Philodendron squamiferum x serpens

Hybrid background and parent species

Philodendron squamiferum x serpens is a horticultural hybrid of Philodendron squamiferum and Philodendron serpens. Philodendron squamiferum comes from the Guianas and northern Brazil, while Philodendron serpens comes from Colombia and Ecuador; both parent species are wet-tropical climbers.

Care for this climbing hybrid

• Light: Give it bright indirect light. Avoid moving it abruptly from shade into strong direct sun.
• Watering: Wait until the surface layer has dried and the pot feels lighter, then water the whole root ball. Let it drain fully before returning it to its cover pot.
• Temperature: Warm conditions suit the hybrid best: about 19–27°C, with 15°C as a practical lower limit. Shield it from cold air and sudden drops.
• Humidity: Aim for 60% humidity or higher, especially while new leaves are unfolding. Keep some gentle airflow around the foliage rather than creating still, constantly damp conditions.
• Substrate: Use an airy aroid mix that drains freely but still holds enough moisture for the roots between waterings.
• Climbing support: Add a pole, plank or moss pole early and keep new nodes close to it as the stem grows.
• Propagation: Cut a healthy stem section that includes one node. Root it in a warm, humid setup using water, sphagnum or another light propagation medium, then pot it once roots are well established.

Wilting and pest problems

• The leaves wilt: Feel the substrate before adding water. A dry root ball needs a thorough watering; if the mix is still wet, check the roots and drainage instead. Our watering guide explains how to judge root-ball moisture before watering again.
• White cottony patches appear around leaf joints or stems: Look into the leaf joints and along the fuzzy stalks for waxy clusters with insects inside them. Isolate the plant, remove visible clusters, apply a houseplant treatment labelled for mealybugs to the affected joints and stems, and repeat it as directed on the label; our mealybug guide covers the full follow-up.

Philodendron squamiferum x serpens 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.

When were Philodendron squamiferum and Philodendron serpens first published, and what do the names mean?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Squamiferum means scale-bearing, referring to scaly leaf stalks. The Latin participle serpens means creeping, crawling or serpent-like.

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

Eduard Friedrich Poeppig first described Philodendron squamiferum in 1845 in Nova Genera et Species Plantarum, volume 3, page 87.

Joseph Dalton Hooker first described Philodendron serpens in 1878 in Botanical Magazine, volume 104, plate 6375.