Plant Species: Philodendron oxapapense

Plant Genus: Philodendron

Plant Family: Araceae

Native Habitat: South America

Soil Drainage: Moist and well-draining soil is recommended, using a substrate mix composed of coconut coir, perlite, vermiculite, sphagnum moss, and pumice.

Soil pH: Acidic

Fertilizers: Philodendron oxapapense is a plant with modest fertilization needs. However, for its optimal growth, we recommend using a bio-type fertilizer (we use the BioBizz brand for the plants we cultivate) from the beginning of March to the end of November.

Air Humidity: While not officially recognized as a species, it maintains the epiphytic nature of the genus, growing vertically in an environment with humidity above 50%. Therefore, it will develop consistently only at a humidity level of at least 55%. Otherwise, its aerial roots and base leaves may dry out, giving it a somewhat bald and unpleasant appearance.

Temperature: 18-29 degrees Celsius Light: Bright indirect light

Light: bright indirect light

Potted Plant Height:

• Size L: 20-25cm
• Size M: 10-15cm

Potted Diameter:

• Size L: 9X9cm
• Size M: 7X7cm

Philodendron oxapapense is a rare climbing aroid with trilobate leaves that develop a semi-wavy texture due to the approximately horizontal striations. Another characteristic that makes it one of the most intriguing Philodendron species is its stem. Unlike most Philodendrons, its stem doesn't thicken as it matures, retaining a slender profile. This creates an illusionary effect, where the leaves appear to float in the air from a distance. Due to its decent growth rate, it will require a support pole wrapped in coconut fiber or moss.

It is an easy-to-maintain plant; ideal growth conditions involve an air humidity of 55-70%, but it's also well adapted to lower air humidity, down to 40%. Philodendron oxapapense thrives in bright indirect light (east-facing windows are the best) and should be watered when the top two centimeters of the substrate have dried out.

Attention! To check the substrate's moisture level, inserting a finger into the pot to a depth of 2 cm is the best way to measure soil moisture. So, if the substrate feels wet, keep the spray bottle away for a day or two, and if it feels dry, water it.

Attention 2! When discussing watering, consider the pot's size, the amount of substrate, and its degree of aeration. In other words, don't pour a liter of water into a pot with a diameter and height of 12 cm, as this could drown the plant's roots. It's best to pour off excess water from the collector tray half an hour after watering. The plant should be mounted on a support pole wrapped in coconut fiber or moss. This will encourage the aerial roots to attach to the support, resulting in a more robust stem and progressively larger leaves.

Best of luck with caring for it! And don't forget to give us updates about your plant, using the hashtag #greenmirrors and tagging @green.mirrors in your Instagram posts! We promise to share them in our stories 😊

Tags: Philodendron, Philodendron oxapapense, Araceae, rare plants, unusual plants, foliage decorative plants, trailing plants, air-purifying plants, indoor decorative plants, plants for terrariums, terrarium plants.