Philodendron Rugosum - Teak And Terracotta

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: P h ilodendron 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