Philodendron cf lupinum (Philodendron vanninii Croat ined.) – Expert Care and Growing Guide
Velvety Foliage That Evolves with Age
Philodendron cf lupinum, informally referenced as Philodendron vanninii Croat (ined.), is a rare tropical hemiepiphyte admired for its dramatic leaf transformation. Juvenile plants develop plush, heart-shaped leaves with deep maroon undersides. As the plant matures, it transitions to obovate-hastate foliage with a glossy green upper surface and matte underside. Native to the Amazonian lowlands, this climber thrives with vertical support and consistent humidity, making it a prized addition to any rare plant collection.
Why Philodendron cf lupinum Stands Out

 
Velvety Juvenile Leaves: Rich texture with deep maroon undersides creates high visual contrast.
 
Mature Leaf Shift: Adult leaves become glossy, elongated, and deeply veined, often 25–30 cm long.
 
Hemiepiphytic Growth: Adapts to both soil and aerial rooting. Climbs best with moss poles or trellises indoors.

Botanical Origin and Elevation

 
Habitat: Native to rainforests in Brazil (Acre), Colombia (Amazonas), and Peru (Loreto), growing at 110–120 m elevation.
 
Discovery: Documented by T.B. Croat (1986), J.J. Pipoly III (1991), and S. Barrier (1978).
 
Indoor Size: Can grow up to 1.5 m tall indoors with proper support.
 
Toxicity: Contains calcium oxalate; toxic if ingested by pets or humans.

Philodendron cf lupinum – Indoor Care Guide

 
Light: Bright, indirect light for 10–12 hours daily. Supplement with grow lights (~4000 lumens) if needed.
 
Watering: Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering or soggy substrate.
 
Humidity: Prefers 60–80%. Use a humidifier or group plants together for best results.
 
Temperature: Maintain 18–27 °C. Avoid drops below 12 °C.
 
Soil Mix: Use a chunky, breathable mix of orchid bark, perlite, and coconut coir with some charcoal. pH range: 6.0–6.8.
 
Pot Type: Terracotta or ceramic pots with drainage holes help regulate moisture and reduce root rot risk.
 
Fertilizing: Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during active growth.
 
Repotting: Every 1–2 years or when root-bound. Upgrade pots by 2–3 cm each time.
 
Support: Use a moss pole or vertical trellis to mimic natural climbing behavior.

Growth Rate and Leaf Development

 
Growth Speed: Moderate indoors with bright light and stable humidity.
 
Leaf Evolution: Juvenile leaves are ~5–10 cm. Mature forms reach 25–30 cm with proper support and care.

Propagation and Rooting Tips

 
Method: Use stem cuttings with at least one node. Root in sphagnum moss, water, or semi-hydro setups.
 
Advanced Tip: Hemiepiphytic Philodendrons root best in warm, humid environments with node contact and airflow.
 
Hydroponics: Adapts well to LECA or other semi-hydroponic systems with balanced nutrients.

Common Issues and Solutions

 
Pests: Watch for spider mites, thrips, or mealybugs. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil early.
 
Root Rot: Use airy soil and avoid compacted substrate. Ensure containers drain freely.
 
Leaf Discoloration:
 

 
Yellowing: Overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
 
Browning Tips: Low humidity or inconsistent watering.
 
Faded Maroon Undersides: Not enough light or maturing foliage.
 
Stuck Leaves: Increase humidity and airflow.
 
 
 
Fungus Gnats: Let topsoil dry and use sticky traps or beneficial nematodes.

Placement and Styling Tips

 
Companions: Pairs well with calatheas, monsteras, or other humidity-loving foliage plants.
 
Visual Contrast: Use minimalist or textured pots to highlight leaf detail.
 
Vertical Impact: Position on a shelf or in a corner with height for upward growth.

Etymology
Philodendron derives from Greek: “philo” (love) + “dendron” (tree), reflecting its climbing nature. The name *lupinum* refers to the wolf-like shape of juvenile foliage. “cf.” indicates this specimen closely resembles *lupinum* but may be a separate species under review (*Philodendron vanninii*).
Frequently Asked Questions

 
Can I grow this in hydro? Yes, it performs well in semi-hydro setups with high humidity and a balanced nutrient solution.
 
How do I keep the juvenile leaf colors? Maintain bright, indirect light and 70%+ humidity to retain maroon undersides.
 
Is this a fast grower? Growth is moderate but speeds up with warmth, climbing support, and high humidity.

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