Philodendron ruizii is a semi-succulent plant belonging to the family Araceae. This Philodendron is native to the wet montane forests of Ecuador and Colombia. It is quite a rare succulent species of Philodendron having relatively short stems and dark green leaves. The leaves of this plant are rich and have a leathery texture.
This beautiful species of Philodendrons are quite rarely seen mainly because of its semi-succulent characteristics. It grows at a slow pace and thrives well in indirect light.
The leaves of this species grow in a bird-nest form, this is why this semi-succulent plant prefers to grow in an environment where there is a great amount of air circulation.
Surprisingly, this semi-succulent plant is also an epiphyte meaning that it grows on other plants or supporting structures. To get to know more about this interesting species of Philodendron, read this article.
Philodendron ruizii Classification
Family: Araceae
Genus: Philodendron
History
This unique species of Philodendron belonging to the family Araceae is quite rare mainly due to its semi-succulent properties.
Being native to Columbia and Ecuador, this semi-succulent plant is quite attractive. The Philodendron ruizii was scientifically identified in the year of 2006 by an American botanist and plant collector named T. Bernard Croat.
Philodendron ruizii Plant Features
Structure
The Philodendron ruizii is a beautiful semi-succulent plant that adds vibrancy and life to anywhere it is kept. Its large and leathery leaves add more to the overall beauty of this plant, making it an excellent addition to your home, office, or garden.
It is a delicate species that is relatively small. Having dark green and glossy leaves that are designed with light green veins makes them look very aesthetic. Typically, this species of Philodendrons reaches up to the height of about 12 to 18 inches.
This species is very easy to look after therefore, making them an excellent choice for busy plant parents. Some people often confuse Philodendron ruizii with a similar species named Philodendron ruizii bicolor.
Size
The average height of a mature Plant is approximately around 12 to 18 inches tall. Moreover, this semi-succulent species also spread about the same size as their height.
Leaves
The leaves of the plant have a leathery texture and a glossy finish. The leaves are typically dark green having veins of a lighter shade of green. However, the Philodendron ruizii bicolor has a beautiful shade of reddish purple undersides.
Flowers
The Philodendron ruizii gives rise to beautiful whitish to pale yellowish flowers under suitable conditions. These plants add a lot of vibrancy to any place you keep them.
Toxicity
Similar to other species of Philodendrons, the Philodendron ruizii also contains calcium oxalate crystals. Therefore, this semi-succulent plant is also regarded as a poisonous species. Make sure to keep this plant out of reach of pets or children.
The stems and leaves of these plants are enriched with such crystals and upon ingestion, it can cause detrimental effects on the overall health. Such as burning of lips, throat, and mouth, nausea, vomiting, skin irritations, etc.
Dormancy
Although this plant does not undergo a dormant state. However, if these species are continuously kept in an area having low temperature or if they are deprived of sufficient amounts of sunlight, then these semi-succulents might enter into a dormant period.
If the leaves of your plant are starting to turn yellow or are starting to die, it might be a result of their dormancy. Keep a check on their environment to eliminate the risks of your plant entering into a dormant state. Once the overall conditions of their environment start to get better, the plants will revive out of their dormancy.
Philodendron ruizii Care
The Philodendron ruizii, similar to other Philodendrons, does not prefer to grow in an area that is exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, always plant this beautiful species in a shady spot to prevent it from scorching.
Moreover, despite being semi-succulents, it prefers to grow in moist soil, this is why these species must be watered regularly.
Keep in mind to protect your plant from freezing and frost weather. It is generally quite easy to care for this plant. Hence, making it a perfect choice for busy or new plant parents. To get to know more about how to properly look after Philodendron ruizii, read below.
Quick Care Guide
- Water: Preferably once a week.
- Sunlight: Indirect and moderate to bright light.
- Soil: Aerated and well-draining potting soil.
- Temperature: Prefers to grow in temperatures ranging between 68° F to 100° F.
- Humidity: Ideally, about 60 percent.
- Fertilizer: Twice a month but only during its growing periods.
- Pruning: Once a year or as needed.
- Re-potting: After every 2 years or as required.
Water Requirements
Although being a semi-succulent plant, the water requirements of Philodendron ruizii are more or less similar to that of other species of Philodendrons. Therefore, keep in mind to water your plant whenever the top layer of soil becomes dry.
Avoid directly watering the leaves to eliminate the risks of leaf rot. Water once every 7 days during their active growing period. However, make sure to provide more water during the hot season to avoid your plant to become dehydrated.
Sunlight Requirements
These beautiful succulents can either be grown as a houseplant or as an outdoor plant as well. However, wherever you choose to plant your Philodendron, keep in mind to confirm that they receive sufficient sunlight.
These species prefer to grow in moderate to bright sunlight. Make sure that your plant is exposed to at least 4 hours of indirect or diffused sunlight daily to thrive.
Soil Requirements
These plants flourish well in soils that are light, aerated, and well-draining. You can also use a homemade potting mix for your Philodendron by mixing equal amounts of sand, perlite, and potting soil. Or you can also use a potting mix made for succulents and cacti.
Temperature Requirements
This tropical plant thrives well if placed in temperatures ranging from 68° F to 100° F (20° C to 40° C). Make sure to keep it in a warm environment during the cold seasons. If the temperature drops below 50° F, these plants must be brought inside the house if planted outside.
Humidity Requirements
The Philodendron ruizii loves to grow in an environment having humidity levels of approximately about 60 percent. If you inhabit an area having low levels of humidity, try to elevate the humidity near your Philodendron by misting it regularly. Moreover, you can also invest in a humidifier, or place a container filled with water to increase the humidity around your plant.
Fertilizer Requirements
During its growing periods, make sure to fertilize your Philodendron ruizii twice a month. Use a balanced fertilizer to ensure healthier and smooth growth of your beautiful succulent. Read the following instructions carefully to fertilize your plant more efficiently.
- Always water your plant before fertilizing it.
- Make sure to follow the instructions that are given on the label carefully.
- Be sure to spray the fertilizer solution only on the soil. Avoid it getting on the leaves.
Repotting Requirements
The Philodendron ruizii grows at a relatively slow pace. Therefore, these semi-succulents do not require to be re-potted frequently. However, make sure to re-pot your Philodendron once every two years or whenever you feel the need. Use a plastic pot, clay pot, or terra-cotta pot having proper drainage holes to allow drainage.
If you wish to re-pot your plant, then follow the below-given instructions.
- Gently remove the succulent from its current pot.
- Fill the new pot with aerated, light, and well-draining soil.
- Keenly inspect the roots for any pests or diseases.
- Remove dead or damaged roots.
- Carefully place your succulent in its new pot and add more potting soil for it to accommodate perfectly.
- After you are done with re-potting your Philodendron, make sure to water it thoroughly.
Pruning Requirements
As mentioned above, the Philodendron ruizii is a slow-growing species of Philodendron. This is why this species does not require to be pruned periodically. Typically, these semi-succulents only require to be pruned once a year.
However, if you observe any wilted or dead leaves in your Philodendron, do not think twice before pruning them. Always use a sharp pair of scissors or knives to prune your plant.
Growth Zones
This plant prefers to grow in zone 12 to 13.
Philodendron ruizii Propagation
The Philodendron ruizii can either be propagated by air layering or through stem cuttings.
By Air Layering:
If you want to propagate your Philodendron by air layering, then read the following instructions attentively.
- Remove a healthy stem from your Philodendron.
- Cut a section from the removed stem that is at least six inches in length.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom ⅔ of the stem.
- Make a small cut in the bark of the stem.
- Apply a rooting hormone to the cut that you made on the bark.
- Plant the stem in moist potting soil.
- Cover the pot with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect.
- New roots will form shortly.
Through Stem Cuttings;
If you wish to propagate your succulents through stem cuttings then read the below-given instructions carefully.
- Remove a healthy stem with a minimum of 2 leaves on it.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom ⅔ of the stem.
- Dip your cuttings in a rooting hormone.
- Plant your cuttings in moist potting soil.
- Cover the pot with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect.
- New roots will form shortly.
Final Thoughts
The Philodendron ruizii is a slow-growing species that is very aesthetic in appearance. This species is a low-maintenance gem that can tolerate low as well as high-light environments.
It is relatively easy to look after therefore, making it a perfect choice for beginners as well as busy plant owners. These beautiful and rare semi-succulents surely add life and vibrancy to any room they are kept in.
