Philodendron squamiferum
 
The Philodendron With Furry Feet
Some plants steal the show with giant leaves. Philodendron squamiferum does it with... hairy stems.
Native to the tropical rainforests of French Guiana, Suriname and Brazil, this wonderfully quirky climbing Philodendron is instantly recognisable thanks to its vibrant red petioles covered in soft, fuzzy scales. Pair those with its beautifully lobed, rich green leaves and you've got a plant that's equal parts elegant and eccentric.
 
Give it a moss pole and it'll happily climb skywards, producing larger, more dramatic foliage as it matures. It's one of those plants that gets better with every new leaf, revealing more of its wonderfully unusual character over time.
 
Why You'll Love It
 
• Distinctive fuzzy red stems unlike almost any other Philodendron.
• Beautifully shaped lobed foliage.
• A rewarding climber that produces larger leaves as it matures.
• A true conversation starter for any indoor jungle.
Care
 
Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. It will tolerate lower light but grows best with plenty of filtered brightness.
Water: Water when the top few centimetres of compost feel dry. Keep the compost lightly moist but avoid leaving it waterlogged.
Humidity: Appreciates moderate to high humidity, although it adapts well to most homes.
Temperature: Thrives between 18°C and 28°C. Avoid temperatures below 15°C and protect from cold draughts.
 
The Bearded Plantaholic's Verdict
 
At first you'll fall for the leaves. Then you'll notice the fuzzy red stems... and suddenly you're showing everyone who walks through the door. Philodendron squamiferum is proof that nature occasionally has a brilliant sense of humour, creating a plant that's beautifully bizarre in all the right ways.