SKU: 68025806304
philodendron serpent

philodendron serpent Philodendron serpens – Hairy Stems & Glossy Hearts

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Description

philodendron serpent Philodendron serpens – Hairy Stems & Glossy HeartsPhilodendron serpens Hook. f. rare hairy petiole Philodendron from the Andes Philodendron serpens is a hemiepiphytic climber native to the premontane and lower montane forests of the Andes in Colombia (Nario) and Ecuador (Carchi, Pichincha, Pastaza). Described in 1871 by Joseph Dalton Hooker, it is instantly recognisable by its cordate green leaves and petioles densely covered in short, recurved hairs. In habitat it climbs mossy trunks in humid,

Philodendron serpens Hook.f. – rare hairy-petiole Philodendron from the Andes

Philodendron serpens is a hemiepiphytic climber native to the premontane and lower montane forests of the Andes in Colombia (Nariño) and Ecuador (Carchi, Pichincha, Pastaza). Described in 1871 by Joseph Dalton Hooker, it is instantly recognisable by its cordate green leaves and petioles densely covered in short, recurved hairs. In habitat it climbs mossy trunks in humid, shaded understories between 500 and 1 500 m elevation, a setting that informs its care in cultivation.

Foliage and growth highlights

  • Blades: Cordate to broadly cordate leaves, 30 – 45 cm long, 14 – 18 cm wide, leathery yet flexible, with a cordate base and acuminate tip.
  • Petioles: Covered with dense retrorse trichomes (short, backward-curving hairs) that create a tactile, “serpent-like” texture.
  • Growth habit: Scandent climber; produces aerial roots for anchorage and benefits from textured vertical supports.

Juvenile to mature development

Juvenile foliage is smaller, softer, and smoother. As the plant matures and gains height on a pole, blades broaden, texture deepens, and petiole hairs become denser. Appressed contact at each node improves hydraulic efficiency, encouraging larger leaves and maintaining petiole hair density.

Native range and ecology

  • Distribution: Andes of southern Colombia (Nariño) and northern to central Ecuador (Carchi, Pichincha, Pastaza)
  • Elevation: ~500 – 1 500 m above sea level
  • Habitat: Premontane wet forest and cloud forest edges; shaded, mossy slopes with constant humidity and organic-rich substrates

Care essentials for thriving Philodendron serpens

  • Light: Bright, indirect light for compact growth and strong leaf colour; avoid prolonged direct sun.
  • Water: Keep the mix evenly moist; let the top 2 – 3 cm dry before rewatering. Always ensure free drainage.
  • Humidity: ≥70 % RH is ideal; excels in plant cabinets, terrariums, or enclosed high-humidity displays with airflow.
  • Temperature: Optimal 18 – 29 °C; avoid drops below 13 °C or heat above 32 °C.
  • Substrate: Airy aroid blend (~35 % coco coir, 30 % fine orchid bark, 20 % perlite, 10 % compost, 5 % horticultural charcoal).
  • Feeding: Balanced liquid fertiliser at 25 – 50 % label rate every 4 – 6 weeks during active growth.
  • Support: Moss or fibre pole; secure the stem at each node to encourage appressed climbing and larger foliage.

Propagation and alternative culture

  • Stem cuttings: Take one-node cuttings below an aerial root; root in moist sphagnum, water, or semi-hydro.
  • Air layering: Useful for larger, established stems to maintain vigour.
  • Semi-hydro: Adaptable with gradual transition; maintain steady nutrient solution and good root aeration.

Inflorescence

Produces a green spathe enclosing a pale green to white spadix. Flowering is rare in cultivation and mainly of botanical interest; foliage and petiole features are the primary ornamental appeal.

Common issues and targeted solutions

  • Pests: Monitor for thrips, spider mites, and mealybugs; treat early with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oils.
  • Yellowing leaves: Often from overwatering or poor drainage; adjust watering and refresh mix.
  • Browning tips: Low humidity; raise RH and keep watering consistent.
  • Drooping: Underwatering or temperature stress; correct promptly.
  • Stunted growth: Increase light, ensure nutrient supply, and check for root congestion.

Conservation note

Not currently assessed by the IUCN, but its natural habitat is fragmented by land-use change. Ethical sourcing from cultivated stock supports both horticulture and wild populations.

Order Philodendron serpens

Add Philodendron serpens to your high-humidity collection for its lush cordate leaves and rare, tactile petioles. With filtered light, consistent moisture, and vertical training, it becomes a living showcase of Andean rainforest character.

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SKU: 68025806304

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Aja
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 4
Great for 22 pound mini schnauzer/mini greyhound mix
Color: Pink
I have a dog that is half miniature schnauzer and they love to sniff and snuffle. He is enjoying this ball. I put the little freeze dried liver cubes in it and he will play with it until he gets them all out, and maybe keep playing for a bit. I can't give it 5 stars because I don't know quite how I'm going to clean the inside of it. I can't speak for how well it cleans his teeth because he hasn't had it that long. It is sturdy. He's a 22 pound medium size dog and I'm confident he cannot chew it to the point of destroying it. He's barely made a scratch on it so it may break down over time but it's not something a small or medium dog should be able to chew through the first day. He's had it about 2 weeks and we use it every day and it's holding up very well. It's not interesting enough to him to play with it without treats in it but he rarely plays with a toy unless I'm actively playing with the other end of the toy or throwing it for him to chase (part Italian greyhound too so he does like chasing) but he will get excited when he sees this ball as he knows treats are going to be in it. This one is a good size for him and he can pick it up with his teeth. (This is the hot pink one with the blue ball inside) Definitely worth the price if I can figure out how to sufficiently clean inside of it. So far rinsing with warm water seems to keep it hygienic. It's silicone so everything pretty much slides out. I wouldn't put any moist treats in it though. It's quiet. No squeaker, but he has plenty of toys that squeak and we didn't get it for that. It definitely appeals to his sniffing and snuffling instincts.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2026
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Hannah Nicole
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
nice
Color: Blue, Color: Blue
Smaller than I thought it would be. but it’s a good toy my Frenchie likes it
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Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2025
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Ct
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 3
Good toy
Color: Blue
Great idea ! Holes should be smaller
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Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2026
C
3charity5
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Quality product
Color: Blue
Great toy but the holes are very large for the snacks so they fall out easily. I have a toy poodle and it was to large for her, it seems like it is made of good quality materials and would be great for chewers .
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Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2026
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K. S.
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 2
No match for 3 month old puppy!
Color: Blue
I was really hopeful this would last a while, but 5 minutes out of the box and my 3 month old puppy has chewed two chunks out of the blue part already - seems this is too soft for puppy teeth, and it specifically claims to be good for puppy teething. 5 minutes of play is not worth paying for. Maybe if the material had been more substantial, this could have been great for high activity level puppies. My pup had no trouble carrying it around, so it wasn't too heavy, and it was easy to play fetch with as well. For reference, my pup is a mixed breed - labrador, poodle, newfoundland.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2026

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