SKU: 33550284887
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: 33550284887

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Size: Large (5" x 3.25" x 9"), Size: Large (5" x 3.25" x 9")
I bought this toy may 2025 it is now January 2026 I am finally having to replace . I have a chessie , almost 2 yo he is not an insane chewer but he does make the fabric “ tuff toys” look like a joke . Those are gone in ten minutes . This one last and last and last . It’s a great buy. In process of ordering my third one decided to write a review. I never write reviews . Such a simple product but worth every penny . My dogs favorite toy . Will stay in the arsenal .
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Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2026
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Niddy
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★★★★★ 4
Not recommended at all for heavy chewers
Size: Large (5" x 3.25" x 9"), Size: Large (5" x 3.25" x 9")
They advertise this toy as a heavy chewer toy and it’s not. My big dog chewed through it in a couple days and that’s with me yelling at him to chew it gently. I like the toy and it’s great for smaller less advid chewers. I put kibble in the holes and watch my Shiba go to town throwing it around but my mixed lab/dane has a nub of rubber left. So maybe don’t advertise it as a heavy chewer toy. The rubber is way too soft for you to be suggesting that. It did come with a strong chemical smell that my dogs didn’t like and I had to wash it 3x before they’d touch it.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2024
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Renee
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Great value, durable, enriching
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$5 for the large size for our 15lb chiweenie mix was PERFECT. Her emotional support chew toy got destroyed and I wanted something I felt safe leaving in her kennel while I was out. She anxiously chews. Bought this to try out and she took a bit to get into it, but now she loves it. Probably could’ve gone with a smaller size, but oh well. We put treats inside and smear peanut butter or wet food on the dumbbell like ends for enrichment. So far has held up over 3 weeks.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2026
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Ann
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
A good choice
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Initially I put this toy in my save-for-later on Amazon. As I was perusing through one morning I noticed that it had been reduced so, I ordered it. It arrived promptly, was well packaged, and has been a good addition to my Doberman's toy box. It has not been chosen as the ultimate favorite, but he likes enough to select it, carry it around, and chew on it. To us there is no unpleasant odor. It is good solid rubber and despite all of his chewing maneuvers, there are not holes, marks, or bits of the ball where they should not be. He carries the toy in his mouth in the middle of the toy, but likes to lie on the floor, hold one ball end in his paws and chew on the other. Overall, I would give this a grade of a good, solid, reliable dog toy. I cannot address suction power, because I am not sure what is meant by that in a toy that is shaped like an old fashioned dumb bell. Top 3 Likes: -Durable rubber chew toy for large dog that is easily carried -Bright color making it easily visible -No offensive odors Top 3 Dislikes: -Serviceable toy, not a favorite -Could be chewed into little pieces by a very aggressive chewer (mine is not) -Poor at dispensing treats; they fall right out with no challenge
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