum is an easy to care for rare houseplant, we run through their requirements below…
Philodendron Rugosum Summary
Light needs: | Medium to bright indirect sunlight. |
Watering needs: | Water it if top 50% of soil is dry. |
Fertilizer: | A balanced feed once a month in spring and summer. |
Soil: | A well draining potting mix. |
Humidity: | 50-60%. |
Temperature: | 18°C to 25°C (64-77°F). |
Where to buy: | Try one of these Rare Plant Shops. |
Common issues: | Root rot |
Introduction
The philodendron rugosum is an easy to care for green, leather-leaved philodendron.
Light Needs
Medium to bright indirect sunlight is best for a rugosum, just don’t give it direct sunlight which could burn those beautiful leaves.
How Often to Water
Water it if the top 50% of soil is dry. They don’t like their roots to sit in soggy soil.
Philodendron Rugosum Fertilizer
Use a balanced feed once a month in spring and summer. Dilute it a lot the first time you use it and check it doesn’t burn the plant.
Soil
Use a well draining potting mix, a standard potting compost with 20% added perlite is great.
For more on Philodendron soil see our guide on what to buy or how to make your own: Philodendron Soil.
When To Repot
Repot them when they outgrow their current container. The best time of year is spring, but you can do it year round to be honest.
Philodendron Rugosum Humidity
50-60% is ideal humidity for a rugosum, they will be fine in medium humidity areas of your home but it is best to up it a big to get the plant to flourish. A pebble tray with water in under the plant pot can help to increase the humidity, or even keeping really close to other plants as this can raise the humidity too.
Temperature
18°C to 25°C (64-77°F) is the ideal temperature for a philodendron rugosum.
Where To Buy
These are quite rare, so try one of these Rare Plant Shops.
Philodendron Rugosum Aberrant Form
The aberrant form is a rarer and more unruly/wild version of the rugosum with longer leaves and some wrinkling.
How To Propagate Philodendron Rugosum
To propagate philodendron rugosum, take stem cuttings, root them in water and then pot up after a month or two into soil.
Follow these steps:
- Take the cutting, with a node and a leaf or two.
- Let the wound callous over for two hours.
- Put the cutting in a jar of filtered tap.
- Put it in a warm, bright spot with plenty of indirect sunlight.
- Keep the water topped up, and change it if it goes cloudy.
- In a month or so you should see roots growing, have patience and wait until they are well estabished.
- Once you see growth from the top of the plant you can pot it up to soil
Philodendron Rugosum Other Names
Sow’s Ear Plant.
FAQs and Common Problems
Don’t let the roots get waterlogged, it’s really easy with these plants. Also be careful that the leaves do not get pests like spidermites.

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You might also like our other articles: Philodendron Subhastatum, Philodendron Florida Ghost, Philodendron White Princess.
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