I Love My New Philodendron rugosum
Check out this crazy texture. No, it’s not leather from a green animal. It’s the leaf of a plant with common names that include words like “Pigskin,” “Naugahyde,” and “Corduroy.” Its real name is Philodendron rugosum and I’ve wanted one ever since I first saw it in the Conservatory of Flowers. Finally, after a lot of searching, I found one (on eBay, naturally) and got it in the mail last week.
The leaves are thick and strong with a braille-like texture. They feel like old record albums. It’s not a flashy plant – it’s a plant content to be the second or third one you notice. But once you see it, you can’t stop looking for patterns in the leaves.
Philodendron rugosum is from Ecuador, where it lives in a cool, misty tropical environment. It’s in the Highland Tropics room at the Conservatory, which is as close the conditions of my living room as you get. So, hopefully, with a little care and something to climb on, this guy will be with me for years to come.
See Also
Possible Philodendron Parent Plant
I think I found the mystery Philodendron parent plant.
Ontogeny: One Plant, Many Leaf Shapes
A single species can have different leaf shapes over the life of the plant.
Everything’s Blooming at the Conservatory
Even if you've been to the Conservatory of Flowers before, it's time for another visit.
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