SKU: 38978542123
philodendron serpent

philodendron serpent Philodendron serpens – Hairy Stems & Glossy Hearts

Sale price$25.20 Regular price$28.00
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $7.00 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Oct 1 - Oct 6

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

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.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 38978542123

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell philodendron serpent

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.5 ★★★★★
Based on 9 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
A
Verified Purchase
Ariel
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Great toy:) but doesn't last long
Color: Green-M
This ball was actually really great!. I bought a few different toy balls for our puppy to play with and Aka (our puppy) found this one to be the best. Aka loves carrying things with his mouth. I also think he found it enjoyable, with all the pull tabs, to carry this ball around instead of trying to fit it in his mouth. I waited around 2 weeks to write this since that's how long it took Aka to destroy the ball:) At least it wasn't within the first day. We have a bigger dog an American Bulldog that's about 90lbs and he punctured this ball within the first day but it held up for a little. It's the same as a soccer ball really, not super tough and if you have dogs with big bite forces that are heavy chewers they'll destroy this so fast! But i like the design of this toy and I think it made a great toy while it lasted! It did deflate when it got punctured and held some air for about a week. With constant play it deflated completely after that. It was also the same size as a soccer ball.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2024
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Houston, US
★★★★★ 4
Fun toy for dogs that like to fetch
Color: Green-M
The toy is great, good quality, and durable. My dog will only play with it if I am am playing with her, otherwise she loses interest and that is why I am giving it a 4 out of 5. She is a 60 lb. dog and the size. It is a good price for the product and when my dog does play with it the multiple tabs on it make it user friendly for chewing and tossing.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
Mary H. Angell
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Surprisingly Durable Soccer Ball
Color: Green-M
Ethan is a a chewer par excellence. When his soccer ball arrived several months ago, I expected it to be a raggedy mess within days. I was wrong. The only chewed strap is the longer black one. All others are as good as new. The ball itself is a good size for him, a slightly larger Sheltie. It is one of his favorite toys for running and fetching play. As far as value for money, we’ve had several months to enjoy it without thinking of retiring it to the damaged toys bin. I would recommend it for durability and exercise play.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
Jodi Bulaich
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Total Glow in the dark entertainment
Color: Glow in the dark - L
This toy is my Aussie Shepherd’s favorite. It is durable. I love that in addition to playing fetch, the tabs make it possible for my dog to swing it from his own mouth and throw it in the air. The glow-in-the-dark feature is amazing! I throw the ball in the pitch black yard and watch it run back at me as my dog comes towards me. It's fun to watch!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2026
T
Verified Purchase
Tammy O.
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 3
Straps don’t last
Color: Glow in the dark - L, Color: Glow in the dark - L
My boyfriend’s dog chewed off all the straps in the first day. Decent ball, but why have straps that dogs can chew off so fast.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2026

recommand products