Philodendron squamiferum Red Bristle Philodendron

Philodendron squamiferum, commonly called Red Bristle Philodendron, is a rare, climbing hemiepiphytic aroid native to French Guiana, Suriname, and northern Brazil. Valued by collectors for its exotic appearance, it features large, glossy, five-lobed leaves sometimes reaching 18″ in length, reminiscent of Monstera, and has distinctive fuzzy, reddish bristly petioles and stems that retain a hairy texture even as they mature. Adapted to tropical rainforest understories, it thrives in bright, indirect light, moist, well-draining soil (often mixes with orchid bark, perlite, and peat), and high humidity with temperatures ideally between 50–75°F. While slow to moderate in growth, it can climb vigorously with support such as moss poles or trellises, becoming a striking architectural plant indoors. It is also noted for air-purifying qualities, absorbing indoor pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde.