Philodendron esmeraldense

Wet forests between Colombia and Ecuador

The Colombian and Ecuadorian range of Philodendron esmeraldense lies in wet tropical forest. Thomas Croat described the species in 2016. Its name refers to Esmeraldas Province in north-western Ecuador.

Root and foliage care for climbing aroids

• Light: Give the long, ridged leaves bright filtered light without exposing them to harsh sun. Increase the light gradually so they can adjust.
• Water: Allow the surface to start drying without letting the rest of the mix dry out, then soak and drain the pot completely.
• Humidity and airflow: Higher humidity helps the long, pleated leaves unfurl without sticking, but airflow remains important around the grooves and new growth.
• Temperature: A warm position away from cold windows and draughts suits this climber.
• Feeding: Supply a dilute balanced fertilizer while the stem and leaves are actively growing.

Philodendron esmeraldense: pleats, unfurling and root health

• A pleated leaf that opens badly: Dry air, interrupted root moisture and rubbing against a wall can crease a long new leaf. Do not pull the leaf open; restore even moisture, improve clearance and inspect the rolled tissue for pests.
• Ridges and wavy margins: Regular ridges, corrugation and gently wavy margins belong to the leaf. New isolated scars, black specks or a one-sided failure to open are more consistent with thrips or physical obstruction.
• Corking between the pleats: Small translucent bumps that later become corky can arise from water imbalance. Reduce excess moisture around the roots and improve airflow, but isolate the plant if spots are wet, rapidly enlarging or spreading to new leaves.
• Crisp edges along a long blade: Crisp edges can follow drought, salt build-up, dry air or root damage. Check the full root ball, correct the watering pattern and flush the mix before assuming the plant simply needs more water.
• Scarring along pleated leaves: Thrips scrape the surface and leave black droppings where a pleated leaf was rolled. Mites produce diffuse stippling below. Work from the base to the tip of each long blade, checking folds closely, and apply a product labelled for the identified pest at the stated intervals.
• Wilting above a wet pot: Yellowing and wilt that continue while the pot remains wet point to poor air movement around the roots. Lift out soft roots, replace collapsed substrate and check that water can escape from both the container and the support.

Philodendron esmeraldense 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.

How did Philodendron esmeraldense get its name?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” The epithet esmeraldense means “from Esmeraldas.” It refers to Esmeraldas Province in north-western Ecuador.

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

Thomas Bernard Croat first described Philodendron esmeraldense in 2016 in Aroideana, volume 39, page 100.