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© Skjold Søndergaard, some rights reserved (CC-BY) · iNaturalist
Philodendron rugosum
Philodendron Pig Skin
Cloud forests of western Ecuador and Colombia, Andes mountains
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
10 - 12These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancetender
Overview
Pig skin philodendron is a tropical climbing aroid native to cloud forests, growing as a hemiepiphyte on host trees. Indoor mature specimens reach 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall on a moss pole, with potential to climb 20-30 feet (6-9 m) on trees in native habitat. Leaves are heart-shaped to ovate, 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) long and 4-7 inches (10-18 cm) wide, with thick leathery texture and pronounced rugose surface created by deeply impressed veins. Leaf color is dark green above with paler green underside; new leaves emerge bronze-pink before maturing. Petioles are stout, terete, and 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. Stems show internodes of 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) with aerial roots emerging at each node for attachment to host substrates. Mature climbing specimens may produce inflorescences with 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) green spathes from spring through summer in tropical greenhouses; indoor plants rarely flower. Growth rate is slow, producing 4-8 new leaves per year under optimal conditions. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals causing oral and skin irritation. Population numbers in native habitat are declining due to deforestation; the species is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
Native Range
Native to cloud forests of the western slopes of the Ecuadorian and Colombian Andes at elevations of 1,500-6,500 feet (450-2,000 m), where it grows as a hemiepiphyte climbing tree trunks under high humidity and constant moisture.Suggested Uses
Grown indoors as a climbing specimen on moss poles 3-6 feet (90-180 cm) tall in 8-12 inch (20-30 cm) pots, or as a tabletop plant when juvenile. Used in atriums, conservatories, and heated greenhouses where humidity exceeds 60 percent and temperatures remain above 60°F (15°C). Cultivated by aroid collectors and indoor plant enthusiasts for the textured foliage; commercial availability remains limited due to slow propagation rates.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Indoor specimens rarely flower. Mature climbing specimens in tropical greenhouses produce green spathes 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long enclosing pale spadices from late spring through summer. Flowering requires the plant to reach mature size by climbing 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) on a supportive structure with constant humidity above 70 percent.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Green spathe (rare indoors)Foliage Description
Dark green with bronze-pink new growthGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Water when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil dries; reduce watering frequency by 30-50 percent during winter dormancy. Maintain bright indirect light at 1,500-2,500 foot-candles; direct sun scorches the rugose leaf surface within 1-2 hours. Hold temperatures of 65-85°F (18-29°C) and humidity above 60 percent; foliage develops crispy edges below 50 percent humidity. Fertilize monthly with balanced 20-20-20 at half strength from spring through fall. Repot every 2-3 years into chunky aroid mix containing orchid bark, perlite, and coir for maximum drainage. Root rot develops in dense or saturated soil; spider mites colonize the textured leaf surfaces in low humidity.Pruning
Cut stems back to a node with sharp pruners to control height or encourage branching; new growth emerges from the node below within 6-10 weeks. Remove yellowing or damaged leaves at the petiole base year-round. Train climbing stems onto moss poles or wooden slabs by tying loosely with garden ties; aerial roots attach within 12-16 weeks under humidity above 70 percent.Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons