Philodendron, the vast flowering genus of the Araceae family has several plants with strikingly similar appearances. One such Philodendron pair is Verrucosum and El Choco Red. Despite the resemblance, these popular houseplant varieties have a few differentiating features as well. Confused between the two? Keep reading to differentiate and understand the details about Philodendron Verrucosum VS El Choco Red.
Philodendron Verrucosum
This popular Philodendron is popular in both indoor and outdoor plantations, preferably in warm climates. It hails from Costa Rica, Eucador and Peru. Large, bright green, elephant-ear-shaped leaves are attached to long curly stems. Prominent veins run all over the glossy leaf surface in white to light green shade.
This flowering plant blooms in the season with tiny white flowers on inflorescences protruding from the leaf axils. Moreover, these flowers mature to form bright orange fruit of small size.
Philodendron El Choco Red
The beautiful El Choco Red hailing from Colombia is a popular American houseplant, frequently found in tropical gardens as well. The deep green, elephant-ear-shaped leaves have a lobed structure and velvety surface. Also, they have a prominent brownish or chocolaty tint at the lower sides, referring to the name ‘Choco Red’.
This evergreen Philo is a compact grower. Indoors, it can get about three feet tall with chances of getting even taller on outdoor plantations.
Philodendron Verrucosum VS El Choco Red
Let us have a look at the comparison of these two plants:
Growth Habit
Verrucosum is a Brazilian native climber having shiny green leaves and a prominent vein pattern. In comparison, Choco Red is a Columbian compact grower.
Growing Space
When it comes to space, Verrucosum expands and climbs pretty tall in a suitable setup. So, you must have a spacious place to grow this spreading trailer.
On the other hand, Choco Red remains compact and needs lesser space in comparison to the former.
Light Conditions
If you are looking for a Philodendron for underlit spaces, Verrucosum is a nice choice for you. This plant shows good tolerance for low light conditions and does pretty well in places with poor sunlight.
Alternatively, El Choco Red prefers bright sun and can not grow well in shady spots. It not only gets unhealthy but also loses the reddish tint.
Philodendron Verrucosum VS El Choco Red Care
It would be no harm to have a brief look at the basic requirements of these two plants. Both of them are easy-to-care Philodendrons.
The common requirements include well-drained soil, high humidity, and watering after the soil gets dry. Also, consider using monthly doses of suitably balanced fertilizer on warm days.
Now, after the similarities, let us have a look at what they need differently.
Growth Setup:
The Verrucosum climber needs a well-draining pot or a trellis in moderate to low light. Alternatively, the compact Choco Red grows well in an indoor pot or outdoor gardens with direct sun.
Pruning:
You don’t need regular pruning for these low-maintenance plants. However, the compact Choco Red may get uncontrolled and seasonal pruning will only help to get a neat outlook.
Philodendron Verrucosum VS El Choco Red. Which one should I get?
To be precise, if you are looking to add some green to your wide under-lit space, then Verrucosum should be your choice. Make sure you can provide proper trellis to enjoy the real beauty of this plant.
Alternatively, a compact grower with beautiful reddish undersides will help to add spark to your bright sunny surrounding.
Summary
Philodendron Verrucosum and El Choco Red are two popular Philodendrons with somewhat resembling appearances. Philodendron Verrucosum VS El Choco Red can be concluded as the comparison between a low-light tolerant climber and a bright sun lover with a compact growth habit.
Happy gardening!
