Araceae
Red Bristle Philodendron (Philodendron squamiferum)
Philodendron squamiferum
It needs bright indirect light, no direct sun, and a moss pole or trellis to climb. Water when the top few centimetres of soil are dry and keep it warm, between 18 and 29 °C, never below 15 °C. It likes air humidity above 50%. Feed once a month in spring and summer. Keep it away from pets.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
15° - 29°C
50% - 80%
Categories
What is Red bristle philodendron?
Red bristle philodendron (Philodendron squamiferum) is a medium-care plant from the Araceae family. Red bristle philodendron (Philodendron squamiferum) is a climbing aroid native to the rainforests of French Guiana, Suriname and northern Brazil, where it climbs trees with aerial roots. What stands out are its reddish petioles and stems, covered in short bristle-like hairs. The leaves are dark gree...
Red bristle philodendron grows up to 3.0m, spread of 90cm, watering every 7 days, 15°C – 29°C, 50–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Red bristle philodendron?
TLDR: Red bristle philodendron needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-29°C with 50-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Red bristle philodendron?
Water thoroughly when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil are dry, usually about once a week in warm months, less in winter. Let it drain and do not leave water in the saucer. If the soil is still wet a week after watering, water less often.
How Much Light Does Red bristle philodendron Need?
Bright indirect light, near an east- or west-facing window. Direct sun scorches the leaves. It tolerates medium light, but grows much more slowly and the petioles turn less red.
What Is the Best Soil for Red bristle philodendron?
A light, airy aroid mix: potting soil with orchid bark, perlite and coco coir. It must drain well and not compact.
What Pot Should You Use for Red bristle philodendron?
A pot with a drainage hole and a moss pole or trellis. Repot every 2 to 3 years (young plants yearly), in late spring or summer.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
What Is Red bristle philodendron and Where Does It Come From?
Red bristle philodendron (Philodendron squamiferum) is a climbing aroid native to the rainforests of French Guiana, Suriname and northern Brazil, where it climbs trees with aerial roots. What stands out are its reddish petioles and stems, covered in short bristle-like hairs. The leaves are dark green and glossy; on young plants they are entire, and on mature plants they split into five lobes. In the wild, with support, it grows past 3 m; in a pot it usually stays between 60 and 90 cm. It rarely flowers indoors. Like other philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic if eaten.
How to Propagate Red bristle philodendron?
Stem cuttings
Wear gloves, as the sap irritates skin. A cutting with an aerial root roots faster.
- 1 Cut a 10 to 15 cm piece of stem just below a node, with at least one leaf
- 2 Place it in water or in light, moist mix
- 3 Keep it somewhere warm and bright, out of direct sun
- 4 Change the water weekly
- 5 Pot it up once the roots are a few centimetres long
Materials needed:
How Big Does Red bristle philodendron Grow?
TLDR: Red bristle philodendron can reach up to 3.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
3.0m
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Red bristle philodendron?
TLDR: Red bristle philodendron is susceptible to 8 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny cigar-shaped insects (1/25-inch long) that damage plants by sucking plant juices and scraping at fruits, flowers, and leaves. With over 6,000 species and rapid reproduction (lifecycle as short as 14 days), they can quickly infest plants and transmit viruses like tomato spotted wilt virus.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Fun Facts
The name squamiferum means "scale-bearing", after the hairs on its petioles
Young leaves are entire; the five lobes only appear on mature plants
Frequently asked questions
Does Philodendron squamiferum need a moss pole?
How often should I water Philodendron squamiferum?
Is Philodendron squamiferum toxic?
What pests attack Philodendron squamiferum?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
