SKU: 68025806304
philodendron serpent

philodendron serpent Philodendron serpens – Hairy Stems & Glossy Hearts

Sale price$19.65 Regular price$21.83
Save 10%

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 14 - Jul 19

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: 68025806304

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell philodendron serpent

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.1 ★★★★★
Based on 971 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
L
Verified Purchase
Levi Wright
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Sturdy and good looking.
Size: 24x5.8, Color: Black, Size: 24x5.8, Color: Black
Great shelves. As you’d expect - and mounting is just fine if you pay attention and hit some studs. I’ve got my wife’s plants on these for over a year with no problems.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2025
T
Verified Purchase
Tarra
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
great shelves
Color: C. White - Modern Minimalist Style, Number Of Shelves: 3, Size: 36inches
These are a a great set of floating shelves! They were easy to install, feel sturdy, and look clean and modern on the wall. The set of three is perfect for displaying decor, photos, plants or small storage items while adding extra space without taking up room. Great quality, stylish, and a simple way to upgrade any space. They work perfect for my figurines to be displayed.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2026
K
Verified Purchase
KadeeH
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Great shelves
Color: A. Black - Universal Classic Style, Number Of Shelves: 3, Size: 22.5inches
Easy to hang and look great in my office. I love the little divot along the edge. Helps to keep pictures from sliding.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2026
C
Verified Purchase
Crystal
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Exactly what I needed for my bathroom refresh.
Color: B. Rustic Brown - Americana Farmhouse Style, Number Of Shelves: 2, Size: 22.5inches, Color: B. Rustic Brown - Americana Farmhouse Style, Number Of Shelves: 2, Size: 22.5inches
I bought these floating shelves in the color Rustic Brown to replace a bulky storage shelf that was making my bathroom feel cramped, and they completely transformed the space. The wood finish looks much more expensive than I expected, and once installed they gave the bathroom a clean, modern, spa-like feel without taking up visual space. Installation was straightforward overall. I mounted one screw in the center into a stud and used drywall anchors for the remaining hardware, and the shelves feel very sturdy. They sit flush against the wall and don’t sag or wobble. I especially love how slim they are while still being deep enough to hold everyday bathroom items, decor, candles, skincare, and small baskets. The color worked perfectly with my bathroom vanity and mirror trim, and the floating design instantly made the room look more organized and intentional. Huge upgrade for a small space. Definitely recommend if you want functional storage that also looks elevated and minimalist.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 4
Good Shelves
Color: B. Rustic Brown - Americana Farmhouse Style, Number Of Shelves: 3, Size: 22.5inches
These shelves are really nice quality and look as advertised. The hardware included was great quality, metal drywall anchors and good screws. They were easy to install, and make even/level with each other. My only gripe is the price, but I'm very satisfied with the product overall.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2026

recommand products