Philodendron barrosoanum

Natural range and habitat of Philodendron barrosoanum

Philodendron barrosoanum is native to Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and northern Brazil. It grows in wet tropical forest, climbing trees and other vegetation and often living above the forest floor.

In Colombia it grows from Amazonian lowlands into Andean areas at about 200–1,170 m.

Supporting the broad growth of Philodendron barrosoanum

• Give the vine a solid support: A sturdy pole or board keeps the stem secure as the plant gains size. Keep the vine close to the surface so roots from the stem can take hold.
• Give it plenty of gentle light: A well-lit spot away from strong midday sun suits the plant well. Increase the light gradually after a move from shade.
• Water as the surface starts drying: Wet the mix evenly and empty the collected water after the pot has drained.
• Use a mix that stays loose over time: Bark, pumice or similar chunky ingredients keep the potting mix from packing tightly around the roots.
• Temperature and humidity: Aim to keep the growing area around 18–29 °C. Keep humidity around 50–60%.
• Feeding: During new node and leaf production, feed with complete houseplant fertiliser at a moderate rate. Reduce feeding when active growth stops.
• Repotting: Repot when roots crowd the container. If the plant and its support become unstable, use a wider or heavier container that still fits the root system and secure the support.
• Propagation: Select a sound stem cutting with a viable node and retain an aerial root if the section has one.

Leaf and growth checks for Philodendron barrosoanum

• Fresh leaves open with scars around the folds: Check the new growth for thrips or other small pests. If you find them, place the plant on its own, remove visible pests and treat the infestation before the next leaf begins to open.
• The leaf edges look gently wavy: A gentle wave is normal for this species. Pay more attention to damage that spreads, dry patches or a leaf that loses firmness.
• Older leaves turn yellow and the pot stays soggy: Allow a longer drying period and make sure the pot drains freely. If yellowing keeps spreading, examine the roots and replace compacted mix.

Philodendron barrosoanum is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Who first published Philodendron barrosoanum, and what does the name mean?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” The epithet barrosoanum commemorates Brazilian botanist Graziela Maciel Barroso.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Philodendron in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.

George Sydney Bunting first described Philodendron barrosoanum in 1964 in Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, volume 50, page 23.